W. Dover, VT – Vermont’s Mount Snow Resort underwent a number of capital enhancement projects over this past summer that focused on projects both on-mountain and off. Snowmaking upgrades that will make the resort’s snowmaking system more efficient while increasing output were completed to enhance the on-mountain experience; and a number of new and newly renovated food and beverage offerings await hungry skiers and riders this winter.
Mount Snow’s mountain operations team replaced nearly four miles of aging snowmaking pipe on ten different trails this summer, some of which are served by the resort’s 253 high output fan guns. This new pipe, which ranges in size from four to 16 inches in diameter, will dramatically improve how efficiently the water gets to the snow guns and in turn increase the snow output.
Middle Exhibition is now home to 11 new pedestals that will provide electricity to run portable fan guns. This upgrade reduces the amount of air needed to be sent up the mountain and will allow the resort’s snowmaking department to more efficiently cover one of the mountain’s most popular trails.
The installation of a new Anderson Moisture Separator to the air compressor system is expected to remove four to five times more moisture from the air than the previous technology the resort had in place. When it’s cold moisture freezes, which in turn creates rime on the inside of the air hoses. This reduces the amount of space air has to travel through them, which results in less air reaching the snow guns, lessening both their output and the number of guns that can be operated concurrently.
A state-of-the-art airflow meter has also been installed to help the snowmaking control manager understand how much air is being sent up the mountain. This information will then be used to help make more efficient decisions regarding how much air to use and when.
These two projects were made possible by working with Efficiency Vermont, a private non-profit company with the goal of helping all Vermonters to reduce energy costs, strengthen the local economy, and protect the environment by making homes and businesses energy efficient. Efficiency Vermont provides technical assistance, rebates, and other financial incentives to help Vermont households and businesses reduce their energy costs with energy-efficient equipment, lighting, and approaches to construction and major renovation.
Mount Snow’s new novelty shop will satisfy any sweet tooth thanks to a wide selection of Vermont-made goodies, bulk candy, baked sweets, a whole menu of specialty hot chocolates and more. Located in the Main Base Lodge, Sweet Stash is sure to be a favorite this ski season for both the little kids and the big kids alike.
Some skiers and riders want to sit down to eat lunch, while others want to get back out on the slopes ASAP. After a full renovation, what was “Marketplace” inside Mount Snow’s Main Base Lodge is now Market Fresh Café, featuring grab and go breakfast and lunch items focused on local, fresh and healthy foods.
Up on the second floor of the Summit Lodge, the former Double Diamond Bar is now The Bullwheel Tavern. Donning a new look and completely new feel, it’s now modeled after an old world tavern featuring beers from Germany and Belgium as well as quick service foods. And with the observation deck just outside the door, The Bullwheel Tavern truly offers lunch with a view.
Mount Snow spent more than a quarter of a million dollars revamping its rental equipment fleet with new snowboard boots, skis, ski boots and poles for the winter ahead. The rental experience will be improved for this coming season as well thanks to a newly renovated main rental shop in the Clocktower Building. The new set up will make the rental process more efficient with the goal of getting skiers and riders on the snow more quickly, while maintaining a focus on getting everyone properly fitted.