Snowmaking Question; Snowmaking Poll

[thetrailboss]

Hiking down Waterville Valley, I noted that the slopes were lined with different kinds of snowmaking artillery including fans, tripod guns, HKD towers, etc. But I noticed that, as is the case with almost every other major resort that I've seen, Waterville was doing their preseason snowmaking with mostly the ground tripod type guns as opposed to the fancy HKD towers that stand on the side of the trails (and were idle). Does anyone know why this is? :-?

 

[thetrailboss]

For sake of explanation, here are the different snow gun types:

HKD Towers (as seen here): http://www.rsn.com/cams/sunapee

Fans: http://www.rsn.com/cams/ragged/full...y_id=1215&segment_type=mtn&siteSection=RESORT (or mounted on poles)

Tower Contraptions: http://www.rsn.com/cams/sugbush/ful...set_id=4966629&party_id=1224&segment_type=mtn

Ground Tripod Models: http://www.waterville.com/info/winter/dailypicture.asp


And here is a great article:

http://www.patspeak.com/snowmaking.htm :wink:

 

[JimG.]

Does anyone know why this is? :-?

Hunter uses all of the same variety of snowguns. I'm no expert, but the ground hugging tripod and pin guns blow a wetter snow (more water, less compressed air) that is perfect for blowing good base snow. Once the wetter base sets up and colder temps arrive, the tower guns are turned on. These guns are more adjustable in terms of water/air mix and will make a fluffier, powdery snow. The fan jets (usually tower mounted too) go a step further and add the extra variable of blowing external air through the water/air mix coming out of the gun. Many resorts also use seed mixtures (usually inert bacteria) that they add to the water. these seeds give the water something to form crystals around and further add to fluffiness.

 

[Joshua B]

For sake of explanation, here are the different snow gun types:

Thanks. After checking out the photos I was able to vote for my favorite, the fans.

 

[tree_skier]

Mad River Glen

High speed quad urinal and a single person chair

:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

 

[GadgetRick]

Guns

I know one thing, the fans are MUCH quieter! Don't mind as much when they're running.

 

[SAB]

You forget one very simple fact. Tripod ground models are much cheaper to buy than tower guns (and I assume fans). So while towers make nicer snow (and incidently, are cheaper to run), it costs more up front. We use as many tower guns as we can afford - but in the right weather, we turn on everything we got!

SAB

 

[Joshua B]

SAB, I looked over your posts, but couldn't figure out where you work. So what's with the "we"?

 

[SAB]

I work (for free as a volunteer) at our local hill. It's a not-for-profit operation for the local kids - called Beartown. All of 150 vertical feet but it's good for teaching the kids - mine included. In my tenure there I've learned the other side of skiing - snowmaking, driving the grromers, and lift operations (and repairs).
SAB

 

[trailbiscuit]

Industry types will tell you that tower guns...of any kind...are the best. Unless it's really windy, then the best choice is to give the snowmakers the night off.

 

[thetrailboss]

SAB, I looked over your posts, but couldn't figure out where you work. So what's with the "we"?

That was my question as well. :-?

 

[Joshua B]

I'm still wondering where "local" is.

 

[SAB]

Sorry - Beartown is located outside of Plattsburgh NY - on the northeast edge of the Adirondacks. For a history (I never thought there would be so much interest!) go to:
http://www.nelsap.org/ny/beartown.html

Plus it's a fun web-site to visit. We get the distinction of being a really small ski area that's still open - I guess that is odd in our day and age so we get listed in a 'Lost Ski Area' site even though we're not lost!

SAB

 

[TeleGrrrl]

I vote for whatever makes the fluffiest snow

 

[thetrailboss]

You forget one very simple fact. Tripod ground models are much cheaper to buy than tower guns (and I assume fans). So while towers make nicer snow (and incidently, are cheaper to run), it costs more up front. We use as many tower guns as we can afford - but in the right weather, we turn on everything we got!

SAB

Yes, the old tripods are much cheaper, but require more labor since they have to be moved from place to place with the hoses. They are probably more popular since most snowmaking is done pre-season at resorts up north, though Jay relies on HKD towers and moves them from trail to trail (ugh). :x

I enjoyed reading about your hill, SAB, which is reminiscent of my town's ski slope which is STILL in operation despite being an all-volunteer operation without any snowmaking. I am glad that these operations still exist--there is a place for them to introduce people to our sport and to offer affordable recreation. Regrettably, skiing is an elitest sport, but I'm glad that we have some places that provide for the masses! :wink: