Lance Gun
A Lance Gun is a piece of equipment used in ski resort snow-making operations. It's a tall pole with nozzles that sprays a mixture of water and compressed air to create artificial snow when natural snowfall is insufficient. Staff members use these machines to ensure ski runs have adequate snow coverage throughout the season. The term might also appear as "snow lance" or "snow gun" in job descriptions. This is one of the basic tools that snow-making teams use to maintain ski slopes, similar to fan guns or tower-mounted snow-makers.
Examples in Resumes
Operated and maintained Lance Gun systems to ensure optimal snow coverage on primary ski runs
Supervised team of 5 operators in positioning Snow Lance equipment for maximum efficiency
Trained new staff on proper Lance Gun and Snow Gun operation and maintenance procedures
Typical job title: "Snowmakers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Snowmakers
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you plan and manage snow-making operations across an entire mountain?
Expected Answer: Should discuss prioritizing trails, managing water and power resources, coordinating teams, weather monitoring, and making strategic decisions about snow production timing.
Q: How would you handle equipment failure during peak snow-making conditions?
Expected Answer: Should explain troubleshooting procedures, backup plans, team coordination, and understanding when to call in maintenance support versus making quick repairs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when positioning lance guns on a trail?
Expected Answer: Should mention wind direction, temperature, humidity, trail layout, water pressure, and coverage patterns needed for different types of terrain.
Q: How do you determine the right snow quality for different types of ski runs?
Expected Answer: Should explain understanding of different snow consistencies needed for beginner versus advanced runs, and how to adjust equipment settings accordingly.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when operating a lance gun?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking surroundings, proper startup sequence, monitoring pressure levels, and basic safety protocols.
Q: What are the basic maintenance tasks for lance guns?
Expected Answer: Should describe daily checks, cleaning procedures, and basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic lance gun operation
- Safety procedures
- Equipment maintenance basics
- Weather monitoring
Mid (1-3 years)
- Advanced equipment operation
- Snow quality assessment
- Basic troubleshooting
- Team coordination
Senior (3+ years)
- Operations management
- Staff training and supervision
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Strategic planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience working in cold weather conditions
- Lack of mechanical aptitude or equipment maintenance experience
- Unable to work overnight shifts
- No knowledge of basic snow-making principles
