SAM Magazine—Natick, Mass., Jan. 22, 2024—Online voting for the 2024 “I AM a Snowmaker” contest is now open through midnight (EST) on Friday, Feb. 2. Since it debuted the winter of 2013-14, the annual I AM contest—sponsored by HKD Snowmakers—has highlighted the hard work, determination, and camaraderie of snowmakers, recognizing how critical they are to the success of the mountain resort industry. 

This season, eight resorts vie for the I AM a Snowmaker title with videos showcasing a “day in the life” of their snowmaking teams. Each video is unique, and all are testaments to the grit and dedication of snowmaking crews across North America.

The eight finalists competing in this season’s I AM a Snowmaker contest are:

Bretton Woods, N.H.

Cataloochee Ski Area, N.C.

Copper Mountain, Colo.

Gore Mountain, N.Y.

Greek Peak, N.Y.

Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

Panorama, B.C.

Waterville Valley, N.H.

“I AM a Snowmaker contest is a highlight for us at HKD,” said HKD Snowmakers president Charles Santry. “From its inception in 2013, the purpose of I AM has always been to illuminate the inspiring hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication of snowmaking crews across the industry.”

“For 2024, the diversity of the eight snowmaking teams—in terms of snowmaking crews, system size, geography, and the various snowmaking technology utilized—is extraordinary,” continued Santry. “I can’t wait for everyone to tune into these videos sharing the unique stories, personnel, and experiences of each resort. Enjoy watching and vote early and often!”

The crew’s video with the most votes at the end of the voting period wins a two-day trip to HKD’s Canadian headquarters in Quebec. HKD will announce the winner during the NSAA Eastern Conference and Tradeshow at Mount Snow, Vt., on Feb. 6.

“Without snowmakers doing what they do best, the all-important Christmas holiday period would have been lost at ski areas across North America this season,” said SAM Magazine publisher Olivia Rowan. “We’re proud to help celebrate their hard work and use SAM’s platform to broadly recognize how vital they are to our industry’s success.”

Each finalist submitted a profile and short video for the contest. To view the profiles, videos—and most importantly, vote—visit: www.saminfo.com/i-am-a-snowmaker.