The Soft Science of Opening a Ski Area
Discover how data, climate, and innovation come together to start the ski season before everyone else. The snowmaking team from Arapahoe Basin shares the behind-the-scenes science of opening a ski area.
How does Arapahoe Basin manage to open before almost every other ski area in North America? What goes into the decision to start making snow, and how do they turn a few inches of manmade coverage into skiable terrain?
In this TEDxBreckenridge Salon, the snowmaking team from Arapahoe Basin Ski Area shared the behind-the-scenes science and strategy that enables them to start the season before everyone else.
What We Explored
- The technology and techniques behind artificial snow production
- How terrain is prepared and managed for early-season skiing
- How weather patterns and data drive operational decisions
- What it means to operate at 10,530+ feet
- The regulatory considerations that shape mountain operations
Why Are Snowflakes Hexagonal?
We also watched this video exploring why snowflakes form in hexagonal structures and why no two snowflakes are the same.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fascinating look at the intersection of science, strategy, and skiing!
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