Ski Ward-snowmaking has begun!

Chuckstah

joshua_segal

I saw that on TV this AM. Is this a different technology from the Tenney system of 25-years ago?

Chuckstah

Looks to be similar. Latitude 90 snowmaking system.

https://latitude90.ca/

joshua_segal

Chuckstah;c-61184 wroteLooks to be similar. Latitude 90 snowmaking system.

https://latitude90.ca/

Unless the system includes solar or wind power generation, that's going to be very expensive snow.

tedede

joshua_segal;c-61185 wroteUnless the system includes solar or wind power generation, that's going to be very expensive snow.

No matter how you power it, blowing shaved ice in August is exactly "green".

Chuckstah

I'd ski this. I KNOW Joshua would 😀

joshua_segal

Chuckstah;c-61187 wroteI'd ski this. I KNOW Joshua would 😀

...

I know people who have spread out Zamboni tailings to make turns in August and September. When are you going Chuck?

tedede;c-61186 wrote
joshua_segal;c-61185 wroteUnless the system includes solar or wind power generation, that's going to be very expensive snow.
No matter how you power it, blowing shaved ice in August is exactly "green".

I suspect that you could say that about "Big Snow American Dream", also.

obienick

How is Big Snow any different than a hockey rink?

joshua_segal

obienick;c-61189 wroteHow is Big Snow any different than a hockey rink?

A hockey rink is not a ski area, :) - but I suspect that Big Snow has the acreage of at least 10 hockey rinks.

tedede

joshua_segal;c-61188 wroteI suspect that you could say that about "Big Snow American Dream", also.

At least Big Snow is insulated. What you have at Ward is equivalent to fueling a campfire with dollar bills.

And you're the one that brought up green/efficient energy, not me.

Chuckstah

Current plan posted on social media is a Nov first soft opening for lessons.

abubob

obienick;c-61189 wroteHow is Big Snow any different than a hockey rink?

At first I thought “Yeah rinks make ice and ski areas make snow” same thing right? Size has already been mentioned so I’ll add two more:

The average depth of rink ice is about -/+ one inch. Totaling about -/+ 12,000 gallons of water. It’s kept at about 15°F

It takes about 135,000 gallons per foot of snow on an acre. The average snow depth at Big Snow American Dream is about 2 feet and covers 4 acres.

The area is kept about 28°F

Yeah, just like a hockey rink? Hmmm🤔🤣

skelley19

I drove by today but couldn't see the snow pile. Not sure if it already melted out or if my view was obstructed by the container and trees.

I think they can capture a nice little niche market for early season lessons if they have a reliable surface starting November 1st. They are in a good location to capitalize on the Worcester and Boston markets. If it's successful I wouldn't be surprised to see Wachusett or other areas copy them with early season snow on one of the carpets.

joshua_segal

skelley19;c-61213 wrote...

I think they can capture a nice little niche market for early season lessons if they have a reliable surface starting November 1st. They are in a good location to capitalize on the Worcester and Boston markets. If it's successful I wouldn't be surprised to see Wachusett or other areas copy them with early season snow on one of the carpets.

I agree. Advertise a 4-week Learn-to-Ski Program: "Learn to Ski in the comfortable weather and be ready to ride the chairlifts by Christmas."

abubob

skelley19;c-61213 wroteI drove by today but couldn't see the snow pile. Not sure if it already melted out or if my view was obstructed by the container and trees.

They probably tried grooming it out.

TomWhite

Short TV video:
https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2023/08/07/ski-ward-making-snow-in-summer-thanks-to-new-snowmaking-machine#

marcski

I'm sorry to say this... and I've never been before so really take this with a grain of salt but that picture makes that place look like a farm with a chairlift and a surface lift.

joshua_segal

marcski;c-61254 wroteI'm sorry to say this... and I've never been before so really take this with a grain of salt but that picture makes that place look like a farm with a chairlift and a surface lift.

That's reasonably accurate, but it is an important feeder area near Worcester, MA.

lotsoskiing

Any positive buzz about skiing is good, IMO

skelley19

That video really only shows the tubing park. While small it's tall enough to get some thrills and make the chairlift ride worth it. Good feeder area as mentioned.

These old and new pics show the main ski slope better than the video: