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How it is done: Naturally, in the mountains we receive an abundance of snow, however; high winds, intense sun, and skier usage wear certain areas thin. Man made snow is used to fill in the bare spots.  Carl Brown
Making snow requires many factors and is as much of an art as it is a science. Artificially manufactured snow, when made properly, is as good as natural snow. Ski areas invest a lot into producing snow to insure quality skiing. Trenches are dug for water pipes and electric cables through the trees, roads, and trails. These ditches interlace the ski area almost to the top. The water pipes are laid deep so not to freeze during the frigid months. Then hay bales are used to protect the water valves and hoses used to supply the snow guns. Snow makers start their work around 8 p.m., work through cold mountain evenings until 8 am. The air temperature needs to be 28*F or lower with optimum temperature of 10*F being ideal. Water is pumped from Rainbow pond to the main pump house at the base of the area. The water is then mixed with snowmax before being sent up the mountain to one of the 16 snow guns. Snowmax is a biodegradable enzyme from a high altitude plant that helps water freeze at a higher temperature and produces quality snow. The snowmakers move through the night, riding snowmobiles, checking placements. The snow guns are moved by snowcats to the desired locations. With the snow guns in place, compressed air and water are mixed together then seeded with the nucleater and are forced thru 10 HP fans. |  Carl Brown
These massive fans shoot the mixture over 50 feet into the air to settle in large snow mounds. In the industry, the mounds of snow are known as whales. The snow product is analyzed and snow guns adjusted to make the best quality snow. The best man made snow lasts longer, holds shape better, is easier to groom and is more economical to produce. One Snowgun can produce an acre of snow every 2 hrs (3 gal.. of water = 1cu.ft. of snow) The new whale of snow is extremely icy so it must set 2 to 3 days to cure, allowing water to drain and producing a softer snow. Once the snow is cured it's ready for the final process. Snow groomers will smooth the mound with the snow cat, using the front blade to move the snow. Then pulling a tiller behind the snow cat, the snow is tilled making it fluffy & skiable. The final product makes for excellent snow coverage and enhances the ski area. Listen late at night, you'll hear the hum of the snow guns, and see the giant puffs of snow in the air. The snow makers will be slaving all night, working their magic. Man made snow: Man made snow guarantees your skiing experience will be safer and more enjoyable. Even with the abundance of natural snow we get here at Red River, certain spots are prone to burn off quickly because of sun, wind, and use. Man made snow, properly groomed, can be as good or even better than natural snow. Red River ski area invests a lot of time and money into producing quality snow. © Frank Venaglia - Owner of Capos Italian Restaurant |