LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

Like the changing of the leaves and the end of Daylight Savings the beginning of snowmaking operations at Taos Ski Valley marks the start of a new ski season. The temperatures are consistently in the low 20�s at night making perfect conditions for running the snow guns. Crews have been busy getting things ready and snowmaking began on Thursday, October 21st. Taos Ski Valley�s snowmaking supervisor John Fitzpatrick said that �it has been a good start; we have cold temperatures and we�re looking forward to a good season.� The key ingredients in snowmaking are air, water, and air temperatures below 28 degrees. In Taos Ski Valley, the high elevation (9207 feet) ensures cold temperatures through late fall and winter. With winter setting in and daytime temperatures dropping, snow guns will be operating 24 hours a day making snow on 100% of TSV�s beginner and intermediate terrain. And this year seems to be setting up with an El Nino weather pattern which, in the past, has brought better than average snowfall to Taos. �We have seen an increase in fall precipitation this year and we are looking for a great season,� Mountain Manager Bill Etchemendy says �Natural snowfall makes the snowmakers� job easier because of refrigeration; it cools the air temperature and the ground which keeps the manufactured snow from melting.� Both the man made and natural snow are helping skiers everywhere get excited for the 2004-2005 season, ensuring they�ll be raring to go for opening day on November 25th.