Late last week our contractors and staff officially commissioned our new snow making system; the corner stone of more than $2M in capital improvements introduced over this past summer. Since Friday, we’ve been making snow at every opportunity that Mother Nature has provided, with some great initial results!
WHAT DID IT TAKE TO COMMISSION YOUR SYSTEM?
On Friday. November 1st we had technicians from TechnoAlpin, as well as members of Henry’s Electric and Mark West Contracting come together to inspect equipment and following, positive test results, we began making snow that afternoon.
Before snow was made several components were tested; the electric motor that powers the pump was bump tested to ensure proper rotation and all leveling alignments on the pump and motor were double checked, the VFD was programmed and checked to ensure all settings were to spec, and all fittings and electronic sensors were double checked and/or installed in the proper locations. Water was then pumped into the system to test all the sensors and the pipelines on the mountain were filled. Pressure testing was conducted to ensure there were no leaks, and following that the PLC programming was tweaked and customized which enabled us to check pressures and flow. Following a successful system check the guns were then powered up and we started making snow which was the result of a smooth commissioning process.
We currently have 2 guns onsite and operating, and expecting delivery of an additional 2 guns later this week.
WHERE ARE WE MAKING SNOW?
Currently our snow guns are stationed below Huckleberry chairlift and have been blasting for the past few days having seen optimal conditions reach the resort. We plan to make snow at every opportunity when temperatures are favorable and this should enable us to build a snow road through the village. Once completed we will work our way up the mountain on the Round Up Traverse and Lone Ranger, as well as focusing on Buckaroo and Green Chair. Snow fences have also been placed on North Road, Buffalo Flats, and Tumbleweed to help supplement snow making efforts.
If you do find yourself in the area please do not drive where we are making snow. Haig Way is currently closed to vehicle traffic and please stay clear of the snow guns as there are high voltage electrical lines and high pressure water lines present. In addition our cats are busy making their way around the base area so please take care within the vicinity of operating cats.
We are working hard to reach our target opening date of Saturday December 7th but keep an eye out for any future announcement in case this date changes.
