CHS Snowmakers

In the world of winter sports, there’s something almost magical about the pristine, white snow that covers the slopes, creating a playground for skiers and snowboarders. However, for most ski resorts, the reliability of natural snowfall is unpredictable. This dilemma led to the birth of CHS Snowmakers, a company that has played a significant role in enhancing the winter sports industry by making snow production more efficient and accessible.

A Snowmaking Vision Takes Shape

The story of CHS Snowmakers begins with Jason Sawin, a dedicated skier since 1975 with a relentless passion for weather and snow. In December 1989, while living in Southern California, Jason embarked on an unusual project – he decided to make snow at home. With the help of a friend from a plumbing store, they pieced together a small snowmaker. Southern California rarely saw temperatures cold enough for snow. Nevertheless, one day, when the mercury dropped to 18°F, Jason fired up his homemade snowmaker and created a 1/4″ layer of snow on a 10′ x 10′ area. This moment of inspiration set the course for his future.

In 1990, Jason relocated to the snowier terrains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. By November 1993, he had secured a job as a snowmaker at Howelsen Hill Ski Area. Here, he honed his snowmaking skills and gained valuable experience in the intricacies of creating snow on demand.

Fast forward to November of 2001, Jason had moved to Littleton, Colorado, an area with limited natural snowfall. His wife, Kelly, encouraged him to resurrect the homemade snowmaker from California. Together, they embarked on a journey of experimentation and innovation. The impressive results prompted requests from friends and fellow snow enthusiasts who wanted to make their own snow.

Jason’s commitment led him to refine his snowmaking prototypes. Recognizing the demand for affordable snowmaking technology, he hired a machine shop to manufacture his final design. It was a turning point for CHS Snowmakers as they began their journey of bringing snowmaking solutions to the masses.

From Home Snowmaking Machines to Industry Representation

With the success of their home snowmaking machines, CHS Snowmakers ventured into the world of the winter sports industry. It all began with a need for snowmaking hoses for their portable systems. This search led CHS Snowmakers to represent Niedner Snowhose and Drift, a pivotal point that expanded their product offerings. Over the years, they have continued to hand-pick and introduce numerous snowmaking products to their industry, demonstrating a commitment to providing their customers with comprehensive solutions.

CHS Snowmakers takes great pride in the products they endorse, wholeheartedly believing in the quality and innovation they bring to the winter sports industry. Their expertise extends beyond product representation; they offer valuable consultation services, helping ski resorts and snow sports enthusiasts plan and implement effective snowmaking strategies and off-season, revenue-generating activities.

Meet the Team Behind CHS Snowmakers

1. Jason Sawin: Jason’s journey in the snow sports industry began in 1993 when he started working as a snowmaker and lift operator at Howelsen Hill. Over the years, he gained experience in various aspects of the industry, including grooming and maintenance. His dedication to helping people led him to become a firefighter-paramedic, but his passion for snowmaking never waned. He continued in the ski resort industry during his entire career as a firefighter-paramedic. In 2015, Jason and his family relocated to Garden Valley, Idaho, where he continues to serve the snow sports industry through CHS Snowmakers.

2. Kelly Sawin: Kelly’s dedication and commitment have played an integral role in the achievements of CHS Snowmakers. Her relentless support and encouragement were instrumental in the company’s inception. Kelly’s background as a 911 dispatcher and her love for all things snow in Idaho complement her role as the “Joka Glove Guru” and chief bookkeeper for CHS Snowmakers. She also extends her expertise to help friends with their bookkeeping needs.

3. Noah Sawin: Noah, a devoted skier since childhood, is the next-generation talent at CHS Snowmakers. His love for snow sports led him to explore various aspects of the industry. Noah has a unique ability to troubleshoot and fix complex snowmaking equipment, electrical systems, and more. He has also expanded his horizons by consulting for local hot springs resorts and contributing to the community by serving on the local museum board.

A Legacy of Innovation and Dedication

The history of CHS Snowmakers is one of passion, innovation, and dedication to the winter sports industry. From Jason’s humble beginnings in California to the expansion of their product portfolio, the priceless support of Kelly, and the growing involvement of Noah, CHS Snowmakers continues to make a significant impact.

Their commitment to providing reliable snowmaking solutions and representing top-quality products has made them a trusted name in the industry. As winter sports enthusiasts continue to chase their dreams on the slopes, CHS Snowmakers remains at the forefront, ensuring that snow is always within reach, regardless of weather conditions.

With a legacy built on a love for recreation and a desire to share that love with others, CHS Snowmakers is poised to shape the future of the resort industry for generations to come.