New, 600-foot long water pipe will increase the snowmaking
November 2, 2020
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (Nov. 2, 2020) – Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! More snow is headed to Crystal Mountain, thanks to continued investments at the resort.
Resort staff have finished installing a 600-foot long, 12-inch diameter snow-making pipe that will allow the team to make even more snow and help build a more solid base – faster. This new investment could allow the skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes earlier than past years, Mike Cutler, mountain manager, said.
“Snowmaking pipes are a crucial part of every mountain equation,” Cutler said.
The pipe replaces a 10-inch diameter pipe underneath the Main Street slope, and will carry even more water to snowmaking machines.
Crystal Mountain has 152 snowmaking machines that can make snow when temperatures are 28 degrees or less, but 15 degrees is the sweet spot for making the best snow.
Those cold temperatures, coupled with natural and lake effect snow, make Crystal Mountain a great place for winter recreation across its alpine and cross country trails. So even if you don’t have snow in your backyard, chances are there’s plenty of the white stuff at the resort.
Cutler said the new section of pipe that leads to the snowmachines will carry about 1,500 more gallons of water per minute at a velocity of 15 feet per second than the old pipe – and it will make better quality snow.
“That’s a lot of snow,” Cutler added.
As soon as temperatures allow, Cutler and his team of snowmakers are on call 24 hours a day to make snow.
The resort started making snow in 2019 on Nov. 7. And for the 2019-2020 winter season, Crystal Mountain opened for skiing and riding on Nov. 15, the earliest opening in 23 years.
The snowmaking pipe is another in guest improvements the resort has made. The resort is installing RFID (radio frequency identification device) ticketing and gate systems for chairlift access. That technology will allow skiers and snowboarders to load onto chairlifts quicker and more efficiently, which reduces the amount of time spent waiting in lift lines. It also allows for touchless, cashierless and flexible pricing options for skiers.
Season passes, Four Seasons Club memberships for unlimited ski options and advance daily lift passes are on sale at www.CrystalMountain.com.
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About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort destination located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, Peak Fitness, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center and real estate options. Visit www.CrystalMountain.com for more resort details or information about Four Seasons Club memberships.
Crystal Mountain Media Contact:
Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Director of Public Relations
SammieLukaskiewicz@CrystalMountain.com
o: (231) 378-2057