Observing, analyzing and simulating snow surface temperature for cross-country ski race courses

Ski speed can play an essential role for a cross-country athlete's Olympic performance. Optimal race ski preparation depends on accurate estimates of the snow surface conditions on the race course with sufficient lead time to prepare skis. Snow surface and snowpack observations were collected at the Whistler Olympic Park on the 2010 Olympic Cross-Country racing track during February 2008 and 2009. The majority of observations took place during periods of large-scale high pressure systems over British Columbia. Infrared surface temperature measurements sampled every few meters around the ski racing courses are used to examine spatial variations, while point measurements in the cross-country stadium area document temporal changes. Spatial variability exceeded 10°C over the course and daytime temporal variability exceeded 16°C. Model simulations were performed using the SNOWPACK model. The model simulations of surface temperature were within 1°C of those observed during most of the four day period from the stadium area, except during one afternoon when temperatures were overestimated by 2.5°C. Idealized simulations for clear and overcast skies, ongoing precipitation and slope and aspect were examined. All idealized model simulations were consistent with the available observations.