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Once
snowmaking weather is favorable, we will start making snow on the slopes in the
following order:
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1. Castle Run, Cub Way and Ski School
2. Mogul Ridge and Upper Bear Run
3. Lower Bear Run
and Ober Chute
4. Alpine Way
5.
Grizzly
Trail Map
Slope Report
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Note: We will not start making snow on the next slopes until we have a
substantial base built up on the current open slopes, and have favorable
weather forecasted.
Cold Temperatures
32 degrees is the temperature at which water crystallizes, but in most
cases, it's not cold enough for efficient and productive snowmaking.
Generally, temperatures must drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit before
snowmaking can begin. We will make snow at temperatures at or below 28
degrees "wet bulb" but we prefer lower temperatures. Wet Bulb is a
temperature measurement that takes into account both the ambient air
temperature and the relative humidity, another key snowmaking factor.
Humidity
Humidity plays a major role in determining when snowmaking can begin. At
higher humidity levels, the process is hampered, because the air is already
saturated with water molecules. The drier the air, the better the snowmaking
conditions and the higher the quality of snow that can be produced. Low
humidity, combined with cold air, allow our snowguns to shoot out beautiful,
fluffy white snow! The degree of humidity is so critical, in fact, that when
the temperature approaches 30 degrees, it is the humidity level, not the
temperature, that dictates whether or not we can continue to make snow!
Our Snowmaking Crew - 24 Hours A Day
Throughout the winter months, our snowmakers are on standby, waiting for
cold temperatures. When the weather looks right, they gear up and head out
onto the mountain to make snow. Snowmaking is often a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week enterprise when it's cold. Many times they miss Christmas
and other holidays as they are out on the hill making snow. It's a cold, wet
job, but our snowmakers love manipulating high pressure nozzles and hoses to
assure guests the finest slope conditions.
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It
often becomes necessary to make snow during skiing/snowboarding
sessions. Here are a few tips for skiing/snowboarding during
snowmaking:
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Dress properly for
the weather. Generally it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below during
snowmaking operation.
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Wear goggles to
protect your eyes from precipitation (natural or machine made) and
sunlight.
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A scarf or some
other form of face protection may be helpful.
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Avoid
skiing/snowboarding too close to the snow guns.
The snow farther away from the snow gun is often better.
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Ski/snowboard with
caution whenever visibility becomes poor.
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Always check out the
Slope Report
before coming to check on snow making status.
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Questions? Please contact us!
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