I started skiing in the 80s, and even then they had snow machines to make snow when it was lean times. Seems much more practical than using helicopters.
Sure. But presumably they're using a helicopter now to patch up spots where the use of snow cannons is not feasible.
Article mentioned that “snow cannons” weren’t working and the helicopter didn’t work either
Snow cannons are much cheaper, but don't work when temperature is above 0 °C; helicopters can still fly and carry snow.