Cold snap provides big assist in snowmaking at WinSport

This winter has been nothing short of odd in Calgary.

From double-digit positive temperatures to a cold snap that closed the ski and snowboard hill for a few days, there have been several hurdles to overcome.

But that recent cold spell, one which saw temperatures approach -50 degrees Celsius with the wind chill, provided a great window for WinSport to make snow and prepare more winter features.

WinSport’s Manager of Hill Operations, Colby Lehman, says the cold temperatures allowed WinSport to build out many aspects of the main hill, providing added confidence to host upcoming ski and snowboard events.

Learn more: WinSport welcoming FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup in February

Further to Lehman’s point, some of the features included in the Advanced Terrain Park, the West Main Terrain Park and the halfpipe, are slated to open by Jan. 26.

On top of the advanced features, WinSport saw several additional features open thanks to the additional snowmaking. These features include:

• Alpine race lanes open right from the top of the 88 chair.
• Beginner area fully groomed wall to wall with 100% of the area open for lessons and programs.

“The added snow has allowed our grooming team to also even the rolls and gullies on the upper hill,” Lehman explained. “This change provides an improved user experience for the guests who have progressed from the carpets to the main hill.”