Why Is A Wisconsin Ski Area Getting A Winch Cat From Breckenridge?

Matt Lorelli
·1 min read
2

Wilmot Mountain is one of the most popular ski areas in the state of Wisconsin. The mountain sits just a short drive from Milwaukee, and just a little over an hour north of Chicago.

The short 200 feet of vertical provides a quick but sweet downhill respite from the bitter Wisconsin winters.

A 'Winch Cat' is a snow groomer that uses a mechanical winch as an anchor. They are typically used by large ski resorts with steep terrain. So, why is Wilmot getting one delivered from Breckenridge, CO? Read below to find out.

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Wilmot Mountain: "A winch cat is typically used to push snow back up the hill; since skiers and riders push the snow down the hill. It will help us maintain snow levels at the top of the hill, which typically, due to warm temps and use, is thin first. This will enhance overall terrain maintenance. Internally, we refer to this as “farming” snow."

Wilmot doesn't need the winch cat for steep terrain, because well... their terrain isn't very steep to begin with. Rather, the machine will be useful for pushing snow back uphill that has been moved by the regular flow of skiers.

It's not a bad idea, come to think of it. Wilmot has been plagued in recent years by warm weather and poor snowfall.

Any effort to get the most out of snowmaking production will be a welcome sight for the Wilmot faithful who have voiced complaints about bare spots and early closings.

The winch cat is expected to be delivered to the hill by early-September. Here's hoping it makes an impact for all of our friends who frequent Wilmot.

Want to see how a winch cat works? Check out the video below of one in action at Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Canada:

Wilmot Stats/Info:

Vertical: Approx. 200 ft.

Skiable Terrain: ~120 ac.

Average Snowfall: N/A

Lifts: 9

Trails: 25

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: YES

Mega-Pass: Epic Pass

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