Stowe 2/3

This past Friday I was able to meet and work with Ted, the director of snowmaking and grooming at Stowe. Stowe's snowmaking system is totally state of the art and is controlled mostly through the use of electronics and computers. A control room operator oversees the entire operation from a command post consisting of 6 computer screens and radios to communicate with on hill snowmaking staff. These computers control smi and tehnoalpine fan guns. These computers also control all compressor and valve functions for the entire operation. Though I didn't get to make snow, I was able to check out the entire operation from the command center, pump houses, compressors and snowmaking ponds. It is really important that a Ali resort produce good snow because that is what the guest wants. Employees and managers both benefit from good snow because it gives their mountain a good reputation and makes the entire staff feel good that they are producing a good product. The customer benefits by being able to enjoy good snow and pumps more money into the resort during their stay because of the good snow conditions.