Shrewsbury, Massachusetts – After being the first in North America to open a lift for skiing and riding last ski season, could Ski Ward do it again?
Today, Ski Ward shared the progress they have made in snowmaking for the upcoming ski season. For most mountains, such a scenario isn’t possible. However, the Massachusetts ski area has a trick up its sleeves. The Latitude 90 & SMI snowmaking system helps make snow in warmer temperatures, which has allowed Ski Ward to make some man-made snow.
Here’s a description of the Ski Ward’s Latitude 90 snowmaking system:
“Waiting on cold temps? Not anymore. All-weather snowmaking can kickstart your season, producing snow in temperatures above traditional snowmaking equipment.
With three models to choose from, the L30, L60 [the model that Ski Ward uses], and L120 are enclosed, independent snowmaking systems that withstand ambient temperatures, winds, and humidity and perfectly complement your traditional snow guns.
Latitude90 features a patented rotor to adjust flake size. Create a larger flake size to reduce melt, or create a smaller flake for higher snow quality.
The equipment is also fully automated. Start your machine with your mobile device, or via your SmartSnow computer.
Finally, the Latitude90 machines are built to run 24/7, so press start and let it work it’s magic!”
This early snowmaking is helping create a venue for beginners to learn how to ski. This November, they’ll have ski lessons for kids ages 3-7 and snowboarding lessons for children ages 8-14. There are a couple of benefits to beginners’ learning in this environment: it’s not too cold yet (allowing for fewer layers and a softer snow surface), and it is less crowded. Last November, this was a very popular program for the Massachusetts ski area, thus making it an easy decision for them to bring it back.
However, if they were to make an opening before this, it could be during their Fall Family Weekend on October 19th and 20th, which they did last year. A rail jam could also be in the cards.
Image/Video Credits: Ski Ward