What is snow farming?

At its most basic, snow farming simply involves moving snow around with the assistance of heavy equipment, depositing snow supplies in some areas and removing unwanted snow from others. The tools used to farm snow can be as basic as a snow shovel or as advanced as motorized snow blowers, snow plows or snow groomers.

What does a snow maker do?

Compressed air is shot up through the nozzle, where it meets water and splits it into tiny droplets. The sudden loss of pressure robs the system of heat, rapidly cooling the water to form a tiny ice pellet – a snow “seed”. The giant fan now propels these seeds into the air alongside the fine mist of water droplets.

Why does snow need to be groomed?

Groom your snow to make the trails safe, fast, and smooth. Bumps and ruts become slower when the trail is groomed. If there are bumps and ruts forming re-groom to take them away. Often when groomed, the snow stays longer, it will not blow away after groomed.

What is it like being a Snowmaker?

During the summer, snowmakers are fixing leaks and patching blown out ditches. He can spend months digging holes and patching old pipe. If the lines freeze and crack, resorts will have mini-geysers bursting slope side. Despite the tough work and the long nights, camaraderie among snowmakers runs deep.

How expensive are snow makers?

According to EMS Environmental, the stout high-capacity, fan-style snow guns cost approximately $28,000 – $35,000 each. The narrow and long, tower-style guns are a bit more wallet-friendly and cost approximately $5000 – $6000 each.

What does a snow machine cost?

Cost: From $90 to $1,000 or more. Low-priced models are ideal for once-a-year DIY backyard snow-making, while more expensive ones are recommended for commercial use.

Do snow machines work in hot weather?

Snow machines typically only work when temperatures stay below freezing, so if it’s both dry and warm, then resort owners are often out of luck.

How much does a snow maker make?

The average pay for a Snowmaker is $31,433 a year and $15 an hour in the United States. The average salary range for a Snowmaker is between $24,430 and $37,062. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in the United States.