SROM 175 Ski Resort Snowmaking Systems introduces you to the various components of ski resort snowmaking systems and accepted concepts, principles, and operational and management practices for machine snowmaking for the snow resort industry. You will learn about the physics and mechanics of snowmaking and its uses within a snow resort context, as well as its impacts on mountain resort operations and resort costs of operation. You will study snowmaking system components, including snow guns, water pumps and air compressors, system infrastructure, and system controls. You will also examine ski area snowmaking system design, operational practices, snowmaking capital and operating costs, and methods for improving the energy efficiency of ski resort snowmaking operations.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 10 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify the main objectives of snowmaking operations, and the implications of snowmaking for the overall operations and economics of a ski resort
- Describe how snow is formed through naturally occurring meteorological conditions and processes, and explain the implications of the natural process for how snow is made with machines
- Identify and describe the various components of a snowmaking system, including how those components operate: snow guns, water pumps and distribution systems, air compressors and distribution systems, air and water cooling systems, weather monitoring systems, and computer control systems
- Outline and describe the various types of snowmaking guns and systems including their operational requirements and characteristics, suitability for weather and terrain scenarios, and their utility requirements
- Describe the process of system design and system sizing
- Identify and explain the fundamental economic implications of snowmaking for snow sports resorts, including basic capital and operating costs and methods of controlling costs
- Identify the chief environmental impacts and issues associated with ski resort snowmaking
Teaching and Learning Approach
This is a student-centred approach which will blend together theory and practice. Experiential opportunities will
be had within the classroom, online, community and in an industry settings where possibleLearning Resources
Required: Snowmaking reference packages and handouts.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introductions Who has made snow Why is snowmaking important to ski areas? Hand out course outline PP- history of snowmaking PP-system overview PP- metrology and snowmaking Assign questions
2. Recap history/overview/metrology Take up questions Assign questions In-class exercise/why snowmaking PP- objectives, impacts and installation decision factors PP- snowmaking system and guns
3. Recap objectives/system and guns PP snow gun evaluation Take up questions Assign questions Fan gun identification exercise
4. Recap snowmaking systems and guns/fan gun identification Take up questions PP- water distribution Assign reading Assign questions
5. Recap water distribution PP compressed air Take up questions Review for mid term
6. Mid-term exam
7. Hand back marked exam PP-design and sizing Manual vs automated Assign reading Assign questions Assign main assignment
8. Recap design and sizing/manual vs automated Take up questions PP- snowmax Assign questions/reading
9. Make snow
10. Recap snowmax Take up questions PP- snowmaking and the environment Review for final exam
11. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Assignments and Quizzes; 2 Quizzes @ each | 2.5% 2,3 | 5% |
| Snow gun comparison / evaluation | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 | 25% |
| Midterm Test | 1,2,3,4,5 | 35% |
| Final Test | 4,5,6,7 | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.