 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Renry, the key thing is they only work when it's cold! I think that was my biggest mistaken pre-conception, I assumed that it would always be alright because they could make snow. However, if the air temperature is above about -4C they make rain, and that's useless. I believe the air humidity has to be right too.
My observation is that resorts will run snowmakers whenever they get the opportunity, and in recent years I know that some Italian resorts were opening entirely on the basis of artificial snow.
If you happen to be ski-ing on a piste where snowmaker is occuring - ski-ing into the 'plume' is like ski-ing into a small, heavy snow storm. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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The Americans seem to do artificial snow better than the Europeans IMHO, they will run them in some eastern resorts even during snow storms on certain runs to build a large enough base to keep running through any warm periods.
Regards
Greg
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| easiski wrote: |
| Renry, the latest ones do run up to about +2 deg now |
-2C I think you will find and that only if you use an additive such as Snowmax. You can make snow at any temperature if you precool the water but that is extremely expensive and not practical for widespread use.
Regarding US/European snow making I was reading an article recenty saying how far behind the Septics had fallen, at least compared to France. French resorts having much better and more efficient snow making equipment, partly due to the cost of energy.
The problem, in places like the Savoie, is snowmaking is replacing a lack of snowfall but this is in itself due to a drying out of the area - 30% less precipitation since 1970. Water management and how this resource is used is going to be a BIG issue over the next 20 years.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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interesting info David, I guess the sceptics place so much importance on the thanksgiving period that early snowmaking is essential....
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At the PSB (October, Les Deux Alpes) at resort level when it was v. warm, there was a limited amount of snow being made. There was a large containerised unit with big fans on the top which I assume was a chiller unit. This fed a snow cannon, there was real snow being shovelled around ! 
I assume this is v.expensive to run.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Renry, Snow looks quite good at ZaZ at the mo. You really dont need much depth at ZaZ to have great skiing. If the week before you go there is a bit of snowfall on the base already there then it will be great. Regular top ups to the base layer and cold temps will generally mean fantastic conditions. If the snow is poor and your group is inexperienced then stick to the slopes between 2000m - 1400m where the snow will be better and the runs generally easier. ZaZ is a bit like a sponge pudding in shape, with the flatter runs at the top. The runs below 1400 back to the base stations can be tricky for the inexperienced if the snow isnt very good. This is not a problem as you have a choice of lifts that will download you safely back to ZaZ.
One other thing; if you see a mound of artificial snow lying on the piste that has come out of a nearby snow cannon then try and ski round it as it has a strange consistency and snow will stop you dead. A bit like wet cement. ZaZ is the most beatiful place, you'll have a ball.
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Renry, As a taster here are a couple of ZaZ shots. It was a very cold day, Bright sunshine buy -18C.
Photo1
Photo2
You will have to register in the media zone (if not already done) to see the pics. PS thats "the wife"
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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A was allready registered thanks Frosty the Snowman, nice pickies. And thanks again for the help and advice.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Answering the 'where' part of Renry's question, they are often installed at critical points in the system where a loss of snow would seriously mess up the use of lifts etc. For example, on runs back to resort. On lower areas of mega resorts. On slopes which don't hold snow well because south facing, wind scoured or whatever.
Some places can't run them as much as they would like to because of water shortages. And they are expensive both in capital costs to install and maintenance and running costs.
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You know it makes sense.
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| Frosty the Snowman wrote: |
| Renry,One other thing; if you see a mound of artificial snow lying on the piste that has come out of a nearby snow cannon then try and ski round it as it has a strange consistency and snow will stop you dead. A bit like wet cement. ZaZ is the most beatiful place, you'll have a ball. |
I skiied through piles of the stuff in Sestriere earlier this year and found it varied from wet cement through fluffy to one pile that just launched me in the air as if it were a ramp
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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The machines can be set to make any grade and consistency of snow from powder to concrete. Typically they make concrete. It's most useful from a practical point of view.
Skiing through the plume is most unpleasant.
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Poster: A snowHead
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FAQ
So what is the score with the snow making machines, when and were do they tend to be used? 
, but it is interesting to get an idea of what to expect at resort when I get there. From your experiences what can I expect in regards to snow on opening week at resort level? 
