Emission 3.1 - Snowmaking at Mission Ridge

Well, it’s that time again. “That time” to get your skis waxed and core shots filled, “that time” get off the couch and get up to the mountain (it’s open by the way!), “that time” to enjoy the amazing snow conditions at Mission Ridge, and “that time” to tell me you’ve already done those things and have more days skiing already than I do. It’s also “that time” for Mission Ridge Media to release the first EMISSION webisode of the 12/13 season.

If you haven’t checked out any prior videos in the EMISSION Web Series, be sure to!  This web series has evolved over the past few seasons, and if you’ve been watching, we hope you’ve enjoyed the ride.  This season we will feature more great athletes, ideas, visions, people, stunts, powder,and stories that will make you develop a deeper appreciation for this amazing mountain and its people.

Emission 3.1 - “Snow-Mo” follows the night-shift snowmaking crew as they battle weather and issues that naturally arise while making snow.  They did what it took to get the mountain open early and were extremely successful in doing so.  Not only did the mountain open on time, but it opened with more runs and more snow coverage than it had seen in many years.

Mission’s sophisticated snowmaking system comprised of 19 snowguns and a 18 million gallon reservoir are run by a crew of 8 people split up to work two 12-hour shifts.  This means Mission is snowmaking all day and all night, as long as the temperatures are cold enough.  Jon Wax, Mission Ridge’s snowmaking manager shared some of the many intricacies of the job for this episode.  He said, “We have to do our jobs well, so others can do their jobs.  Without snow, nobody at the mountain can work, and ultimately, people aren’t skiing and boarding.”  It was clear that the snowmaking crew takes pride in the fact that much of the mountain operation relies on them.  

Enjoy watching as this hard charging crew of returning veteran snowmakers get the job done, all for your enjoyment!  If you see these people around, tell them thank you.  Even give your thanks when that foot of naturally dry powder blankets your favorite run, because that foot of natural snow is likely falling on a perfectly covered base laid down by this group of dedicated snowmakers.  

Video and Article by Jared Eygabroad/Mission Ridge Media