Ski resort snowmaking systems

Multistage pumps for recreational snowmaking applications.

To ensure season pass holders enjoy a full season of skiing and snowboarding, winter resorts rely on snowmaking systems to supplement natural snow. Snowmaking systems allow ski resorts to open earlier in the fall, close later in the spring, and enhance snow coverage across all trails and terrain. Snowmaking operations are comprised of a feedwater reservoir, a high capacity pump system, and a network of spray guns or cannons to output artificial snow. Spray guns utilized compressed air to force propel water droplets into the air. While these systems are cheaper to run, they require two feeds to produce artificial snow – water and compressed air. Snow cannons utilize a high-powered electric fan to propel water into the air. Cannons are more expensive to operate due to added electrical costs but require less infrastructure – only a water source is needed to output artificial snow.