When it comes to creating a winter wonderland, Perisher relies on the hard work and dedication of its snowmaking department to assist Mother Nature. With a team of 16 snowmakers alongside 25 groomers, Perisher's snowmakers play a crucial role in ensuring optimal snow conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
PERISHER’S snowmaking manager Paul Nicholls, who has made snow here for 35 years, says crafting snow is both an art and a science, and requires dedication and a strong work ethic to succeed in the field.
“The process may not be rocket science, but it involves more than meets the eye,” says Nicholls. “It takes approximately three seasons for a snowmaker to grasp the nuances of the job fully.’
As well as learning the ins and outs of different types of snow guns, the team need to navigate the mountain in blizzard conditions and operate compressors and pumping systems seamlessly.
The snowmaking operations run on two shifts: from 4pm to midnight and midnight to 8am. If the weather conditions permit, the department operates 24-hours a day, with some 12-hour shifts involved in order to make the mountain ready for guests and ensure consistent snow coverage for eager skiers and snowboarders.
One of the most appealing aspects of snowmaking is the opportunity to work at night and enjoy the slopes during the day.
“Snowmakers have the privilege of gazing at the stars on clear nights and witnessing breathtaking sunrises in the mornings,” says Nicholls. “However, there are also challenges, such as standing on top of a mountain during a blizzard and trying to work out which way is down.”
It takes a combination of skill, experience, and determination to overcome these obstacles and continue creating the perfect snow conditions.
Guests staying in Perisher Valley or Smiggins welcome the sound of the snowmaking machine humming away at night. It’s a comforting feeling, knowing a fresh layer will be there for your morning dose of corduroy. Gazing out of the lodge window and seeing the glowing guns across the mountain is also an interesting sight. Perhaps the best view of snowmaking is witnessing the sunrise hit the snow plume. It’s a special time of day not only for the crew, but also anyone awake bright and early to greet the warming glow.
The Snowmaking Process
Snowmaking involves the precise combination of air and water under high pressure, which is pumped through an extensive network of pipelines across the mountain. Perisher employs wet bulb temperature, a measure of the relationship between ambient air temperature and humidity, to determine the ideal conditions for snowmaking. Once the wet bulb temperature reaches -2 degrees, the team begins producing snow. Different types of snow guns distribute the mixture, and the quality is checked regularly to ensure optimal results.
“Perisher has continuously invested in improving its snowmaking operations,” says Nicholls. “Over the past decade, the resort has embraced automated technology, enhancing efficiency and producing higher-quality snow while minimising air usage.”
Recent upgrades to the pipework at Smiggin Holes have further improved operational efficiency. And the purchase of six new mobile fan guns and the installation of snowmaking equipment at the bottom of the Interceptor Chair have expanded Perisher's snowmaking capabilities. Tens of millions of dollars have been invested in the past decade.
The snowmaking team at Perisher finds immense satisfaction in their work, especially during nights of exceptional snow production when they can open runs even when natural snowfall fails to deliver.
“The job occasionally offers extraordinary moments, such as watching the southern stars pass above the resort,” says Nicholls, whose favourite skiing spot, Guthega. “We took off to the top of Mount Perisher and watched them go over us – I’ll never forget the colours; it was glowing.”
Sometimes described as the “ghosts of Perisher” because of their nocturnal hours, Perisher's snowmaking team are unsung heroes behind the breathtaking slopes and excellent snow conditions that skiers and snowboarders enjoy.
Their dedication, hard work, and knowledge of the snowmaking process ensure that the resort can provide a thrilling experience for winter sports enthusiasts. So, the next time you hit the slopes at Perisher, Australia’s largest ski resort, take a moment to appreciate the snowmakers who play God when Mother Nature fails to turn up.
