Snowmaking Vaults

SMI snowmaking vaults provide durable, below-grade access to your snowmaking infrastructure while protecting critical components from weather impact. Each vault is designed for long-term reliability and can be customized to match your snowmaking system, automation requirements, and terrain.SMI

SMI offers three vault foundation options for your application: culvert-style, HDPE, and concrete. Every vault is supplied complete with a lid, ladder, and the components necessary for your snowgun installation.

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Why Choose A Vaulted Configuration?

Equipment Protection

Housing components below grade protect them from harsh weather, snow buildup, and impact damage. This helps extend equipment life and reduce long-term maintenance.

Cleaner Appearance

Below-grade installations keep slopes looking professional and reduce the amount of padding required around equipment.

Centralized Access

Vaulted configurations house automation components, allowing faster troubleshooting, simplified maintenance, and automatic drainage.

Vault Options

Culvert Style Snowmaking Vault

SMI’s culvert-style vault is the most cost-effective option, offering a reliable solution for both manual and automated snowmaking installations.
Fully customizable, culvert vaults can house valving, hydrant actuators, hoses, cords, and pedestals inside the vault.
Specifications & Features:
Hinged lid with safety chain
Cord-protected lid opening
Full-length aluminum ladder
Sidewall- or lid-mounted electrical disconnect
Customizable internal components
HDPE Plastic Snowmaking Vault

Built with high-quality HDPE plastic, these vaults offer enhanced durability and corrosion resistance compared to culvert-style options.
HDPE vaults are fully customizable and can house valving, hydrant actuators, hoses, cords, and pedestals.
Specifications & Features:
High-quality HDPE construction
Dimensions: 48 in x 40 in x 49 in
Base tube stand included
Hinged lid with safety chain
Fully customizable internal configuration
Concrete Vault

SMI concrete vaults provide maximum durability and are best suited for permanent installations and high-traffic areas. These vaults offer the flexibility to house complete automation systems and support both stick and fan gun configurations.
Concrete vaults also support SMI automated fan tower bases (excluding swing arm towers).
Specifications & Features:
Dimensions: 56¾ in x 56¾ in x 48 in
4 in thick concrete walls
Feed piping and conduit openings
Climbing rings
Galvanized steel flanged base tube
Vault cover with lid
Integrated vault heater
Stick vault specifications may differ. Contact your SMI representative for details.

SMI Super Puma with a Concrete Snowmaking Vault

SMI Super Puma with Omni Tower and a concrete vault.

SMI Super Polecat on a Denali Tower with a concrete snowmaking vault

SMI Super Puma snowmaker on Denali Tower with concrete snowmaking vault

Rendering of a Grizzly Stick with a metal culvert vault housing a hydrant actuator, hill air, pedestal, valves, and hoses inside the vault

HDPE plastic vault with a hydrant actuator and a pedestal inside. Compressor and communications attached to the stick.

SMI Concrete snowmaking vault with corner post, hydrant actuator, and pedestal.

SMI concrete snowmaking vault with corner post, pedestal, and ladder.

Customer rendering of concrete snowmaking vault

Vaulted vs. Non-Vaulted Snowmaking Configurations

A vaulted configuration houses automation components below grade, including electrical pedestals, hydrant actuators, valve systems, and communications equipment.

A non-vaulted configuration places components above ground, typically mounted on or beside the snow gun. This may include control panels, compressors, and communications equipment positioned at eye level, with hydrants installed next to the gun and protected with padding.

Both configurations perform well depending on operational preferences.

Vaulted Configurations Offer:

Reduced padding requirements
Improved drainage
Centralized access for maintenance