It all started with jet engine research in the frigid Canadian climate. They were using water spray to test the engines for tolerance to ice formation. It was a frustrating experience because researchers had to stop frequently to shovel away the snow they were creating.
They didn’t think to patent the idea for making snow however that early data caused future lawsuits to be overthrown because the Canadian research preceded later pretenders to the snowmaking crown.
The Tey patent in 1954 used compressed air and water to make snow and then Alden Hanson came along with his fan-driven system. His 1961 patent is considered the pioneer of all fan type snowmaking systems that followed.
But Alden was a skier at heart and Alden's sons went on to design and market the Hanson ski boot. The original Hanson boot did not survive nor did another of his inventions, the Flofit system used in Lange boots.
Recently, Denny Hanson has revived the Hanson name in boot making with the revolutionary Apex ski boot. And thankfully snowmaking is still with us.
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