2024 I AM a Snowmaker

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The I AM a Snowmaker contest—sponsored by HKD Snowmakers—highlights the hard work, determination and camaraderie of snowmakers, and recognizes their critical contributions to the alpine, Nordic, snowboard, and winter tubing industry. I AM a Snowmaker was launched in 2013, and has highlighted the expertise and character of a wide variety of snowmaking teams across North America.

Congratulations for Greek Peak from New York, the 2024 winners of the I AM a Snowmaker contest! View their videos and the others, below.

HKD will host the winning team at its Canadian headquarters in Quebec City, Quebec, for two days of education and entertainment. The I AM a Snowmaker winners will be given the opportunity to dive deep into HKD’s best-selling products and learn how to maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and safely operate HKD equipment.

Bretton Woods, NH

The 2024 Bretton Woods snowmaking team is exactly that—a team. Hard working, dedicated, engaged, and always willing to do what it takes to get the job done. The team comes from different backgrounds with different life and work experiences, but they have bonded and learned together during this snowmaking season. Whether on the day shift or the night shift, they all work together knowing their individual work contributes to a larger picture. They communicate across shifts and recognize how the whole operation needs to work together to make every 24-hour period a success. And when they aren’t making snow, they are out skiing and snowboarding, testing their product and taking pride in a job well done.

Cataloochee ski area, nC

The only thing more exciting than our nomination for "I AM" is our snowmaking team's unmatched "WE ARE." In terms of "teamwork makes the dream work," our snowmakers understood the assignment—and even that is an understatement. We kicked off our 63rd season against all odds in November, thanks to a short, swift, completely unplanned window of opportunity and our snowmaking family's impeccable whim. I AM. WE ARE. THIS IS snowmaking at Cataloochee Ski Area.

copper Mountain, Co

Copper Mountain's snowmakers are some of the first each season throughout the whole industry to fire up snow guns. They have the crucial task of not only preparing our mountain for opening day, but creating our early season alpine race training venues. Copper Mountain opens in late October each season to host race training for athletes from across the globe. Copper is the Official Training Center for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team, meaning U.S. Team athletes use our facilities to prep for their World Cup seasons ahead. Additionally, our crews are responsible for blowing snow to create our 22-foot superpipe, which is one of three Olympic-sized pipes available in the U.S., and the only venue of its kind open in North America each season in December.

gore mountain, NY

The Gore Mountain snowmaking team is a dedicated crew of 25 who work hard to produce top-quality winter fun for visitors. Their job doesn't end after the cold weather, as they spend the off-season installing new tower guns and fixing pipes to ensure the snowmaking system is in top shape. Gore Mountain's state-of-the-art snowmaking system includes mostly high-efficiency, low-energy HKD snowmaking towers, demonstrating the resort's commitment to providing optimal snow conditions and sustainability.

greek peak, Ny

The Greek Peak snowmaking team consists of 24 individuals who play a crucial role in creating and maintaining our ski slopes during the winter season. Their combined 65+ years of hard work and knowledge are essential for ensuring consistent snow coverage, even in the challenging New York weather conditions. These dedicated individuals often work long hours but enjoy every minute of it, which is why they choose to be snowmakers.

Mammoth mountain, ca

Mammoth Mountain's 35-member snowmaking crew has a combined 143 years of experience. This seasoned team ranges from a 35-year veteran to fresh recruits, all drawn to Mammoth by their shared love for the mountains and winter sports. Beyond the snowmaking season, these dedicated individuals become valued members of summer construction crews. In a true display of versatility, the snow removal team comprises many of these same snowmakers, with several lending their expertise to the Cat Crew and Lift Ops when snowmaking duties conclude. The team's dedication, a fusion of experience and passion—is the driving force behind Mammoth Mountain's winter magic.

panorama, bC

If you asked our team to describe snowmaking season at Panorama, they’d be the first to tell you everything happens fast. From the very first gun firing to when equipment is hauled off the mountain Panorama’s snowmaking team works around the clock relentlessly for 45 days at a blistering pace, finishing before the mountain ever opens to the public. Working through frigid temperatures and on steep fall-line terrain, our close-knit team of 24 tap into a wealth of experience, technical know-how, and heaps of determination to cover 1,010 meters (that’s 3,714 feet) of vertical terrain, all for the love of snow.

waterville valley, nh

The snowmaking crew at Waterville Valley Resort has a combined experience of 27 years among its 14 members. Fueled by sheer determination, a passion for the outdoors, and the unique camaraderie born from embracing the cold, this small yet effective team oversees the maintenance of more than 265 skiable acres spanning over 2,000 feet of vertical gain. Confronting the erratic temperatures and notorious high winds of northern New England, the Waterville team perseveres. They battle harsh conditions and fickle weather patterns all the while striving to create an optimal snow surface.

"You're spending a lot of time with these guys, and you need to trust them, and they need to trust you." says snowmaking foreman Skylor Strauch, "That's one thing my crew has – that trust."

View previous I AM a Snowmaker videos:

2023

2022

2021