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Technology

SMALL TECHNOLOGIES WITH BIG VALUE, PART II

Delivering on the Guest Experience & Overall Safety

SKI AREAS CAN LEARN A LOT from each other when it comes snowcat-mounted radar device that returns accurate real-time
to technology and innovation—whether it’s a cutting edge snow-depth data from grooming operations. The system
development or something that’s been around awhile but has includes an ultra-wide band radar sensor, Geode Sub-meter
a relatively new application. There are numerous tools and GPS Receiver, Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet for monitoring inside
techniques designed to simplify operations, increase overall the snowcat, and web-based service for big-picture data
safety, save money, and enhance guest services. Following are analysis, with aerial map views for viewing snow depth on
some of these applications. specific trails and across a resort. The system is designed to
This is the second in an ongoing series about technol- help resort operators better target grooming areas and make
ogies and innovations used at ski areas. Please let us know informed snowmaking decisions.
about unique, noteworthy uses of technology and other The device mounts onto the snowcat so grooming
smart ways of doing things at your area so we can share operators know the snow depth without probing down into
them with others in the industry. the ground, said Paul Kelley, the SnowGage account manager
at Juniper Systems. The system collects and sends real-time
Snow Depth Management data to a web-based service, which provides operators with

Snow-depth measurement technology has been a groom- a birds-eye-view of snow depths across a mountain. That
ing game-changer at some of the best resorts on the planet, data helps to inform decision makers about where to turn
and well worth the investment. But top-notch systems can on snowmaking and where to leave it off. It also provides
be expensive—and out of reach for smaller, independently direction to grooming operations about which routes
owned areas. A new low-cost version is now providing an to prioritize.
option for those with a tight budget. “The system gives you a clear picture so you can save
SnowGage is a resort operations snow-depth man- money with both your snowmaking and your grooming
agement system from Juniper Systems. It’s built around a plan so you’re not just push ing snow everywhere and hoping
you’re covered,” Kelley said.
Courtesy of SnowGage affects the accuracy of radar,
While snow density

SnowGage in good conditions
is accurate to plus or minus 5
inches. Kelley openly conceded
that there are more accurate
snow-depth measurement
systems on the market, some
providing accuracy down to
the centimeter. However, he
said, no other system can
compete with its price.
“SnowGage is a really
simple and affordable alterna-
tive way to know your snow
depth all over your mountain
with no more effort than
you’re already putting in just
A groomer at Snowbasin Resort, Utah, uses the SnowGage system to monitor snow depth on specific trails. by having snowcats out there

16 | NSAA JOURNAL | CONVENTION 2019