SMI® Customer Snowmaking Successes

Turnkey Automation Success Story: Wisp Resort

Technical Data

• 50 percent increase in snowmaking capacity
• 43 percent increase in trail acreage
• Startup of over 150 snow machines within 30 minutes
• State-of-the-art automated snowmaking system
• Integrated ski area management operation & control system

In the largest terrain expansion in Wisp history, SMI’s Turnkey Engineering and Construction Services have delivered amazing results! The project included excavation of ten new trails; installation of 126 new Viking and Super PoleCat snow machines mounted on custom-designed vaults with trail lights, valving and above-ground controls; 8 new cameras. The system is monitored by two new 40” split-screen plasma televisions; nine touch-screen, flat panel displays, and 20 LCD monitors. The project was integrated within a site expansion which included real estate developments, a water source, added pump capacity and a new white water rafting course.

Wisp now operates with full automation of pump stations, trail lighting, cameras and snowmaking equipment. The system relies on a new fiber optic network along with Allen Bradley PLCs allowing broader operation of the ski
area including building lighting and HVAC control, lift monitoring, weather updating and webcam feeds.

There’s an advantage to working with SMI! As a Turnkey supplier we provide one source for design, engineering, construction, installation, and start-up for your snowmaking and automation needs. During design and construction, we coordinate with your site master plan to produce the best integrated system to meet your needs today and into the future. SMI’s state-of-the-art automation software and control system, SmartSnowtm, means cutting-edge technology for your resort’s snowmaking and ski area management system. And with over 40 years in the industry, we have a proven record for providing dependable, reliable service and support.