Round-the-clock Snowmaking at Catamount Revitalizes Snow Surfaces, Builds Base Depths

By AlpineZone News |
Feb 08 2006 - 10:47 AM

SOUTH EGREMONT, Massachusetts ??” According to the National Climatic Data Center, January was the warmest on record. But the weather pattern has changed, and winter is back in the Berkshires.

For Catamount, located on the Massachusetts/New York state line, that means one thing: round-the-clock snowmaking, whenever temperatures permit. And the current temperature forecast is ideal for just that.

“Call it Winter Part Two,” said Catamount vice president Richard Edwards. “We had a great December, and now that winter’s back we’re expecting the rest of the season will be terrific, too.”

The resort resumed snowmaking operations on Monday afternoon, and plans to continue making snow at every opportunity. By this weekend, Catamount will have converted nearly 20 million gallons of water into fresh snow.

Because of extensive snowmaking efforts before the thaw, the resort didn’t lose any trails during the warm spell. But the additional snowmaking is returning the mountain to packed powder surface conditions and building base depths for a long season.

Edwards said the resort will have at least 25 trails and park areas open this weekend, including the terrain park, the half pipe and Catapult, the steepest trail in the Berkshires.

This Saturday will also be US Ski Team Day at Catamount, with one dollar from every lift ticket purchased going to benefit the US Ski Team.

Superior snow conditions are a trademark of Catamount. Resort General Manager Bill Gilbert is responsible for creating snowmaking technology now in use worldwide.

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