Well, super El Nino is really kicking our butts.  Sure, it’s nice to get some sunshine and a few mild days but come on!  We are so appreciative of Buck Hill taking the opportunity to make as much snow as possible during the cold snap.  We also appreciate your patience with the conditions.  The Buck Hill course crews are doing their best to keep the races flowing, slipping the courses, shoveling, and setting to the conditions. They are doing a great job keeping the courses fun and as safe as possible!

Oftentimes, people ask us if Buck Hill will be making more snow overnight during these warm periods.  A few things to remember – making snow can’t be done anytime.  Conditions must be optimal with the air temperature and humidity adding up to a certain number.  Even if temperatures fall below freezing for a few hours during the night, this doesn’t mean the snow guns can be cranked up. Here is a table that details this a bit more:

Buck Hill attempts to groom each night.  The snow needs to set up after grooming.  This normally happens when temperatures are below freezing for many hours.

Grooming right before race time is NEVER a good idea. Grooming right before the race may look nice, but without ample time for the snow to set up, it makes for bigger ruts and piles.  The best plan is to slip the course during inspection.  A wider, lower, later line is better for slipping! Also, pushing out the piles is really helpful when it’s this warm.

Looking ahead, it does appear that the temps are dropping towards the end of next week. We are hopeful this makes for an exciting week 7 with better conditions!

One other thing to consider is that while Giants Ridge has been getting warmer temperatures, they have not been as high as in the cities. We may get the best snow of the year up there this year! Come on out!