Ausblick attempts to open in early December.

Snowmaking starts when the temperature will be 23°F or below for 8 hours or more. 

Winds must be from the west or northwest for optimum snowmaking conditions.

This assumes that there is not a forecast for rain and/or significant warming following the cold period.

Read this article for more information on
"How Snow Makers Work"

Information on the snow making process

A foot of fresh snow can be produced on Big Dipper for $2,375 at a temperature of 20 degrees.  At 25 degrees the cost becomes $4,275. Based on this information, our criteria for starting to make snow is a temperature of 23 degrees or less for 8 hours or more.

  We also take into consideration any forecast weather which might ruin the freshly made snow.

  In addition to the above time/temperature parameters, winds from the west through north direction are needed to be most effective. 

Article from New York Times on snow making