Inside a Palisades Tahoe Snowcat with a veteran groomer
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to ride in a 600 PistenBully Snowcat high on the mountain, carving its way through the night? For those of us who revel in pristine groomed slopes each morning, there’s a hidden world of skilled craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that makes it all possible.
I’ve always been fascinated by these giant crustacean-like machines, methodically working the mountains of Palisades Tahoe, transforming our slopes for the perfect ski day ahead.
But how do they do it? What kind of magic happens on our snow-covered mountains when the lifts are closed? Who are the people behind the Snowcats, and what technologies do they use to create the flawless corduroy we all love?
The Groomer
I got to ride along with Jeff Morrison, one of 63 groomers employed by Palisades Tahoe. Jeff has over three decades of grooming experience and a passion for his work. With his in-depth knowledge of the mountain, his intuitive feel for snow conditions, and his top-notch skills behind the joystick, Jeff gave me a true front-row seat to the artistry that happens on the slopes while most people are home asleep.
Fun Fact
Palisades Tahoe has a fleet of 55 Snowcats in operation, covering around 1,225 groomable acres (~750 at Palisades, and ~475 at Alpine Meadows). Putting things in perspective, one acre is equivalent to around one football field. In other words, that’s well over 1,200 groomable football fields being serviced by the grooming team every night!
Making Every Pass Count
Snow grooming is more than just driving a machine across the slope—it’s an intricate process involving teamwork, strategic snow management, terrain shaping, and fine-tuning the blade angles to create the smoothest, safest surface possible.
As Jeff navigated through narrow passages between trees and across wide-open runs, he shared what it takes to be a good groomer: from reading snow conditions and adjusting for obstacles and steep terrain, to making every pass count. And all this at night, often in whiteouts, while the mountain is empty to allow the groomed snow to properly cure.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Stepping into the cockpit of the 600 PistenBully Snowcat is like stepping into a high-tech command center. One of the standout features in each of the PistenBully Snowcats is SNOWsat, a revolutionary technology system that uses satellite data and GPS radar to measure snow depth and density with incredible precision.
“This system allows us to measure snow depth from over 100 feet away,” Jeff explained. With this kind of data, groomers can ensure an even, consistent snow surface, vital for the perfect skiing experience.
The SNOWsat touch-control terminal allows Jeff to view the snow depth on the left side of the screen and a terrain map on the right, giving him a clear, real-time view of the mountain’s conditions.
Jeff pointed out another cool feature on the terminal called the “pass counter.” It records travel frequency, displaying colors where he’s been, and how the colors change as he goes over the same area. “It’s like mowing a lawn, but on a much bigger scale, tracking our efficiency and location.”
Operators know where they are and where they’re supposed to be at any given moment – especially when visibility is poor.
The pass counter also helps operators ensure every inch of the groomable mountain gets the attention it needs.
The Unsung Heroes of Our Mountains
With the Snowcat’s tiller down, (the rotating attachment located at the back of the machine), Jeff made a series of final passes over the runs, creating the smooth corduroy texture that welcomes skiers and snowboarders at Palisades Tahoe every morning.
So, the next time you step onto a perfectly groomed run, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of our mountains - people like Jeff Morrison and his team - and the equipment and technology that goes into shaping the slopes we all love.
For more insights into grooming at Palisades Tahoe, check out their blog here: Palisades Tahoe Grooming Blog.
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I’m Michael Kennedy, Olympic Valley, CA resident, married to Nicola Kennedy (in photo above). I’m a writer, photographer, lover of nature, and property caretaker. I just want to say thanks for your attention - I appreciate it in such a noisy world. If you enjoyed it, please share with others. It means a lot to me and it helps others see the story.
If you're interested in owning any photos in my gallery, call or text me at 530.608.9150 with inquiries. My email: michael.kennedy999@gmail.com.