Snowmaking | Bogus Basin
In the summer of 2018, Bogus Basin installed its top-to-bottom snowmaking, a major capital improvement project that has transformed our winter operations. In the years since, we’ve made impressive strides, including adding 28 more SMI Super PoleCat Snowmakers to our equipment fleet and breaking our own record output, allowing us to open the mountain on 100% machine-made snow in 2023. Looking ahead, we’re excited to further expand our snowmaking capacity by enlarging our retention ponds and adding top-to-bottom snowmaking coverage on several popular runs served by the Superior Express (3) lift.
Snowmaking is a great method for providing reliable snow coverage regardless of natural snowfall. It helps to build a strong base, kickstart the season early in good snow years, and ensure an opening during drier years. Learn all about the snowmaking magic happening on your mountain below!
The Set Up
Making snow is no small task – it requires 24/7 monitoring, in-depth weather knowledge, and long, cold hours outdoors. Fondly known as Bogus Basin’s “Snow Sorcerers,” our Snowmaking Team brings a touch of magic to the slopes with their tireless work and dedication!
The Team
This fall, we welcomed new talent to our team. Jonathan Ostrow joined the Snow Sorcerers as a Snowmaking Manager, and Carson Lewis as an Assistant Snowmaking Manager. Their leadership and experience, combined with our team’s hard work and dedication, are setting us up for an incredible winter season. We couldn’t be more grateful for their commitment to making every day on your mountain unforgettable!
The Fleet
Since 2018, we’ve increased our snowmaking fleet to 50 machines, which we place on 15 winter runs and the tubing hill. The fleet includes 48 SMI Super PoleCat Snowmakers, 2 Super PoleCat Auto Towers, and 2 Grizzly Sticks.
SMI Super PoleCat Snowmaking Machines are powerful machines known for producing efficient and reliable snow in various weather conditions. Their 25-horsepower fan is optimal for making snow on wide slopes, such as the new Coach’s Corner run, Sunshine, and Showcase.
Super PoleCat Tower snowmaking machines are permanently mounted on towers to offer excellent reach and snow distribution, providing consistent snow coverage across expansive areas. Grizzly Sticks are versatile and highly efficient. Their compact design makes them ideal for challenging terrain and locations that require precise, targeted snow coverage.
The Snow Sorcerers strategically position the Super PoleCat Towers and Grizzly Sticks along the Morning Star run. These four specialized snowmaking machines direct snow downward from their elevated locations, precisely targeting key areas and steeper pitches.
Snowmaking Machines
Snowmaking machines make snow by blowing water into cold air, which freezes and falls to the ground as snow crystals. In optimal conditions, a single snowmaking machine can transform 204,480 gallons of water into massive piles of snow during a 24-hour run!
Multiple variables affect the efficiency of snowmaking production, and a slight change in one of those variables can vastly change the outcome or even the possibility of snowmaking.
Hydrants
In the summer of 2024, we installed the brand-new Coach Chairlift and extended the Coach’s Corner run to be 3.5x longer than before. At the same time, we added 7 hydrants and 1,300 feet of pipe to make snow on the extended run, ensuring our ability to operate preseason.
Valves
Snowmaking valves are the part of the machine that the water exits to turn into snow!
Built-In Weather Systems
Each snowmaking machine is equipped with weather instruments that monitor temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. This data is relayed through software, providing accurate and timely information for effective snowmaking decisions.
Machines have built-in weather systems that help the Snow Sorcerers accurately determine how many snowmaking valves to operate.
Snowmaking Ponds
We have an on-site snowmaking pond that holds 13.67 million gallons of water. When the snow melts in the spring, the water flows into the pond, recycling it for the following season. In summer, the pond water warms up. To make snow effectively when temperatures drop in the fall, we must wait until the pond water cools sufficiently. Waiting for the pond to cool may delay our snowmaking efforts.
- Million Gallon Retention Pond
- 13.67
- SnowmakingMachines
- 52
- RunsServiced
- 15
The Science
The weather plays a huge role in snowmaking – the colder and drier the air, the more water we can flow through the machine, and the more snow we produce! When the air is cold and dry, more water can be suspended in it to freeze, but if the air gets too saturated with water, the droplets fall to the ground without freezing.
The Temps
Temperature is one key factor in deciding if conditions are right for snowmaking, but there’s more to it than just the air temperature. While water freezes at 32ºF, it can warm up as it falls through the atmosphere and reaches the ground. When snowmaking, we focus on what’s called the “‘wet bulb temperature,” which is the lowest temperature that can be reached when water evaporates into the air until the air is fully saturated with moisture (100% humidity). The ideal wet bulb temperature for snowmaking is 28º or less. See the Wet Bulb chart below to learn more!
Whale Watching
Early in the season, we blow snow in the same direction to build large piles called ‘Whales’. As we eagerly await the start of winter, the Snow Sorcerers “whale watch,” patiently waiting for the snow to accumulate into a “whale.” Later, the grooming crew evenly spreads the preserved snow onto the run.
Let’s Ride!
We have begun making snow on The Explorer Terrain Park, beginner conveyor lifts, Coach’s Corner, Stewart’s Bowl, and Tubing Hill! So far, your Snow Sorcerers have converted over 1 million gallons of water to snow in those areas, totaling more than 442 machine hours of run time over the last 3 days.
Thanks to the hard work of our Snow Sorcerers, we’re excited to welcome guests back to ride at the mountain on November 23, 2024!
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three people-mover carpets, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
