Canada Set to Use Drones for Avalanche Control
22nd August 2025
Last modified on August 26th, 2025
Transport Canada has approved the use of the SnowDart system from AVSS. They are safer, more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
The Precision Avalanche Management System, PAMS, uses flight-planning software, autonomous navigation and SnowDarts to set off avalanches after heavy snowfall.
AVSS is a company specialising in drone delivery systems that specialises in poor weather conditions when helicopters or small planes are unable to fly.
With approval from both Transport Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency (FEDDEV), AVSS is planning to make the technology available for ski resorts.
See here for more as AVSS received nationwide approval.
Image c/o AVSS
Instead of helicopters or heavy artillery, AVSS can send drones into avalanche-prone areas to drop low-cost, eco-friendly explosives
Drones are cheaper to operate, require less staff and can fly in conditions that would ground helicopters or shut down Remote Avalanche Control Systems.
In addition, the system could provide information surrounding avalanches and help lead to better avalanche safety methods and standards.
Drones are unlikely to replace every existing avalanche control method, but they offer another option to make the slopes safe.
Other ski areas across the world will be watching the development closely.
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
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