The operations team is full steam ahead preparing for the 2024/25 ski and snowboard season. Here’s the latest update on what’s happening behind the scenes:
24/7 Snowmaking Coverage
Our snowmaking crew is now on a 24/7 staffing schedule, ensuring we can respond immediately when the weather gives us the green light. We’re excited that through the night on November 28 and into the morning of November 29, we were able to fire up the guns on Smart Alec, and at the top Tranquility. With temperatures dropping, we’re eagerly setting up ground guns in key areas, particularly in high-traffic zones and spots with less snowmaking coverage.
Opening Day Priorities
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but we’ve developed strategic plans tailored to natural variations in temperature, humidity, and wind direction. These plans allow us to maximize every snowmaking window to its fullest potential based on the conditions. Once snowmaking begins, the Village ski area and the Village Learning Centre will be our top priorities.
We’re optimistic about opening on December 12, but we’re also prepared to open earlier if conditions allow. Stay tuned to our website for any announcements on Opening Day. To open a trail, the temperature needs to hit -2.5C wet bulb. Then we need a minimum of 48 hours of snowmaking followed by 48 hours of grooming in optimal snowmaking conditions. Grooming is a meticulous process that involves levelling the large snow mounds created by snow guns, referred to as “whales”, and blading and tracking the snow to spread it evenly across the terrain. We then let it sit for some time to allow excess water to leach out, ensuring a smoother surface for skiers and snowboarders. We typically see a 10:1 compaction ratio in natural snow, meaning that for every 10cm of snow that falls, it compacts to approximately 1cm of groomed surface. A benefit of machine-made snow is that the compaction is closer to 1:1; what you see is what you get.
Adding to the excitement, the forecast is calling for some natural snowfall which is always a welcome boost. Not only does it help build the base, it also helps us get snowmobiles out on the hill to support snowmaking operations.
Ongoing Maintenance and Prep Work
Other essential mountain operations are also in full swing. We’re finishing installing filters in the pump house, and every day we’re finding and patching less leaks across the mountain. Staff training is a priority as well, as this weekend we’re welcoming back returning team members to get everyone ready for the season. Preparations are also underway to start flooding the skate trail on the mountaintop as soon as temperatures allow.
Forecast Ski & King Snow
We recently welcomed Forecast Ski and King Snow to the mountain to share some of our latest updates to our snowmaking infrastructure and terrain park plans. You can watch our snowmaking feature here, and our terrain park feature here for a deep dive on our operations work over the summer and fall.
Stay tuned for more updates and cross your fingers that Mother Nature drops the mercury over the next few days!
