In an average ski season, Appalachian Ski Mtn. receives about 60 inches of natural snowfall. Natural snow creates a winter wonderland atmosphere and can be breathtaking on the landscape. However, cold weather is all we need to have a long ski season, lots of snow, and wonderful conditions on the ski slopes. 

Anytime temperatures drop below 32° F, our snowmakers can blanket the slopes with real machine-made snow. Appalachian will make snow 600 to 900 hours between early November and late March. This snowmaking capability allows us to have beautiful (and often deep) snow conditions during times when there may be no snow anywhere but on the ski slopes. 
  
In just two or three nights, our snowmaking machines can put a layer of two to three feet of machine-made packed powder on several slopes. During most of the last 5 years, Appalachian has had all of its lifts open by its second weekend of skiing.

Most of our snowmaking operations take place after the slopes are closed, between 10pm and 9am. To provide the best possible experience for our guests, Appalachian strives to make snow during non-skiing hours or on slopes that are closed. Occasionally we may be required to make snow during skiing hours due to weather or necessity to stay open. When it is necessary to make snow during skiing hours, most of our snowmaking is accomplished by 20 to 40 ft snowmaking towers, which minimizes the impact on our guests.

Just one night of cold temperatures allows our snowmakers to create fresh powder on the entire mountain.  For the last decade, Appalachian has continued to make snow right up to the day before our scheduled closing day. This snowmaking commitment gives our skiers and snowboarders an uncommon opportunity to enjoy fresh snow conditions right up to the last day of our ski season.