Snowmaking at Little Switz
Great Snow Starts Here. Behind every groomed run, lit up night session, and early season opening is a fleet of TechnoAlpin snowmaking guns working while the rest of the world sleeps. Here's a look at how we make it happen.
How Snowmaking Works
Making snow is part science, part craft, and a whole lot of late night teamwork. Here's the process from start to finish.
- Water source. We draw water from "[pond / well / reservoir]" and send it through underground pipes up the hill.
- Hydrants and air lines. Water and compressed air travel to hydrants placed along the runs, where the guns are hooked up.
- Atomizing. Inside each gun, nozzles break the water into tiny droplets, helped along by compressed air.
- The fan. A powerful fan launches those droplets high into the cold air, giving them time to freeze.
- Snow lands. The frozen droplets fall as snow and pile up in big mounds on the hill.
- Grooming. Our snowmaking and grooming crews spread and shape the piles into smooth, skiable surface.
Why Temperature Matters
Snowmaking depends on something called wet bulb temperature, which blends air temperature with humidity. Guns can start making snow when the wet bulb temperature hits about 28 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. The colder and drier the air, the more snow we can make, and the better it turns out. That's why our team watches the forecast closely and fires up the guns the moment conditions line up.
Our TechnoAlpin Guns
We run TechnoAlpin snowmaking equipment, a leader in the snowmaking industry known for efficient, high quality snow. [Add 1 to 2 lines about the gun models you run, fan guns vs. lances, and any recent upgrades or investments.]
Where the Guns Are
Our guns are placed to cover the runs that matter most to your ride. X guns cover [beginner area / main runs / terrain park / tubing hill], [number] cover [other area], and [number] keep [another area] ready for night sessions.
When We Run
Our guns fire up whenever the temperature and humidity are right, which often means overnight and early morning while the hill is quiet.
- Early season push: November.
- Typical run times: Overnight when temperatures drop or early mornings as conditions allow.
- Mid season touch ups: we make snow throughout the season to refresh high traffic areas and bounce back after warm spells.
What Snowmaking Means for You
More Days on the Hill
A strong snowmaking system helps us open earlier and stay open later than natural snowfall alone would allow.
Better Conditions, Season Long
Machine made snow is denser than natural snow, so it holds up better to heavy traffic, grooming, and warm days. That means a consistent surface from first chair to last.
Night Sessions That Shine
Fresh snow and groomed runs are what make after dark skiing, riding, and tubing so good. Snowmaking keeps the hill ready for every session.
Terrain Park Ready
Keeping terrain park features built and maintained.
Want to see the snow in action?
Check today's conditions, then grab your tickets and come ride on the snow we made just for you.
What Snowmaking Means for You
Is machine made snow the same as natural snow?
It's made of the same thing, frozen water. Machine made snow is a little denser, which helps it hold up longer under heavy use.
Can you make snow in any temperature?
Snowmaking works when the wet bulb temperature is cold enough, around 28 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Dry, cold air makes the best snow.
Why do I see guns running during the day?
When conditions allow, we make snow any time we can. It's all about getting the best base possible.
Where does the water come from?
Our own local reservoir pond located near the South side of the hill.
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