Photo Closet

The Photo Closet is where we place photos that were on the home page.  Captions below the photos.

This is the snowmaking demo at Steamboat during the NSAA show.  We ran the Supercrystal, the Sauron and LP2-4.  This is the first time we could run all 3 side by side by side at a show.

2005 Edge.  The hours are:
Hr meter at RPM gauge 2324  Drive time 874.7 
Tiller 510.1 Engine Hrs 2382.5
tiller included, this cat is ready to go, everything is in great shape.
Southeast $130,000
More Pictures

Snowmaking has started.  This is the Supercrystal cranking snow 
out at Arapahoe Basin on September 23, 2009.
Video 1
Video 2

This is a semi auto Supercrystal cranking out the snow at GREAT BEAR in Sioux Falls, SD.  It has our new 12 blade fan and is running on a 30 amp breaker.  Remember this is the biggest producing snowgun on the market making a lot of snow.   
Just 12 hours and they pushed out a big pile.

This is the Supercrystal running at Idaho Express tubing hill north of Boise.  This tubing hill was opened with this Supercrystal and our new 40 HP portable booster pump.  We adjusted the oscillator to nearly 180 degrees to completely cover the top of the hill in just one night.  Here is a link to the tubing hill we have worked so hard on.  Idaho X Press

Here is a Supercrystal demo running in Utah.  Conditions were difficult due to very warm water but the gun made this massive pile of snow in 18 hours.  We reached 140 gpm with temperatures in the upper teens.

Loveland Ski Area is trying out the new automatic Supercrystal this season.  They are in a race with Arapahoe Basin to be the first to open in the country  Snowmaking on October 6, 2008.  Go to Loveland's website for updates to the snowmaking page and the web cam.

This is the Turbocristal Sauron low energy gun with an on board air compressor and wheeled carriage.  This is at Loveland Ski Area near the base and it is doing well in marginal conditions.  This Sauron was sold to Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, CO for the ski resort operations program.

CHS Snowmakers is now the Western USA sales representative for Turbocristal.  Pictured is the new automatic Supercrystal fan snowmaker.  This photo was taken at the Snowbird NSAA show during the snowmaking demo.  The temperature was 10º F wet bulb, water psi 745 and it was flowing 180 gpm making snow quality 3.  The biggest benefit to the re-designed central nozzle is a water filter is optional!  No more clogged nozzles or even cleaning filters.  Visit Turbocristal's website for more details.

This is the low energy Turbocristal Sauron 21' tower on a portable sled.  It has a 5 HP Hydrovane air compressor, uses 25 cfm, has three stages, well designed head with air controlled valves in the head for stages 3 and 4 and also has very good heat transfer.  We ran it at two ski areas in single digit temperatures with 32º F+ water.  It worked well when other guns froze up.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in CO fired up their snowmaking on September 24, 2007 on a good cold night.  This photo is after several nights of snowmaking on October 3.  The race is on with Loveland.  Wednesday October 10th Arapahoe Basin opened for the season.

Loveland Ski Area CO also fired up their guns at the same time as A-Basin.  Lets see who wins this year, in 2006 A-Basin beat Loveland by a day for the first time ever.  Photo courtesy of Loveland.

This is Saint Mary's Glacier west of Denver on August 24, 2007.  Michael Fehrle and his dad Tony hiked up to get some summer rail sessions in.  Many people use this snow field to get their summer months of riding in so they can be on snow 12 months a year.  CHS Snowmakers owner Jason Sawin is going on 5 years of skiing every month.  Here is a you tube link of some guys this summer riding the glacier.

The first snow of the season has arrived in Colorado on August 24, 2007.  This is Torrey's Peak west of Denver and the summit is over 14,000'.  Snow level was below tree line at 11,500'.  If you have been putting off projects or getting equipment for the winter season then you better go to our Classifieds page for more photos and information.

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado is trying out a LP3D with compressor on lifting frame and a Areco Supersnow.  Shortly after this photo was taken the snow started flying and the snow was being made.  September 2006.

John Timmons skiing Loveland Pass with new snow on September 21, 2006, the last full day of summer.  This was between storms and a few days later there was 2' of snow he was skiing.  Loveland and
A-Basin are racing to be the first to open.

