Winter Park's $37 Million Snowmaking Upgrade Extends Ski Season

Ski Resorts Invest in Snowmaking to Lengthen Seasons

Winter Park Resort has invested $37 million over the past two summers to upgrade its snowmaking system. The new system, replacing equipment from the 1970s, allows the resort to open well before Thanksgiving and remain operational deep into spring. Despite receiving over 330 inches of natural snow this season - the most in Colorado - Winter Park continues to benefit from its improved snowmaking capabilities.

The Winter Park gondola rising in the morning sun. Credit: Winter Park Resort

The investment in snowmaking is not unique to Winter Park. Vail Resorts has spent over $100 million on snowmaking across its properties in the past decade. This includes significant upgrades at Vail Mountain, Keystone, and Breckenridge with the goal to provide more skiing days and consistent conditions for visitors.

Aspen Skiing Company has also invested in snowmaking at the top of Aspen Mountain, with plans for similar upgrades at Snowmass. These improvements allow for upper-mountain openings and closings during years with less natural snow. Eldora Mountain Resort, a Front Range ski area, is seeking approval to expand its water storage for snowmaking, recognising the need to prepare for potential future climate variability.

The current Winter Park trail map. Credit: Winter Park Resort.

While climate change is a consideration, the primary motivation for these snowmaking investments is to extend seasons in the near term. Winter Park has exceeded 200 operating days in recent seasons, a significant increase from historical norms. The dense, durable nature of machine-made snow also contributes to better spring skiing conditions.

Winter Park Resort has seen above-average snowfall for the past three seasons. However, the upgraded snowmaking system positions the resort well for potential future variations in natural snowfall. As Miller from Winter Park states, 'It's become more of a reality that this is what we're going to need to be able to operate in the future.' The investment in snowmaking technology represents a proactive approach to ensuring consistent, long ski seasons for years to come.