Microbial Selection and Functional Adaptation in Technical Snow: A Molecular Perspective from 16S rRNA Profiling

Artificial snow production is an increasingly common practice in alpine regions, yet little is known about its role in shaping microbial communi-ties at the molecular level. Using a dual approach combining cul-ture-based methods with high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and functional trait prediction (FAPROTAX), we investigated bacterial communities across different stages of the snowmaking process in a ski resort. Our molecular profiling revealed that technical snow harbors dis-tinct microbial assemblages enriched in taxa with known cold-adaptation mechanisms, biofilm-forming abilities, and stress toler-ance traits (e.g. Brevundimonas, Lapillicoccus, Massilia, Sphingomonas). Functional inference suggested that processes such as chemocheterotro-phy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, methylotrophy and fermentation are prevalent in all stages of snow production and reflected molecular ver-satility of these microbiomes. Opportunistic and potentially pathogenic genera (e.g. Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Nocardia) persisted in sedi-ments and meltwater, raising concerns about their environmental rein-troduction. Our findings indicate that technical snowmaking systems act as selective environments not only for microbial survival but also for the persistence of molecular traits relevant to environmental resilience and potential pathogenicity. Our study provides a molecular ecological framework for assessing the impacts of snowmaking on alpine ecosys-tems and underscores the importance of monitoring microbial functions in addition to taxonomic composition.