Automated Snowmaking

[Brownski]

I know that fixed automated snowmaking is the current trend but I call bullshit that it produces better snow. Nothing beats an experienced snowmaker examining ice crystals in the light of his headlamp and fine tuning the guns on the spot.
edit: to be clear I am calling bullshit on Windham and the industry in general, not Marz

 

[Ripitz]

I know that fixed automated snowmaking is the current trend but I call bullshit that it produces better snow. Nothing beats an experienced snowmaker examining ice crystals in the light of his headlamp and fine tuning the guns on the spot.
edit: to be clear I am calling bullshit on Windham and the industry in general, not Marz

I would like to agree with that but I’m not totally sure. I skied Hunter North two seasons ago and my buddy was going on about their new system saying how awesome it is. I didn’t really believe it or care until I saw it in action. It was like a blizzard. Best man made I’ve ever seen hands down. We were skiing buckle deep “pow” on Overlook and our tracks were getting wiped out on each lap. It was wicked cold out so that helped I’m sure. I can’t say someone standing there would have made better snow.

 

[x10003q]

I know that fixed automated snowmaking is the current trend but I call bullshit that it produces better snow. Nothing beats an experienced snowmaker examining ice crystals in the light of his headlamp and fine tuning the guns on the spot.
edit: to be clear I am calling bullshit on Windham and the industry in general, not Marz

Ski areas never have enough snowmakers to cover long trails. Think about how long it would take 2 guys to get down from the top of Showcase at Gore. A maladjusted gun around Jug Handle could run, spewing crap, for an hour or more before it is fixed. Automated guns should have less of that happening. If there is a problem, the automated system could prompt an immediate visit from the snowmakers.

 

[Brownski]

So recruit better and pay better. My observation has been that fixed, automated guns are the ones more likely to spew crap all day long. I don’t doubt Ripitz’s report but I think that day was an exception. I haven’t seen it. Snowguns don’t make snow, snowmakers make snow.

 

[MarzNC]

So recruit better and pay better. My observation has been that fixed, automated guns are the ones more likely to spew crap all day long. I don’t doubt Ripitz’s report but I think that day was an exception. I haven’t seen it. Snowguns don’t make snow, snowmakers make snow.

Have you talked much with snowmakers who have worked thru the transition from all manual snow guns to having some automated and some manual? My sense from Massanutten and Wintergreen is that the staff really like having automatic fixed position lances and fan guns for key trails and locations. I know Kenny Hess, who is the top guy who has to justify all major capital expenditures for snowsports, has considered the investment well worth it. Mnut bought some automated snow guns new and also retrofitted existing ones over the last decade.

Automation doesn't just turn a snowgun on and off, the fancy ones also make adjustments in real time. At least that's what the marketing material on the SMI website says. The #1 reason is snow quality.

 

[Ripitz]

Have you talked much with snowmakers who have worked thru the transition from all manual snow guns to having some automated and some manual? My sense from Massanutten and Wintergreen is that the staff really like having automatic fixed position lances and fan guns for key trails and locations. I know Kenny Hess, who is the top guy who has to justify all major capital expenditures for snowsports, has considered the investment well worth it. Mnut bought some automated snow guns new and also retrofitted existing ones over the last decade.

Automation doesn't just turn a snowgun on and off, the fancy ones also make adjustments in real time. At least that's what the marketing material on the SMI website says. The #1 reason is snow quality.

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Sounds like that would be real easy for some Russian hackers to make some sticky snow that stops you in your tracks

 

[tirolski]

Automation doesn't just turn a snowgun on and off, the fancy ones also make adjustments in real time. At least that's what the marketing material on the SMI website says. The #1 reason is snow quality.

As long as the Russians don’t hack the water pipeline software. Was thinking the same as you Ripitz. ?

 

[Tjf1967]

Sun Valley has been automated since the late 70's.

 

[Ripitz]

As long as the Russians don’t hack the water pipeline software

“It could also be lots of other people. It could also be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds”

 

[Brownski]

Hey
Nobody has to agree with me obviously. I just don’t see what you guys are seeing. My observation has been that when I ski under fixed automatic installations quality is hit or miss, whether it’s a big hill or small. When I see dedicated crews out actively maintaining their guns, it’s better. I’m not surprised that some snowmakers like bush button systems. It’s a very hard job. Making it easier on the workers is good but it doesn’t improve snow quality overall in my opinion.