Gore Mountain Conditions

[DomB]

In the last 10 years, Gore has been at the forefront of modernizing guns and hydrants, replacing pipes, and adding pipes to trails that didn't previously have snowmaking. But they have not kept up on increasing their water capacity, especially as they increase their snowmaking footprint, and commit to hosting competitions that require a lot of snowmaking.

Gore used to have an air-centric system that was largely built in the 80s and 90s. Back then, there were no low e guns, so unless it was sub-zero, air was always the limiting factor. If a resort wanted to increase snowmaking capacity, they added more compressors. Most were diesel powered, and many were rentals that were returned after the snowmaking season ended. Starting in the late 2000s and still continuing today, they have put fixed equipment and low e guns on most trails. When that happens, snowmaking capacity is increased, because the maximum water capacity is reached more often. But once that maximum water capacity is reached, it makes no difference other than saving money. Even after the 2018 upgrades, Gore is at the point where their snowmaking footprint is too big to cover in any reasonable timeframe. They need to upgrade their water capacity again.

I really enjoy the knowledge you drop. Thank you.

 

[tirolski]

New Gondi’s loading folks.
Just in time for Christmastime week.

 

[Cork]

Once again, we have been boned!!
They barely fit regular sized skis, no way they’ll fit fatties!!

 

[SDC]

Once again, we have been boned!!
They barely fit regular sized skis, no way they’ll fit fatties!!

You have got to be kidding me?!

 

[Alfredeneumann]

Once again, we have been boned!!
They barely fit regular sized skis, no way they’ll fit fatties!!

Belleayre managed to find pockets for wide skis for their gondola back in2017.

 

[TomCat]

Belleayre managed to find pockets for wide skis for their gondola back in2017.

Must be supply chain problems!

Good conditions today. Wild air and tahawas had the best snow.

For the weekend, remember that most trails do NOT have wall to wall coverage. With 1-2 inches and flat light it’s easy to ski into dirt and rocks. Enough mother hen. Enjoy.

Tom

 

[skisalot]

The capacity is not the issue as the reservoir was significantly increased in size a few years ago, and they are not limited on their draw from The Hudson. The issue is, lack of help and poor planning...

if i believe what i see vs what i hear, i have to agree with you

 

[capecodbeach]

Since there is a snowmaking discussion... Maybe someone can answer a few questions I have wondered about.
Is the whole system controlled centrally like a home sprinkler system? Can sections be set to come on and then turn off at set times? Or does it require manual setup? I do understand that some are permanent while others are mobile. How much of the mountain can they cover at one time? 10%? 25%? More? Is the coverage limited by how much water they are allowed to draw? Are workers required to always be onsite while it is running? Down the road 40 miles West Mountain has been able to open 2 weeks early simply because of the ability to make snow. They even survived the 2 inch rain storm. Are there any ski areas in the Northeast that survive solely on Natural snow? I think I remember reading about Hickory being one?
Grooming? How many groomers does Gore have? How many hours a night do they spend grooming? I can not imagine what the ski industry would be like without snowmaking and grooming.

 

[Ripitz]

Are there any ski areas in the Northeast that survive solely on Natural snow?

Feel free to move this to another thread @Harvey. I don’t know how to cross post.

Mt. Greylock Ski Club does not have snowmaking and as result, is only open for skiing a handful of days a year. The only “grooming” is done with a roller. It survives because it’s a non-profit run by dedicated members who volunteer.

Besides Hickory, Mad River Glen would probably be the largest ski area with the least amount of snowmaking. I believe they only have a little bit around the base area.

Without grooming you have to go old school and rely on people to ski pack.

The olden days were different times, witness the Bradley packer-grader.

 

[DomB]

Once again, we have been boned!!
They barely fit regular sized skis, no way they’ll fit fatties!!

Ah! The cabins cost 41k each. How could this happen haha