Sipapu Ski Area in New Mexico is a good customer and loves to try our products.  This is Drift snow and they noticed a difference with it right away.  As compared to other additives or no additives the snow was easy to push with a cat and was soft and smooth from beginning to end.  They will continue to use Drift and save money while doing it.  January 13th, 2006 Photo by Jason Sawin

Here is an LP3D 25' tower with onboard 7.5 HP Atlas Copco air compressor at Sipapu.  The carriage is an Areco carriage with adjustable legs (wheels available) and a lifting frame.  Very unique and extremely easy to move with a snowcat.  January 13th, 2006 
Photo by Jason Sawin

We had another White Christmas for 5 years in a row.  It has been very warm here in Colorado this last week and we were only able to make snow for 1 hour on Christmas morning at 27° wet bulb and 32° dry bulb temp.  This is the Cornice Snowmaker with a 95/40 nozzle making a little bit of snow to make it white.  It melted in a few hours.  Photo by Kelly Sawin

Jeremy Chestnutt with Chestnutt Outdoor Services does contract snowmaking in Wisconsin.  Here is a Cornice II piling up the snow for a customer in early December 2005. Photo by Jeremy Chestnutt.

Jackson Hole Ski Area tested the LP3 tower and the Areco Supersnow.  The LP3 20' tower had three 50/40 nozzles and we reduced the air pressure to 50 psi at 18F wb and made great snow.  November 2005 Photo by Jason Sawin

We made snow in West Yellowstone for the annual Fall Ski Festival.  Fischer Skis was promoting their new Jib Skate XC ski for terrain parks.  We used two Cornice II Snowmakers and the Areco Junior with a generator to pile up the snow in two nights.  November 2005 Photo by Jason Sawin.

This is Jason Sawin skiing Saint Mary's Glacier on August 19th, 2005.  The lower and middle part of the glacier was connected and the upper section had a short gap.  St Mary's Lake is feed by the glacier.  We are nearing the 3 year mark for skiing every month of the year.  Photo by Kelly Sawin

Independence Pass near Aspen, CO on August 15th, 2005.  This pass is only open in the summer, on the west side the road is one lane in a few areas on a cliff.  Photo by Jason Sawin

Harro in the Netherlands tested his Cornice Snowmaker in a freezer warehouse in the middle of July 2005.  He is preparing to make snow on the Greenland Ice Cap for a science experiment in August.  Check back here to see Greenland photos.

Cloudcroft Ski Area in New Mexico is the furthest south operating ski area the USA.  They currently have limited snowmaking and in 2006 will be installing new snowmaking.  Photo by Jason Sawin July 19, 2005.

Jackson Hole Ski Area June 14, 2005.  John Timmons hiking from the top of the tram to ski some of the summertime backcountry snow.  Photo by Jason Sawin

We were able to have all of our products on display at the ISAA show at Jackson Hole.  Thank you to all the ski areas that attended and we got to meet.  Photo by Jason Sawin.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area on closing day June 5, 2005.  They had just received a lot of new snow but closed due to big projects planned.  Photo by Jason Sawin

This is the top of Norway lift at A Basin on closing day. 
Photo by Jason Sawin.

Kelly and Noah Sawin making snow with the Cornice II Snowmaker portable snowmaking system for the CCSAA Friday April 15th, 2005 in Breckenridge, CO.  Photo by Jason Sawin

This is the LP3 Air Saver tower making snow in Breckenridge, CO April 15th, 2005.  The Cornice II Snowmaker is in the background.  This was a demo for the CCSAA show, it was 18° for 1.5 hours and quickly rose after sunrise. 
Photo by Jason Sawin.

This is the Cornice Snowmaker with the smallest nozzle available, the 95/20.  It made up to 14" of snow in 8.5" with temps from 25 to 16 degrees.  The length of the pile was over 20' and the width was over 10'.  Photo by Jason Sawin

This is a close up of the 95/20 nozzle on the Cornice Snowmaker.  Notice how clean and even the spray is, this is key to making good snow and improving efficiency. 
Photo by Jason Sawin.

Crested Butte Ski Area tested the LP3 tower and the Areco Supersnow.  This is the LP3 20' tower after a marginal temperature night in mid December 2004.  Come see us at the NSAA show in Snowbird Utah January 18th to the 20th with our snowmakers in operation.
Photo by John Timmons. 

This is the Cornice Snowmaker adding to the natural snow for a great White Christmas.  It made the 18" pile in 12 hours with the smallest nozzle.  December 24th, 2004. 
Photo by Jason Sawin.

Sol Vista Ski Area tested the Areco Supersnow for four nights.  This is how much snow it made in just two cold nights on flat land.  December 5th and 6th 2004.
Photo by Sol Vista.  

