CHS Snowmakers
 What You Need

 


We now offer complete snowmaking packages on the Cornice Snowmaker page and the       Cornice II Snowmaker page.

What  you need to order from us
You can order complete snowmaking packages to suit your needs from CHS Snowmakers.  If you already have an air compressor you can order just a snowmaker.  To see if your air compressor is adequate scroll down below to the air compressor section

The following are parts you have to supply. 
Water supply with a frost free water spigot, an area to make snow in and cold temperatures.

The following are optional parts for snowmaking. (see below on this page for details)
Air Filter and Regulator
Extra check valve (for the water line)
Extra Quick Change nozzles (if one is lost or other compressors are used)

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Cornice Snowmaker-  This is the main component.  The Cornice snowmaker has been designed to be adaptable to many different situations and compressors.  With it you will have a real understanding of how snowmaking works at ski areas.  We will work with you to make sure that you have a successful operation.   

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Air compressor-  There are many different makes of air compressors on the market.  We have done extensive testing of air compressors and we decided that Ingersoll-Rand (IR) air compressors work the best for CHS Snowmakers.  You can now order IR air compressors from CHS Snowmakers by themselves or as a package deal for snowmaking.  Click on air compressors or Cornice Snowmaker  for pricing.
    If you already have an air compressor here are a few tips to see if it will work for the Cornice Snowmakers.  The greater the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) the better.  Most 110v air compressors do not produce enough CFM to power a Cornice Snowmaker.  The IR Garage Mate produces 5.7 cfm @ 90 psi and 4.9 @ 135 psi.  That is recommended for elevations below 6000' if 220v power is not available.  If 220v power is available we recommend using the larger air compressors.  One option that has been tested is running two 110v air compressors side by side to increase the CFM.  This may be cheaper than one large compressor for the CFM output but they need to operate on two separate circuit breakers.  Make sure your electrical system is sufficient for your compressor.  Please contact us before you try two compressors running together.
    It is best to have a 100% duty cycle air compressor, that means that the air compressor can run non stop.  All of the IR air compressors we sell are 100% duty cycle.  They are built to last with a pump that is capable of over 5000 hours of use. 
    Elevation effects the cfm of a compressor, every 1,000 feet gained decreases compressor output by 3% - 4%.  We recommend above 5,000 to 6,000 feet elevation using only a 220 volt compressor or better.

Water and hose-  You will need a garden spigot that is frost free so your pipes will not freeze when it is turned off.  The pressure should be around 40-60 PSI, but other pressures will work.  You will also need a high quality garden hose that is good for cold conditions.  We recommend a garden hose that is 3/4" with crush proof couplings and has a burst strength of 500 psi.  This hose comes standard with the complete Cornice Snowmaker packages.

  

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Air Filter and Regulator-  This is used to filter oil and water out of the air line before it reaches the Cornice Snowmaker.  It is recommended for long operating hours, yet is optional.  You can purchase this air filter from us.

Check Valve-  One is included with the Cornice Snowmaker and it has two purposes.  It is an adapter from a 3/8" air line to garden hose and also protects your air compressor from water back flowing if the compressor was to shut off.  Another check valve is also available for the water line (optional), it prevents air from back flowing into the plumbing of your house.  These also can be purchased and assembled from a hardware store or ordered from CHS Snowmakers.

Quick Change nozzles-  These come in various sizes for the Cornice Snowmaker.  We match the size of the nozzle to the air compressor.  The larger the air compressor, the larger the nozzle.  If you were to lose a nozzle you can order a replacement from CHS Snowmakers.

Nozzle          gpm            cfm
95/20,*       1-1.5,         6-7
95/30,*       1-2,            7-9
95/40,         1.5-2.5,      8-10
95/50,         2-3,            10-12
95/60,         available
95/70,         available
*95/20 and 95/30 have the lowest noise levels.

 

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Space-  You will need an area that provides enough room for your snowmaking operation.  A 50' by 50' area should be the minimum size for getting started.  For a sledding hill you will need a much larger space.  Make sure the area is free of overhead utilities and any utility meters at ground level that should not be covered with snow.  Locate it in an area that will drain away from structural foundations and into drains.  

Temperature-  Temperatures should be 27ºF or less with lower relative humidity.  Is your region right for snowmaking?  Check a growing zone map to see if your area of North America is a good area to make snow.  The test area in Littleton, CO is rated as a 5b growing zone.  Use the following zones as a guide to snowmaking:

Zones  1 - 4b    excellent for snowmaking
Zones  5a - 6a    great for snowmaking
Zones  6b - 7a    good for snowmaking
Zones  7b - 8a    marginal for snowmaking
Zones  8b - 11    not likely or not possible to make snow

The map covers large areas and is not always specific to small areas that may have better snowmaking weather.  For additional local weather information click on any of the following sites:

Weather Underground
NOAA
or your local news agencies.

Optional-  Snowmaking will increase your electric consumption for your home and therefore increase your electric bill.  One possible way to decrease your electric bill and be environmentally friendly is to install wind and solar power.   Wind mills and solar panels can be an expensive cost upfront, but they will more then pay for themselves in time.  For information check out www.bitterrootsolar.com 
        

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