It is a very special feeling when the first snow starts falling. One wants to head off out in to the snowscapes, to make snow angels, have a snowball fight but more than anything, to go skiing. The one thing in common between ski resorts is snow, those small droplets of water that freeze on their way down to the ground. The snowflakes form a blanket, bright white, soft and cold.
As early as temperatures permit
Whenever the air humidity and temperature make it possible, we will help nature along. Snow from snow cannons is preferable in the early part of winter since manmade snow consists of denser, rounder and more compact snow crystals which form a good base before the natural snow starts falling. Cannon snow is also more tolerant to wear and tear and high temperatures making it ideal for the early part of the season.
The right conditions are essential
Making snow is a complicated task. Many ski resorts therefore employ specialists whose main task is to make snow, called snow-makers. Our manmade snow, sometimes erroneously called ‘artificial snow’ is made by pressing water at high pressure through the nozzles of the snow guns. The droplets freeze while gravity is pulling them towards the ground. There is a lot to consider when making snow; the right temperature and humidity are essential but if the wind blows from the wrong direction, the snow will land in other places than you want. If the snow ends up on the trees, the scenery will look lovely but it’s tricky to ski among the tall old pine trees and spruces.
Grooming overnight
Once the snow has been made and lies on the ground the time has come for grooming. This is a process usually carried out after each skiing day. The groomers take over from the snow-makers and while you are sleeping they carry out their work. Groomers are true night owls which is necessary if you have to stay up and alert throughout the night. Being alert is essential in order to produce the perfect preparation and the resulting corduroy stripes that are such joy to glide on. The reasons for making corduroy stripes are on one hand, that a flat surface would be too slippery and difficult to ski on for most people and secondly, to expose to the cold night air as large a surface of snow as possible.
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