This is the Cornice II Snowmaker at Howelsen Hill making snow on the K 120 ski jump inrun.  It was a cold night and we ran two Cornice II Snowmakers and made too much snow for the inrun and now the jump is open in time for the Nordic Combined World Cup.  November 29th 2004. 
Photo by Jason Sawin.

Loveland Ski Area was the first to open in the USA on Oct 15th 2004.  They have great ski conditions with many trails open.  Thanks to Mark Ab and his snowmaking crew.   Photo by Jason Sawin.  Skier unidentified.

This is A-Basin the day before they opened on October 22, 2004 with one run. 
Photo by Jason Sawin.

Arapahoe Basin has been making snow most every night and the snow is piling up.  They will be opening soon.   Photo courtesy of A-Basin.

Loveland Ski Area is the first to open in the nation on October 15th, 2004.  
Photo courtesy of Loveland Ski Area.

Loveland Ski Area got several inches of snow by September 22, 2004 and is waiting to make snow.  
Photo courtesy of Loveland Ski Area.

This is Danny from Golden skiing St Mary's Glacier on September 16, 2004.  It looks rough and it is but this is what we have for September skiing.  
Photo by Jason Sawin

The hike up to the glacier was beautiful, this is St Mary's Lake looking south at Mt Evans (14,263').
Photo by Jason Sawin

This is a Snow Magic system in use in Japan.  CHS Snowmakers is the only independent rep for Snow Magic in the USA.

This is upper St Mary's Glacier on August 24, 2004.  The upper and middle sections are skiable, but the lower portion is not.  St Mary's was the place of choice for skiing in August in Colorado.
Photo by Jason Sawin.

We are continuing to ski year round.  June was at Arapahoe Basin and on July 30th we skied what is left of the Breckenridge half pipe.  This is the upper portion of the pipe with rails set up.  
Skier Jason Sawin.  Photo by John Timmons

John Timmons skiing the lower portion of the pipe.  The full length of the snow was about 350' long, thanks to the snowmaking at Breck.  
Photo by Jason Sawin.

Arapahoe Basin is still rockin.  They have great spring snow and will stay open till Sunday June 13th. Visit this website for the daily snow report for A-Basin, www.coloradoski.com   Photo complements of Brian at A-Basin 5/9/04.

CCSAA show at Sun Mountain Lodge April 13 - 16, 2004.  This was our booth and we thank you for everyone that stopped by and talked to us.  We look forward to working with you.  Photo by John Timmons.

The Frisco Nordic Center closed 2 weeks earlier than ever before in March due to record high temperatures in Colorado. This photo was taken March 24, 2004 a few weeks after they closed.  This snow was made in December by a Cornice II Snowmaker.  The snow is very durable and not only helped them in December, but also helped them host a large benefit snowshoe race on their last weekend.  Call us and see how snowmaking can help you.  This pile of snow still had a very small amount left on May 5th.

Snowmaking is proposed for this XC ski loop at the Frisco Nordic Center.  The pipeline will be 1000' long and will cover 2000'+ of ski trail.  This photo was taken on March 24, 2004.  If the snowmaking was completed last year they would still be skiing. 

This pile of snow (on left) was made for the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Tahosa near Ward, CO on February 6, 2004.  This was their Cornice II Snowmaker with the 80/250 nozzle.  The water came from a stream and the temperature ranged from 15 degrees down to 2 degrees in 12.5 hours of snowmaking.  The pile was 4' tall at the deepest and the wind had spread it over a large area.

A good close up of the Cornice II from left.
Photos by Marc Lyman BSA.

This pile of snow was made for the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Tahosa near Ward, CO on February 6, 2004.  This was their Cornice II Snowmaker with the 80/250 nozzle.  The water came from a stream and the temperature ranged from 15 degrees down to 2 degrees in 12.5 hours of snowmaking.  The pile was 4' tall at the deepest and the wind had spread it over a large area.

This is the Cornice II Snowmaker from the left photo turned uphill.

This pile of snow was made for the Boy Scouts of America at Wellington Lake near Bailey, CO on January 18th, 2004.  This was a Cornice II with a very large nozzle (not yet available).  The water came from a frozen lake and the temperature ranged from 22 degrees down to 5 degrees in 12.5 hours of snowmaking.  The pile was 7.5' tall, 15' wide and 50' long, that is a lot of snow.

