Temperatures have dropped, and the team is planning for a period of more consistent winter weather. With a cold trend forecast to continue over the next few weeks, operations are shifting focus to maintain and improve conditions across the mountain.
Snowmaking and Grooming Updates
Early-season efforts prioritized building a solid snow base everywhere on the mountain. Now, the focus is on enhancing snow quality and strategically adding volume in specific areas:
- Targeted Snowmaking: With optimal snowmaking temperatures (-7°C or colder), snowmaking will focus on locations with the least amount of snow depth.
- Efficient Grooming: Strong winds (30-50 km/h) are aiding in spreading snow evenly across trails, which reduces the need for snow relocation and allows the grooming team to concentrate on improving trail surfaces. Trails are groomed nightly, though conditions may vary when new or machine-made snow falls overnight.
- Snow Quality Emphasis: A mix of natural and machine-made snow has resulted in some variable conditions. High-temperature snow guns (R5s) are used when temperatures are less ideal (-3°C), with plans to switch to low temperature guns as conditions improve.
Mountain Updates
- The Orchard Re-Opening: The Orchard opened today, January 3, providing additional terrain for visitors.
- Badlands Park Work: Efforts continue in Badlands Park, though snowmaking is more challenging with north winds as most of the guns are on the south side of the trail. In the interim, sled guns are being used at the top and bottom.
- Yahoo Park: The Yahoo trail remains operational, with ongoing work to balance snow quality and volume.
Skating Conditions
Skating conditions are expected to be strong in the coming weeks, with favourable ice-making temperatures and sufficient snow to support stable snowbanks. The team managing the ice is making consistent progress and this next week looks like a great time to skate on the mountaintop.
Looking Ahead
Snowmaking operations are set to resume this weekend and continue into next week. For now, the team is still focused on making snow whenever possible – if Mother Nature is good to go, the guns will be blowing. Conditions will be variable so plan ahead and ski within your ability.
