Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Peter Ski Area. File photo by Roger Gavan.
Until Monday, Jan. 23 and later this past week, Mount Peter Ski Area, had the only snow in town.
When it first opened for its 87th season on Dec. 17, it appeared winter was here. But this January, with mild temperatures and rain, turned out to be one of Warwick’s least snowy winters in recent memory.
The ski area has enough snow-making capability to carry it through the season without help from Mother Nature.
Snowstorms can help cover all trails and the tubing park. Mt. Peter has 100 per cent snowmaking capability. When temperatures are right, snowmaking crews can work around the clock.
Snowmaking
In general and contrary to what some people believe, snow is snow no matter how it is made.
Snowmaking is a process of creating snow by dispersing tiny water particles and air, under pressure, into cold air. This produces a snowflake structure that is similar to natural snow. And by regulating the water content, snow can be deliberately made into covering ranging from light powder to wet base snow. It can also withstand higher temperature before melting.
Snow Basin Learning Center
This season, Mt. Peter features an expanded and redesigned Snow Basin Learning Center.
The redesign adds a third carpet lift to carry skiers to the top of the beginner hill. As mentioned on its Website, last year the mountain added a 5,000-square-foot rental shop that more than doubled the size of the previous rental space. Software installed allows guests to purchase tickets at www.mtpeter.com.
Call the Mount Peter Snow Phone at (845) 986-4992 to hear the latest trail openings and conditions.
- Roger Gavan