Multiple ski trail representatives informed the LETA agency that they anticipate starting the season once the weather stabilizes. Ozolkalns representatives mentioned that the current forecast isn’t reliable enough, and the expected frost is insufficient for snow production. To activate the snow cannons, a consistent temperature of no more than minus 4 degrees for five consecutive days is necessary.
At minus 1 degree, a snow cannon can generate approximately five cubic meters of snow per hour, whereas at minus 12 degrees, it can produce around 100 cubic meters. The lack of sufficient frost results in less snow, as noted by Kamparkalns representatives.
Briežkalns representatives shared that they plan to inspect and test their equipment shortly to ensure it is in good condition and ready for the upcoming season.
Regarding last winter, Žagarkalns representatives mentioned that the season was shorter than in previous years, with brief cold spells making the winter financially challenging. Nevertheless, Žagarkalns will continue their operations.
Ozolkalns also expressed that it has been difficult to find resources and motivation after last winter, but the company has managed to gather the necessary resources and strength. However, the negative impacts of the financial losses are still being felt.
During the summer, updates were made to the lift’s electrical systems and pumping stations. With support from the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), a detailing project was implemented, creating an electronic ticket purchasing system for the lift and adapting the gate system for automated ticket control and tracking time spent on the slopes. This will aid in reducing controller expenses.
Kamparkalns, situated in Kurzeme, experiences slightly warmer climate conditions than other regions. In February, with more favorable weather, snow was blown onto both the trail and the slope, which shortened the season by about a month. Representatives from Kamparkalns described last winter as a «survival winter,» where less than a month of operation was sufficient to avoid financial losses.
Briežkalns representatives noted that the recent season faced severe weather conditions, but since the slope is located in Vidzeme, even a couple of degrees difference compared to the Riga and Kurzeme slopes significantly impacted operations. Briežkalns had a complete season with just one brief interruption.
