As we move through late January, our operations teams are shifting focus from aggressive snowmaking to quality improvements. With a solid base now established across the mountain, we’re turning our attention to snowpack renovations, park builds, and setting ourselves up for consistent conditions through spring.
Snowmaking Update
Snowmaking operations are ramping down as we approach our target base depth of one metre across the mountain. We’re in a strong position, and the shift allows us to focus more resources on grooming and snowpack quality rather than pure volume. While we may still fire up the snow guns opportunistically in select areas midweek or overnight, the heavy-lift phase of snowmaking is behind us for now.
Snowpack Renovations
Now that we have a significant base, the grooming team has been focusing on snowpack renovations in addition to routine grooming. This process involves the use of a special blade called a renovator, which turns the snowpack over—similar to aerating your lawn. It breaks up ice layers and compaction, restoring the roughness to the ski surface.
The renovator leaves behind a vertical corrugation at the grooming interface, which is crucial for creating a strong bond between the groomed snow layer and the base. This weekend, we’re taking renovators out with the groomers to renovate select trails and improve overall snow quality.
It’s important to note that the first day after a renovation can present variable conditions, as cookies may be left behind in the snow. While this might affect the initial smoothness, it will result in better conditions underfoot in the end. Conditions will improve significantly as skiers and groomers rework the snow right after. By the second day, after a bit of skier traffic and further grooming, the conditions transform into softer snow, providing an ideal surface for longer.
Mogul Development
On Tuesday night, we built moguls on Rinus Run. Creating machine-made moguls is a challenge, particularly in Ontario’s cold winter conditions, where skier traffic alone isn’t always enough to form them naturally. The process involves carefully blading the snow with a snow cat, carving out a section of the trail to shape the moguls, and then methodically torquing them over with the groomer.
This step is delicate, as running over moguls with the machine can cause frame damage, so we must be strategic about when and where we build them. We’re excited to offer this feature for bump enthusiasts and will continue to maintain and refine the mogul field throughout the season.
Terrain Parks
Good news for park riders: Yahoo terrain park is being built out for the weekend! Badlands has been rebuilt and reopened early this week, and The Grove is also open. We’re working to provide a variety of features and progression options across all our parks as conditions allow.
Snow Tubing
Big Dipper Snow Tubing got a rebuild this past week. We made snow in the tubing area and took advantage of the window to add depth and reshape the lanes. Snow tubing is now at its final snow depth to maintain it through the spring, ensuring a smooth and fast ride for the remainder of the season.
Looking Ahead
With our base almost fully established, the focus shifts to quality and consistency. The snowpack renovations happening this weekend are a key part of that strategy, setting us up for better surface conditions in the spring season ahead. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work to deliver the best possible experience on the slopes.
