The I AM a Snowmaker contest—sponsored by HKD Snowmakers—highlights the hard work, determination, and camaraderie of snowmakers and recognizes their critical contributions to the alpine, Nordic, snowboard, and winter tubing industry. I AM a Snowmaker launched in 2013 and has since provided a behind-the-scenes look at the expertise and character of a wide variety of snowmaking teams across North America.
Six teams have been selected for the 2026 I AM a Snowmaker contest. Teams from Boyne Mountain, Mich.; Burke Mountain, Vt.; Killington Resort, Vt.; Poley Mountain, New Brunswick; Seven Springs, Pa.; and Steamboat, Colo., each created behind-the-scenes videos highlighting their work, creativity, and camaraderie—with a new twist. Each team received a deck of cards featuring classic insights from HKD co-founder Herman K. Dupré and was tasked with incorporating those sayings into their videos.
Voting is now closed for the 2026 I AM a Snowmaker challenge. Stay tuned for the winning announcement.
Boyne Mountain, Mich.
Our snowmaking crew consists of approximately 20 dedicated professionals who bring extensive experience and deep expertise to their craft. With many team members having spent several years honing their skills, this seasoned group has mastered the art and science of creating optimal snow conditions. What truly drives our snowmakers is the pride they take in delivering a product their families can be proud of—a commitment that has fostered a remarkable tradition of generational snowmakers. Many team members are inspired to pass down their knowledge and passion, with the next generation eager to follow in their footsteps and continue the legacy of creating exceptional snow experiences for skiers and riders for years to come.
Burke Mountain, Vt.
Our 12-person Burke Mountain snowmaking crew brings 45+ years of combined experience and an unshakable drive. When Mother Nature gives us a window, we take it. We're out there in the cold and chaos, working overnight shifts, pivoting when inversions hit, stretching every gallon when the river freezes, and re-digging guns we cleared an hour earlier. Why? Because hesitation costs everything, and snowmakers need to make snow. Whether we're building confidence for beginners on our lower mountain or crafting race-ready surfaces for future Olympians, we're laying down the conditions we want to ski ourselves. The work isn't glamorous, but it's deeply satisfying and that's what keeps us coming back to Burke, shift after shift.
Killington Resort, Vt.
Fully staffed in winter we are 65 strong, 45 of which are snowmakers, the others are control room operators, compressor attendants and mechanics. 15 staff members work full time year-round. Our 8 snowmaking foremen alone hold 110 years of snowmaking experience! If I counted all year round we would have something like 250 years of experience! When you include seasonal staff the number is almost too high to count…
The snowmaking team at Killington is driven by legacy, by grit and most importantly by passion. Snowmaking isn’t just a job for this team. It's likely, it’s a family and it’s a tremendous source of pride. Feats like achieving the longest season in the east and expanding terrain offerings at break-neck speeds across the largest ski resort in the Eastern United States without the shared passion and teamwork that this team upholds. They are the fire that fuels The Beast of the East.
Poley Mountain, New Brunswick
Seven Springs, Pa.
With over 100 years of experience combined, the crew carries forward Herman’s legacy of innovation while tackling one of the toughest snowmaking environments in the Mid-Atlantic, transforming Seven Springs into a winter wonderland, season after season, despite unpredictable weather and high expectations. They are driven by a shared work ethic, pride in their craft, and an unshakeable commitment to delivering the best possible conditions for every guest. For this team, it's not just about making snow, but a love for the mountain and creating memories that bring families and friends together!
Steamboat, Colo.
Steamboat’s Snowmaking team is a group of unsung heroes - the makers of magic moments and the foundation of our winter season. With 60 team members and more than 470 combined years of experience, this crew works tirelessly behind the scenes, day and night, to bring winter to life. Spanning generations, from seasoned leaders in their 70s to rookies in their early 20s, this dedicated team is among the most experienced in the industry. During a season marked by limited natural snowfall and warmer-than-average temperatures, they leaned on that expertise to help open the resort and keep skiing and riding possible. True to their craft, this team is driven by a desire to remain unseen. As they often say, when they’ve done their job right, no one knows they were ever there.
