How Forbush Corner Added Reliable Snowmaking for Nordic Trails
Case Study | Turnkey Project, Nordic Solutions
‍Forbush Corner is a Nordic cross-country ski center in Frederic, Michigan, with more than 18 kilometers of trails. Historically reliant on natural snowfall, the center wanted a dependable way to establish an early-season ski loop and maintain coverage when winter conditions were marginal.
SMI Snow Makers delivered a turnkey snowmaking system designed around a 2.5-kilometer loop, giving Forbush Corner a more reliable foundation for early-season operations and consistent trail access.
The Challenge
Establishing Reliable Operations
Forbush Corner had no snowmaking system and relied entirely on natural snowfall across its more than 18 kilometers of Nordic trails. To provide skiers with more reliable early-season openings—and maintain a skiable option during marginal conditions—the center wanted to establish snowmaking on a priority 2.5-kilometer loop.
The system needed to fit the realities of Nordic operations: low-maintenance equipment that is simple to operate and positioned to provide consistent coverage across narrow trails. It also needed infrastructure that could start and stop quickly while reducing the risk of freeze-ups between production windows.
The Plan
A Fixed Position, Low-Maintenance Nordic Snowmaking System
SMI designed the system around the Axis Snowtower, a snowmaking solution purpose-built for Nordic and cross-country applications. Its lightweight, fixed-position design suits narrow trail corridors, helping operators achieve consistent track coverage without repeatedly moving equipment. The simple on/off operation, low-maintenance design, and vaulted connection system make it practical for efficient day-to-day Nordic snowmaking.
SMI installed 41 manual Axis Snowtowers on the initial 2.5-kilometer loop.
Prefabricated SMI plastic vaults: Each Axis Snowtower was installed on a vaulted connection point for a clean, organized layout. The vault system supports quick start-up and shut-down and provides dependable drainage to help prevent freeze-ups.
2-million-gallon cooling pond with a bubbler, fed by a well.
Torrent prefabricated pump station: A 150-horsepower, 400-GPM pump delivers the water required for trail production.
300-horsepower air compressor: Produces 1,280 CFM of compressed air to supply the Axis Snowtowers.
2024 expansion: Added a second loop with 38 additional SMI Axis Snowtowers, expanding snowmaking capacity beyond the original installation.
This install also came with our culvert vault and EZ Hydrant for even easier on/off operation.
This approach gave Forbush Corner a fixed, low-maintenance snowmaking foundation that could cover its priority loop efficiently while remaining practical for Nordic trail operations.
Master Plan for Priority LoopThe Results
Earlier Openings and Dependable Track Coverage
The original 2.5-kilometer loop gave Forbush Corner a dependable way to establish skiable coverage early in the season and maintain an on-snow option during marginal weather. The fixed Snowtower layout, simple on/off controls, and self-draining vaulted connections support efficient day-to-day operation while reducing freeze-up risk.
The 2024 expansion added 38 Axis Snowtowers and strengthened the center’s ability to deliver reliable Nordic conditions. With 79 Axis Snowtowers now installed across the system, Forbush Corner has expanded its production capacity while retaining a practical, low-maintenance approach suited to narrow cross-country trails. The center reports producing more than 18 inches of snow in 24 hours.
Interested in Working With SMI Snowmakers?
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Step 1
Connect With Your Local SMI Representative
Discuss your mountain’s challenges, goals, existing system, and priorities with the SMI representative who serves your region.
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Step 2
Define the Right Scope
Your local SMI representative will help identify the right next step for your operation.Get focused help with pumping, automation, equipment, pipe, electrical, retrofits, or choose a full turnkey snowmaking project.
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Step 3
Create Your Unique Solution With Us
SMI brings the right people and solutions together to build a plan around your mountain, your resources, and your goals.