This is the Cornice Snowmaker with the 95/50 nozzle.  This was making snow at the same time as the Cornice II above.  The water pressure was about 175 psi all night and it made a 3' pile about 20' long.  Results will vary but with the right conditions both snowmakers can make a lot of snow for you!

This pile of snow is at Len Shortino's house in Centennial, CO.  He used the Cornice Snowmaker and had about 10 hours of snowmaking at cold temps.  He is now a sales rep for CHS Snowmakers and we are excited to have him on board.  Read his bio on the About Us page.

We did it again, we made snow in the annual ULLR Festival Parade in Breckenridge, CO on Thursday January 15th.  We used our portable snowmaking system on the trailer with a Cornice Snowmaker, it was a big hit.

This was from a Cornice II Snowmaker that made snow at the Frisco Nordic Center for 12 hours.  It made up to 8' of snow by 20' long and less than 15' wide under the trees.  Those are X-C skies that are 6' long on the pile and next to it.
Follow this link to a article in the Summit Daily News about our snowmaking at the Frisco Nordic Center.

The snow was groomed out and this is what the end result looks like.  The Frisco Nordic Center opened on December 17th with great snow conditions where the snow was made.  For more info on portable snowmaking systems check out our new page Snowmaking Systems.

Three Cornice II Snowmaker's at the Gold Run Nordic Center.  There was 1" of natural snow and the snowmakers made this 200' stretch of trail ski able in less then 8 hours.

This Cornice II Snowmaker ran at the Frisco Nordic Center for 7 hours before it was moved back 40'.  It made up to 4 1/2' of snow by 20' long and less than 15' wide under the trees.

Three Cornice II Snowmaker's at the Frisco Nordic Center free sledding hill on November 16th, 2003.  There was 4" of natural snow and the snowmakers made up to 3' of snow over night.

A Cornice II Snowmaker piling up the snow.  This is a portable snowmaking system.  We used a fire hydrant, a portable fire pump, a 185 tow behind air compressor and a lot of hose.
Photos by Jason Sawin

The Cornice II Snowmaker at Loveland Ski Area.  We tested the Cornice II under high pressure, 700 psi.  It passed the test and made about 6" of snow in two areas to cover up bare spots over 5 hours.

Arapahoe Basin on Thursday November 6, 2003. One trail open and the second opened on the 8th.
Photos by Jason Sawin

Opening day for North America at Loveland Ski Area, CO October 28, 2003.  One trail with 1000' of vertical and all machine made snow.  They finished the trail that is open and moved the guns to other trails.  Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened on October 30 and Copper Mountain opened November 1.

CHS Snowmakers has made our first flakes of the year.  We are working with the Frisco Nordic Center in Colorado to get X-C ski trails open early this year.  We made up to 1 foot of snow with temperatures in the mid 20's.  October 21, 2003.  Click HERE to read an article in the Summit Daily News about this snowmaking.
Photos by Jason Sawin

Snowmaking at the Frisco Nordic Center on October 21, 2003.  Click HERE to read an article in the Summit Daily News about this snowmaking.

Snow riding in October, it is days away.  The race is on, Loveland Ski Area above and Arapahoe Basin below on October 7, 2003.
Photos by Jason Sawin

Arapahoe Basin

Kelly Sawin carving turns on the middle part of St Mary's Glacier.  Photo by Jason Sawin. 

Lower St Mary's Glacier over looking St Mary's Lake.  Skier Jason Sawin.  Photo by Kelly Sawin.

Rail sliding in September!  It happens in Colorado every year.   St Mary's Glacier Sunday 
September 14, 2003.    
Snowboarder Unknown.  Photo by Kelly Sawin.

Another shot of St Mary's Glacier on the lower part.  Skier Jason Sawin. Photo by Kelly Sawin.

Ted from Boulder carving up the glacier.  Photo by Kelly Sawin.

Ted from Boulder laying down a Tele turn.  Photo by Kelly Sawin.

Mt Evans from St Mary's Glacier.

It can snow anytime of the year in Colorado.  Torreys Peak 14,267' on August 18th, 2003.  Since then it has snowed at least once more on this peak.  For copies of this photo please contact us.  Photo by Jason Sawin.

The Cornice Snowmaker in action in the winter of 2003.

Snowboarding in August!  It happens in Colorado every year.  This year it is an endless winter for us.  Breckenridge Ski Area August 9, 2003.  Thank God for snowmaking to make this possible.  
Snowboarder Kelly Sawin.  Photo by Jason Sawin.