Spring skiing has officially arrived! The recent weather patterns have presented challenges in preserving snowpack, particularly with high temperatures and strong winds out of the south. These conditions accelerate snow loss by causing rapid evaporation and physically moving the snow off the slopes with the warm wind. To mitigate the impact, we made the decision to close the Orchard for two days, preserving our snowpack for the upcoming weekend. This also allowed us to reallocate resources, such as our grooming team, to higher-traffic areas of the resort.
Moving snow during warmer temperatures, whether through skiing or grooming, causes it to disappear faster. Instead, we wait for colder conditions to reappear before redistributing snow, ensuring better retention. Once temperatures drop below freezing, our team will work to restore coverage overnight. Both of our winch cats remain highly active during this period, pulling snow back up the hill to cover bare spots, particularly at the top of the slopes.
Looking ahead, the weather is trending cooler over the next two weeks. This will give us an opportunity to patch up areas overnight and maintain optimal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. As we continue through the spring season, expect to see some variable terrain including patches of dirt or grass as normal temperature fluctuations continue during this time of year.
Infrastructure Improvements
The efficiencies we implemented last summer and fall have proven valuable in maintaining a strong snow base this season! The installation of additional high temperature snow guns at the top of Smart Alec, Tranquility, and Memory Lane improved our ability to retain snow in these critical areas, allowing guests to continue skiing and riding into late March and potentially early April. The addition of the Cruiser flood line enabled us to produce a high volume of snow earlier in the season, establishing a 1.5m base and ensuring greater resilience against warm weather. We’re excited about more infrastructure improvements to come!
Terrain Parks & Tubing
L-Park will be built out this week by redistributing snow from the cross track, featuring a range of elements suitable for all skill levels. The Orchard is expected to remain open through this weekend and next, including the Badlands terrain park. Yahoo continues to be open, providing a great space for riders and skiers to build their skills. The tubing area will be rebuilt ahead of the weekend and is anticipated to remain open for several more weekends.
Pond Skim Event Preparation
One of the highlights of the spring season is our annual Pond Skim event! The team will spend three days constructing the approximately 90-foot pond, a process that involves building a flat, level snow deck before carving out the 90ft x 20ft pond using grooming equipment. Afterward, tarps are laid down, and the pond is filled with water, creating an exciting challenge for participants.
As always, we appreciate the enthusiasm and adaptability of our guests as we navigate the dynamic conditions of spring skiing. Stay tuned for further updates, and we look forward to seeing you on the slopes!
