2.17.12 Harris Hill & Ripcord – open for business
When I was growing up in Keene, NH the Harris Hill Ski Jump competition was on our annual list of “must attend” events. Maple Valley (on RT 30 in Brattleboro) was our home ski mountain so hanging a right to check out the jumping action was easy.
Our high school ski team had a nordic team and ski jumping was a discipline. I tried a little jump in Newport, NH and that was the start and end of my jumping career. But several of my teammates jumped, which made Harris Hill all the more compelling. Well, that and the famous crash on the Wide World of Sports.
Newport NH 1981 - who would have thought that I would marry that handsome ski jumper? Wel, I kinda did!
The Harris Hill Ski Jump is a 90 meter jump in Brattleboro that dates back to 1922, before it was even an Olympic sport. http://harrishillskijump.com/ They are holding their annual competition this weekend and it is the only FIS stop in the US. They rebuilt the jump in 2008 and Mount Snow purchased a step as part of the fundraising. Every year Mount Snow helps out with snowmaking.
I talked to Randy Barrows, head of Mount Snow’s snowmaking, about Harris Hill. He said the Mount Snow snowmakers have been going down there for 26+ yrs. And Randy has been there every year. They started making snow about 2 wks ago. This year Randy has been working with the Harris Hill volunteers and teaching them how to make snow. Chuck Hamby, another one of our veteran snowmakers, went to the hill each night to adjust the water content. Randy is confident that next year they (the volunteers) will be able to handle it own their own. But I am pretty sure he will stop by!
Similar to Ripcord, Randy explained that you try to make the snow as wet as possible for building, knowing that the groomers won’t be on it. Down at Harris Hill they use chlorinated water and the snow looks white but the water content is blue before it is completely frozen – a really amazing sight, according to Randy. Harris Hill rents their own compressors and a pump. They get their water from a fire hydrant with only 100 PSI (you need about 200 PSI to make snow) and they boost it with the pump. It takes about 24 lengths of feed hose (about 1200 ft) to reach the jump. Randy heard that next year they may install some pipe. In addition, they have to extend 300 ft of hose to reach the top of the ramp. Randy said the stairs aren’t bad but you have to wear creepers to make snow on the ramp. There are slats on the ramp that helps for walking and holding the snow – without the slats the snow would just slide off.
Pictured above – Harris Hill – 2/14/12. I encourage you to check out this great event! http://harrishillskijump.com/
When I asked Randy about the similarities of making snow on Ripcord , he said if you make it too dry it will avalanche, especially, on the pitch. He explained that you make it wet and are trying to make roots so it adheres to the pitch. As time goes on you back off on the water content and as you get near the end you powder coat it. On Ripcord, Randy and his snowmaking team do it all on foot. Randy told me that when they first fired it up it was pretty fast and they had to start up in the brush line so they could have good footing. I was surprised to hear that it is Randy’s favorite trail to make snow on. Why? Just because of the challenge and there are no obstacles in the way (lifts, shacks, etc.)
Dragging out my old photo albums made me think that I would love to write a blog about the Glade-iator event. If you have any old photos, please send them to me at ripcord@mountsnow.com. Maybe I will use them in my blog.
Ripcord on opening day - 2012
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Is avalanche a verb?
Verb: (of a mass of snow, ice, and rocks) Descend rapidly down a mountainside.
Hi Kelly. Just wanted to drop you a line and comment on our recent weeks trip to Mount Snow from Feb 5th to Feb 10th. In a nutshell…..you guys are great. The mountain was in great shape, especially given the circumstances. From the parks, to the fun bumps you left for us on Free Fall, to the rope dropping on South bowl after 2+ days of making snow on it (holy fun Batman), we had an absolute blast tooling aroung the hill for a week. But let me tell you why we ski Mount snow exclusivley…and we probably get out about 40-50 times a season. Our kids (3 1/2 yo twins) were scheduled for cub camp on that Wendsday and Friday. They got sick on Monday (of course) and unfortunately were down for the week and could not attend either sessions. The people (Heather ?) over at the child care area were EXTREMELY helpful. They were willing to reschedule, then see if there were any cancellations on Thursday and then on Friday when it was obvious it was a no go, they had our vouchers all ready to go. Not only that, but since the kids were not in camp on Friday, my wife and I couldn’t ski. We had already purchased a 5 day ticket with our fanfare cards. The ticket people gave us 2 vouchers to ski for the days we couldn’t go, even though it was outside the normal timeframe (10 AM ?) for them to do so. They could not have been nicer or more helpful. You guys have doen an awesome job with that place since to bought it and it is quickly realizing the full potential of what it can be, and what those of us who love it there knew it could be. Well done Mount Snow! See you many more times this winter!
Oh yeah….one more thing. Thanks for making snow on Ripcord! I was up there this past Friday and I swear I lapped that trail a dozen times at least! I cant remember the last time I skied that trail with the snow so soft!! My legs may have been yelling at me on the drive home, but that was FUN FUN FUN !!!!
You guys rock!! In a year when most vermont ski areas are only resurfacing, you guys are expanding terrain!! Way to kick ass!!!
Kelly – You and your team have been doing a fantastic job this season. We’ve been bringing our family to Mt Snow for the past decade, and I am guessing the temperatures and lack of snow have made this the most weather-challenged year during this period. Regardless, the skiing has been great and we have been having great fun. Please pass along our compliments and thanks to your colleagues. Tim
Bobby, Xscreamer and Tim – thanks for the great feedback. Many of our staff read this blog and it is always nice for them to hear how much their work is appreciated.
Kelly, I was up this weekend with a friend and my grandaughter and my daughter. We had a great time, Ella my grandaughter took private snowboarding lessons with Alex. She really had a great time. The conditions were really quite good considering what little snow we have had but I was wondering though why they weren’t making snow at night. I believe it was cold enough. I also have another suggestion, I think during the high volume weekends they should not have the drop off option, it caused a terrible traffic backkup. Looking forward to Mardi Gras weekend.
Carol – thanks for the feedback. We made snow Sunday night on 87 acres. We have built spring depths and we only made snow on trails that we felt needed a resurfacing. We made a lot of snow prior to Pres Week to prepare for the crowds and feel that the hill is holding up nicely. We have made a lot of snow this winter and it has been a costly venture. So economics also play into our decision too.
The drop zone does get backed up on busy days but I don’t see how we can take it away. There are so many people that rely on it. In our master redevelopment plan we have a new and improved drop zone. My best advice is plan ahead and avoid 9:15 – 10 am in the drop zone.
Can you guys groom uncles for the weekend.. been wating all season to hit it, and the only time it was open it was a sheet of ice and super dangerous… Been a season pass holder for 5 years and its by far the best run on the mountain when the conditions are right… would love to hit it this weekend with some fresh cord?