Snowmaking has got underway for the first time since 2008 at the indoor snow centre that’s part of the huge new American Dream indoor theme park and shopping mall complex in New Jersey.

The complex, reported to have been conceived in 1996 and under-construction, on-and-off, since 2004 began opening to the public this week.  The indoor snow centre element which was built around 2008 when test snow was made before the facility was mothballed before opening following the global economic crash, is due to open on December 5^th.

Now known as ‘Big SNOW’ the facility is reported to need 5,500 tons of snow to open. To add to the excitement a new groomer for the slopes, a SnowCat Prinoth Husky X, reported to need to be hoisted 16-storeys by crane to apparently be put in to the climate controlled venue from the top of the slope this week.

The exterior of the slope, which was criticised whilst it stood dormant for a garish orange paint job, is now being reworked with a huge black on white mural being created which is being promoted as set to be the largest public art work in eastern North America.

Big SNOW American Dream will have 45 metres of vertical and about 300 metres of slopes, the steepest with a 26% pitch. The park will also offer skiing, snowboarding, introductory lessons, private coaching, children’s programs, snow play, corporate team building and private events.