02. Wednesday, November 20th: An Unofficial Snowmaking Update
Hey Okemo Fans! It's Noah here, writing to you for the first time this winter. It feels great to be back. 👋 As a previous Snowmaker for Okemo, it feels like my duty to share some insider knowledge on Okemo's snowmaking efforts with you. I'll talk about what's been going on up on the hill and when we should expect to get back on snow for the first turns of the season in today's completely FREE report. ❄️
Now, I'm just speculating here. Okemo has not set an official opening date yet, so keep that in mind. 📣 With my personal experience and knowledge of Okemo's systems combined with my 30-year relationship with the mountain (dang, I'm old), I've got a pretty good sense here.
Keep reading if you're into nerdy ski stuff like us. 🤓 Or, become a paid subscriber below so you don't miss our first OFFICIAL snow report of the season when the day finally comes. Through December 1st, you can join for the entire year for just $24.25!!!! 🎉
Anyways, as much as I would like to say we skied today, we aren't quite there yet. As all East Coast skiers know, we are at the mercy of our Matriarch, Mother Nature, and Patriarch, Old Man Winter. Bless. 🙏 While Okemo traditionally opens the weekend before Thanksgiving that might be a tough one based on the temperatures we've had over the last two weeks. 🌡️
Good news, we finally have some precipitation coming at us later in the week! 🌨️ We can anticipate to see rain on Thursday, which should change over to snow overnight and into Friday morning. ❄️ This will be an elevation-dependent storm, but the West River Weather Guy is calling for snow above 1,500', so it looks like we will finally get a taste of winter. We are keeping our fingers crossed. 🤞
As we look into the weekend and next week, temperatures look much more favorable for snowmaking, at least overnight. 🌡️ Plus, there's a chance of more precipitation over Thanksgiving. Don't forget to do your snow dances! 🪩
Now, let's talk science. 🧪 As we are all well aware, snowmaking is the soul of any East Coast ski area. How that all works is very complicated, but in short, you use water and air at high pressure to shoot tiny water particles out where they can crystalize into snow before hitting the ground. That is where the air temperature comes into play. If it isn't cold enough, then the water molecules won't freeze.
So, what's the ideal temperature range for snowmaking? Well, it's based on the type of Snow Gun, actually. 🔫 Okemo has a variety of different guns and they use them strategically to optimize their snowmaking operation. This summer, Okemo invested in 5 new HKD "Fan Guns" for the base area, which can be run at slightly higher temperatures. 🔥 During the early season's marginal temperatures, these Fan Guns come in clutch to help ensure they are taking advantage of any chance they have to make snow. 🏆
On the upper mountain where temperatures are typically lower than in the base area, they run a combination of tower guns. 💪 These are high-efficiency guns using various methods to help increase the snowmaking potential. This can include the type of nozzle they use or the amount of water they send through the gun. The ground guns that you have seen around the mountain can make a tremendous amount of snow but use a lot of energy to do it and are best used when temperatures are much lower than we have been seeing. 🥶
SO, WHEN WILL OKEMO OPEN!? 🤔 All things considered, I think it is doubtful that we will be skiing and riding this weekend. However, I know firsthand what 24 hours of good temps can do, and I know the snowmaking team will be patiently waiting for temps to drop. Once we get in that sweet spot, the Snowmaking Team will make the magic happen and we will be on snow in no time.
One thing I know for sure is that we can undoubtedly trust Okemo's Mountain Ops & Snowmaking Teams to get the mountain open as soon as humanly possible, that's what they want too, anyway. 🩷 In the meantime, get your gear ready for when we get the go-ahead to hit the slopes.
Thanks for hanging out with me today. If you have any questions or comments, leave them down below! We'd love to hear from you. 🤗
Think Snow,
Noah Schmidt
If you missed it, we are now offering both a FREE and PAID subscription option! Go back and read our first pre-season report to read all about this new change. But, I'll remind you that our pre-season special is now live! ✨ CLICK HERE TO GET THE DEAL ✨
(Plus, you can safely cancel at any time, but it'll break our hearts just a little.)
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Today's report is made possible with the support of Open Door Vacation Rentals & Wavy Grape Studio.
Please follow the Uphill Travel Policy at Okemo, follow the rules, and be cool about it.
