The state of Tennessee gets on average 17% less snowfall than the United States’ average of 28 inches per year—it experiences more warm days than most states. So, it must be magic that Ober started making it’s own snow as early as October … right? Well let’s just say it truly is magic, SnowMagic magic! Tricky to say but not too tricky to understand.
Let’s dive into the machines that allow us to create snow flakes even when it’s not frosty outside.
SnowMagic Snow Making Machines
Our SnowMagic snow machines create snowflakes using state-of-the-art Infinite Crystals Snowmaking Technology (ICS™) regardless of the present temperature. In the first week of October when it was around 58°F outdoors, not the ideal temperature, we were still able to start piling up snow for our Snow Tubing area. Considering the ideal temperature for snow is below 32°F, we would call that a very ‘cool’ accomplishment.
How the Magic Happens
Ober employs the use of 5 SnowMagic machines; 4 producing up to 50 tons of snow per day and the 5th producing up to 150 tons per day. The machines are fed by the retention ponds scattered across our property. The water from the ponds passes through a natural filtration system made up of sand and salt.
Water is drawn in through heavy duty hoses, similar to those typically used by your local fire department, and is filtered into metal tubes inside of cooling tanks. It is then frozen and subsequently flushed out through hard plastic hoses, which blow the snow into the desired areas. The cooling system operates much like a refrigerator, but one that provides beautiful snowflakes, perfect for fun activities such as zooming down a mountain of snow while racing your fellow tubers.
Typical snow machines gush out pressurized water and air that would freeze when they come in contact with very cold air in the atmosphere, but SnowMagic does all freezing from the inside, no matter the temperature. So, it’s water in and snow out. No need for too much work from mother nature.
What this Means for You
Since we are able to start making snow earlier, this means you and your loved ones can start enjoying your favorite winter activities sooner. The machines help us to even further extend our winter and so we are able to offer the seasonal activities for longer. Who would pass up on more winter fun? That’s right, nobody!
As we put our SnowMagic machines to work, we look forward to seeing you enjoy all the cool and happy memories you will create here at Ober Gatlinburg.
