How Long Does It Take for Ski Resorts to Make Snow?

If you are going to a ski resort, you might be wondering how long it will take for the snow to be made. It is not really possible to tell how much time it will take since it varies from resort to resort. However, we can look at some of the factors that play a role in the process of making the snow.

Temperature and Relative Humidity

Ski resorts make snow by using compressed air and water to shoot tiny droplets high into the air. Eventually, these droplets freeze into ice pellets. This process is called "snowmaking" and is necessary to keep the ski runs safe and groomed.

In order to be effective, snowmaking requires low temperatures and low relative humidity. As temperatures increase, so will the melting speed of the snow pack. It is expected that the number of days with reliable weather conditions at ski resorts will decrease by 15 percent by the end of the 21st century.

For the best snow-making conditions, the wet bulb temperature needs to be around 18 deg C. The air around the water also needs to be cooler.

Humidity can contribute to the freezing speed of the water. By removing heat from the water droplets, evaporative cooling helps to speed up the refreezing.

Air/Water Guns

A ski resort's snowmaking system is important to its preparation. The process begins with liquid water from the local water source, which is pumped through underground pipes. Then, the system filters the water multiple times before it reaches the trail. It's important that the system doesn't harm the environment.

The Mid-Atlantic region's climate and humidity have a huge influence on the snowmaking process. The resorts are equipped with weather sensors that monitor temperature and humidity, adjusting the water to air ratio. These adjustments enable the resort to make a variety of different types of snow.

There are two main weapons used by snowmakers: the compressed air gun and the water/air gun. Each weapon serves a different purpose.

A compressor mixes air and water at the nozzle. Once the water and air reach the gun, they are forced through jets. This process breaks up the water into minute particles. Some guns use on-board electric air compressors for cheaper operation.

Electrical Lines

A ski resort can consume a lot of electricity in the course of a day. That's why it's no wonder that five ski areas are making green initiatives a priority. The industry is looking to improve the bottom line by reducing power usage while keeping the big bucks in the bank.

One of the gizmos a ski resorts can boast of is the solar powered snow maker. While this may be a technological first, it's a nod to the fact that skiing is about more than hitting the slopes. It's also an eco-friendly way to go. In fact, Gore has decided to use solar energy to the tune of 85% of its total power needs.

Another nifty power saving technology is battery storage. This is used to help counter spikes in power demand caused by stopping and starting machines.

Water Hydrants

As the ski industry is addressing climate change, some resorts are investing in automated snowmaking systems that use water and air to make snow. These systems save on air and manpower, and theoretically also produce better snow.

But How do They Work?

Water is pumped from underground pipes. Water and air are sent through separate pipelines to hydrants near the snow maker. The weather sensors in the hydrants continually monitor the amount of moisture in the air and adjust the balance of water to air.

There are two types of snowmaking machines: fan guns and air/water towers. Fan guns are a machine that atomizes water into a fine spray. They are powered by a compressor. Air/water towers (also known as lances) are similar to fan guns, but use compressed air to loft mist over the trail.

Snow Guns

Making snow at a ski resort has long been a challenge. There are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important is temperature. Snow is most likely to form at temperatures around 28 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. But even at above freezing, it can melt away.

A good wind is also critical to a great snowmaking night. Keeping a watchful eye on the wind can make all the difference. And, while the wind does play a big role in how quickly snow can form, other factors like air pressure, humidity, and temperature are also crucial.

Increasingly, North American ski resorts are looking to improve their snowmaking systems every year. The latest systems are equipped with weather sensors and computer controls. These systems enable the snowmakers to make different kinds of snow depending on the trail conditions.