Car Wash Reinvents Snowmaking

(St Germaine Ski Lodge, Red Mountain Pass – January 10, 2015)
Innovative principals here have a new use for ancient snowmaking equipment abandoned at Ironton Park decades ago. They have created a car wash, one of the highest on the continent.
The three-stall super wash, in operation since early June, is capable of handling 700 vehicles per day and has been running at full capacity, recycling water from Crystal Lake and counting on afternoon monsoons for water and consumer demand.
“We’re busy building another bay for semis and motorcycles,” said Eddie Edwards, a controlling investor. “At present we are seasonal but we expect that to change in the near future.”
Edwards told The Horseshoe that a giant, protective dome is in the works, which should insulate the entire facility from winter storms. He added that despite the presence of mechanical resources like the snow blowers the expenses incurred were monstrous.
“We hope to have our initial investment back in ten years, what with global warming and population increase,” said another owner. “People like to drive a clean car all year not just when the tourists are in town.”
If given the opportunity, the equipment can still generate about a foot of snow per hour depending on the water table. Edwards says he has already been approached by several dry land ski concerns about purchasing excess flakes and powder.
“We even developed an attachment that can make perfect moguls but transporting them has proven to be testy at best. The residue of the acquisition, a 900 psi compressor, 1400 yards of aluminum irrigation pipe and three rolls of quality baling wire may play a major role in that endeavor.”
Speaking at a luncheon for the Ouray-Silverton Ladies Long Underwear Auxiliary, Edwards said the firm plans to hire 20 full-time skilled employees and another 100 seasonal workers in 2015. These people would dry, vacuum and direct traffic during peak times.
“I for one am sick and tired of watching dirty campers negotiate Red Mountain Pass,” he stressed. “Now we will see a parade of clean vehicles descending on both sides of the pass.”
A Grand Opening, featuring hot dogs and fireworks, has been going on since August with cut-rate fees and a chance to win a cruise on Lake Ouray or Lake Emma in the fall.
“If all goes well we will be looking for opportunities to open a car wash on Molas and Coal Bank as well as a high-tech limited access facility at Howardsville.

– Small Mouth Bess