Snowmaking Indy resorts massachusetts

skizilla

Wondering why snowmaking at the Indy resorts locally in Massachusetts is so behind. I know it’s been good that we haven’t had rain and we have had a lot of cold temperatures yet Berkshire East and Indy resorts are barely half open. Wachusetts mt southington, Sundown all over 90 percent open. Even Mohawk which is smaller and comparable in size isn’t nearly as open. Kinda surprised and frustrated with this is it still a drought thing?

tedede

Yes, it’s a drought thing.

obienick

Berkshire East is very low elevation and in the river valley, it has high humidity as well. They are always slow opening as they just don’t get snowmaking temps early.

snowphoenix

obienick

Makes sense to me. I was also under the impression that Berkshire East simply has less snowmaking capacity than Wachusett in terms of how much they can pump out at a given time.

Beast Patroller

As a former (retired) Berkshire East patroller I can tell you that snowmaking capacity was an issue back in the day along with the high wet bulb due to the Deerfield River. Since the Schaefer’s bought the mountain they have increased snowmaking capacity substantially but they still have to deal with the humidity from the river. When temps are favorable, they put out a lot of snow and can cover the trails quickly.