I had the opportunity to join an intimate, all-access tour of Wisp Resort’s snowmaking system on Friday, January 17, 2025, hosted by resort General Manager Ron Hawkes. It was eye-opening to see how the team takes Deep Creek Lake water and turns it into the snow whales that create a consistent ski season. With no question off-limits, we explored every aspect of the operations—from the pumping system and the resort’s financial organization to the strategic planning that ensures consistent coverage across 172 acres of skiable terrain.
After several seasons away from the slopes, I’m excited to say I’m back at Wisp. Honestly, I’ve already skied more this season than in the previous 20 combined! Serving as a mountain host this season, there’s no better way to dive back in than with both skis! While I’ve missed a lot of the recent chatter online, I was excited to reconnect with Wisp and learn about the work happening behind the scenes to keep the resort running smoothly.
The core of Wisp’s snowmaking operation is an impressive network of pumps, holding ponds, snow sticks, snow guns, and fans. Water is drawn from Deep Creek Lake using resort-owned pumps that send approximately 7,000 gallons of water per minute uphill to two enormous holding ponds, each capable of holding 11 million gallons of water. From there, high-powered pumps send a staggering 15,500 gallons of water per minute to supply the snow guns stationed throughout the mountain.
It was noted that when the ponds appear to be running low, it means snow has already been made to cover the mountain. When making snow, the pumps continuously draw water from a “pit” about 25 feet under the pump house, while the uphill pumps—operating at about half the capacity of the pumps to the snowmaking machines—work to replenish those holding ponds.
It was also mentioned that some of the older snowmaking technology, especially on North Camp, has proven to be poorly designed. If the nozzle and pipe freeze, causing a “beard” to form, the snowmaking stick is damaged beyond repair and must be completely replaced.
Did you know? Deep Creek Lake water is so clean that a product called Snomax needs to be added to the snowmaking process. When mixed with water, Snomax acts as a high-temperature ice nucleator, providing a site for ice crystals to form in each water droplet, speeding up the freezing process. This makes snowmaking more efficient by increasing the number of droplets that freeze before hitting the ground, leading to better snow coverage.
The map provided on the tour shows the 7 trails (indicated in black) with no snowmaking capabilities, the 8 trails that are equipped with new or newer permanent snowmaking infrastructure (indicated in green), and the 2 slopes (indicated in red) that rely on older “low-temp” snowmaking technology. The slopes marked in red require temperatures of 19 degrees Fahrenheit. The remainder of the trails on the map are supported by approximately 36 portable snowmaking machines.
The portable machines require both power and water hoses to be moved around the mountain, and they are equipped with wheels and rubber tires. Moving these machines is challenging, so once they are set up in a location, the snow guns work to produce as much snow as possible in that area.
The tour highlighted the challenges of maintaining such a complex system. A recent pump malfunction led to an emergency shutdown, much like what you’d see in a power plant. After troubleshooting, a component needed replacement on five separate pumps, but sourcing this part caused delays. Additionally, the pumps that feed water uphill showed a 50% capacity reading, only to be discovered—after a proper system shutdown—that they weren’t pulling any water. The portable machines also face issues, as their rubber tires freeze, stick, and require frequent replacement. To prepare for this season, over 30 new tires were purchased.
This kind of maintenance is ongoing. Pipes—many of which were purchased used—require constant attention, especially with the acidic soil around the mountain. Repairs happen during the summer months, with a full-time welder on staff to keep things in working order. It’s a year-round effort that often goes unnoticed by the average visitor.
One thing that stood out to me was the management’s deep appreciation for its employees. From troubleshooting pump issues to welding new pipes, GM Hawkes got emotional when speaking about his team.
“Our employees are the heart of everything we do. We couldn’t deliver this level of experience without their expertise and hard work. They deserve the all the ‘thanks’ when you see them.”
As part of its five-year strategic plan, Wisp is investing heavily in infrastructure improvements. Goals include purchasing more fixed pumps, upgrading aging equipment, and addressing long-term challenges like pipe maintenance. Unlike many resorts, Wisp operates independently of its parent company, PGRI, meaning it’s financially self-sufficient—a fact that underscores the importance of careful planning but also a reliance on nature providing cold winter temperatures.
It was a good reminder of all the effort that goes into creating the experiences we all love. Whether you’re just starting out on the magic carpet or hitting favorites like Boulder, Squirrel Cage, and Down Under, there’s a whole team making it all happen behind the scenes.
If you see me around the mountain, feel free to say hi. Here’s to a great season and some of the best conditions in years – I’ll see you on the slopes!
Here are a few photos from the tour: