They understand how good it can be. Surface conditions are a bit more of an issue at Snoqualmie, due to its comparatively low elevation of 3,022 feet. Booth Creek, which bought the Snoqualmie areas last year and is planning 14 new lifts over the next seven to 10 years, has stated its intention to expand night skiing. One of the first steps was the purchase of eight new grooming machines last year. Fowler says they'll be used when necessary to improve the surface for nights.
Timing is critical.
Stevens also is making a capital commitment to night riding, adding lights to three runs over the past four years. Curiously, visibility at night can actually be better, because artificial light on snow creates greater contrast. Often during the day, overcast skies blend with the snow surface to eliminate contrast and drastically reduce depth perception. But if you ski or ride your snowboard away from the lights at night, you're asking for trouble. We've had a pretty good record.