November 23, 2007
For Immediate Release:
11-23-07
Contacts:
Jennifer Ekstrom - 208.946.8731
Communications Manager
Patrick Sande - 208.255.3031
Marketing Manager
Schweitzer Makes Snow in Anticipation of Coming Storms
New Snowmaking Gun Charged Up and Building Base
Sandpoint, ID - Schweitzer Mountain Resort gears up for the forecasted winter storms by making snow to ensure there is plenty at the village base and on the lower elevation beginner’s ski area. Snowmaking machines are being utilized to supplement the anticipated natural snowfall that is expected to begin on Saturday night and continue during the coming week.
“Snowmaking is more common in areas of the country that don’t enjoy the quality and depth of natural snow that we do in northern Idaho,” said Tom Chasse, President and CEO for Schweitzer Mountain Resort. “We use the technology to ensure a consistent and quality experience for beginners on lower elevation runs and on the loading areas for our two high speed quad chairlifts.”
Schweitzer purchased a new snow gun this year, doubling their snowmaking capacity. Snowmaking machines are used by Schweitzer to fill in ditches and other variances on the ground, and to place additional coverage at high traffic areas such as Musical Chairs loading and unloading ramps and the Great Escape and Basin Express loading ramps.
The cold temperatures of the past week have been ideal for snowmaking. Schweitzer can open for the season when there are 24-36 packed inches of snow consistently covering the terrain. There are currently 6.7 inches of accumulation reported on the mountain.
The forecasted storms are anticipated to hit the area on Saturday night. The National Weather Service states today: “A pair of moist cold pacific storm systems tracking through the region on Monday night and again on or about Wednesday. These storms have the potential to produce the first significant and possibly heavy snow accumulations of the season over the populated lower elevations of Eastern Washington & North Idaho.”
About Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is quickly rising in the ranks of the nation’s top destination resorts with 2900 acres of amazing terrain and two new chairlifts for the 07-08 winter season. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle and the northwest Rocky Mountains, Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer is well known for its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and amazing gladed terrain. For more information on Schweitzer Mountain Resort call 800.831.8810 or visit www.schweitzer.com.
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