Granite Peak Ski Resort in Rib Mountain planned to begin snowmaking on Friday, Nov. 13, with an opening day target of Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
Snowmaking requires temperatures of 28 degrees or below. The resort pumps water from the Big Rib River and uses compressed air to freeze it, and more than 500 snow guns layer the snow across the mountain. Staff described the system as the most robust snowmaking system in the Midwest.
Crews will work around the clock once snowmaking starts. Last year, about 12 people worked two shifts, 24 hours a day, to get the slopes ready.
New this season, automated pickup boxes will let skiers and snowboarders who buy lift tickets online pick them up and head straight to the slopes, cutting wait times, according to Dustin Gwidt, the resort's director of rental, facility and event operations.
The resort also plans five family festivals through the winter season, along with other activities for skiers, snowboarders and the wider community. If the weather cooperates, the resort hopes to stay on track for the Nov. 25 opening.
