With the wild temperature fluctuations of the past few years, most of it above 32 degrees, organizers of snow sculpting events at this year’s Maine WinterFest & Derby aren’t taking any chances.

They have enlisted the aid of Windham resident and professional snow maker Rick Chapman, of Trask-Decrow Machinery, based in Portland.

“We do more than just snow making, but snow making is a big portion of our yearly business,” Chapman said.

Chapman was in charge of creating snow at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Known as one of the best in the business, Olympics organizers called on his expertise as a result of an already formed business relationship he had with Hokkaido Snow Services, a Japanese engineering firm. Locally, his company creates the white powder for a number of ski mountains, seven in Maine alone.

“It’s extremely simple,” Chapman said, who’s been making snow since the early 1980s when the process first emerged.

Water is run into a stream of air, which shoots it out in a fine mist. The natural outdoor temperature freezes the tiny water droplets before it reaches the ground, creating snow.

Different methods are used to spray the water into the air. Chapman has used pressurized air in the past, but may use a fan-based snow gun if the weather requires his services this year.

Chapman said the perfect temperature for snow making is 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Different air and water ratios are needed for different temperatures and Chapman said he has made snow in temperatures as high as 40 degrees.

“The problem is, if it’s 40 degrees, as soon as it hits the ground it’s going to melt,” he said.

Jarrett has been stockpiling snow at Point Sebago Resort in Casco for the derby. This year, the resort will serve as the main attraction for many of the various events. A 144-square-foot outdoor refrigerated structure resembling a greenhouse was built in case the weather gets too warm during the derby or in the days leading up to the event when snow sculptures will be carved.

Jarrett said the contest can be held inside the refrigeration building. It has been insulated for temperature and sunlight. The structure will protect completed snow sculptures from rain, snow and heavy winds.

“Weather isn’t the factor anymore,” Jarrett said. “Now it’s if people will come out in the weather.”