While most people are trying to get rid of the snow that has fallen this week, Greek Peak is adding to it. The loud hum of snowmaking machines means the beginning of another season of winter fun at the mountain.
“Staff was very excited, all the snowmakers were really excited to get out on the hill,” said Drew Broderick, vice president of sales and marketing.
Thursday evening snow guns began coating the mountain with the base of snow needed for skiing and snowboarding.
“Typically our snowmaking season is from the beginning of November till the end of February. We like to get at least three to four feet base on all the slopes before we open them to the public,” said Shawn Sloan, mountain operations manager.
How much snow the machines put out is all dependant on the temperature.
“Last night was very marginal [at] 24-26 degrees. We were only able to put out maybe six inches, but once we get down into the single digits and teens these guns can really put out feet per hour,” Sloan said.
Making snow starts with water.
“Basically we have very large pumps that suck the water up out of a pond that we feed from the creek. Once the water goes up the hill from the pumps, we call it charging the system. After that, we hook the snow guns to hydrants, and we have a couple different styles of snow guns. Some are air and water, some are electric and water,” Sloan said.
All to prepare for opening day.
“Hopefully the skiers are ready to come back, our social media is blowing up, people are seeming excited,” Sloan said.
November 15 is the tentative opening day, but they hope to have at least five trails and the tubing park open by then so everyone can enjoy the winter weather.