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What do you think: how much snow is produced for modern winter sports events?


And that brings us to the heart of the matter: top-level events need one thing above all else – predictability. And today, this is mainly ensured by new technology.

Do you have any questions about this or other topics from the world of action sports?

Snow – our most important building material


Snow is the basis for everything we do. But while in our early years in the 1990s, scarce natural snow had to be laboriously pushed together, modern artificial snow is now a truly high-tech product. Thanks to its high density and mechanical stability, it is significantly more weather-resistant and can be controlled with precision – the essential basis for planning top-level events.


For large events with various facilities from different disciplines, for example, around 750,000 m³ of snow is produced to create perfect conditions. Without this massive infrastructure and modern snowmaking, snow parks as we know them today would simply be inconceivable.


Machines – from preparation to moulding


As soon as the snow is ready, construction begins – a task that has undergone enormous technological change. For large events, we work with around ten PistenBullys, most of which are Park Pro models.


The modern joystick and sensor technology feels like an extension of your own hand: thanks to the ‘joystick-in-joystick’ control system, even complex shapes can be formed with the same precision as if you were modelling the snow directly with your fingers. 


For me, this enormous freedom of movement of the blade and tiller is actually a must, which should be standard far beyond park construction. I like! 😉

→ Snow groomer in action
 

3D scanning and snow depth measurement


In addition to snowmaking and machinery, terrain scanning and snow depth measurement are now standard practice. Top events require accurate data for professional design. 


With systems such as SNOWsat, we can keep an eye on planning at all times and know exactly how much snow is under the chain. This makes projects and daily operations more efficient and faster, while also protecting the ground.

What international winter sports events teach ski resorts: trends, standards and best practices


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Fine tuning – handiwork remains handiwork


We have also continuously developed our tools for Fineshape. Around 20 years ago, I developed my first scraper to clearly distinguish our work in Europe from large American projects through razor-sharp edges and clean shapes. I would say that the tools have been continuously developed since then.


Today, we broadly distinguish between three types of tools: 

  • Stainless steel shaping tool for hard snow and ice 
  • Aluminium transporter (lighter) for moving larger amounts of snow
  • Vertshovel for steep walls and radii with variable angles and cutting edges

→ Handcrafted shaping
 

So I can say with certainty that without technological developments in the field of mountain resort development, these top-level projects would not be possible today. I am very grateful for this – and equally grateful for the trust our customers place in our work. 


Next week, I will show you the differences between snow park products, their costs and when which concept really makes sense for a ski resort. 


See you next week,

Dirk
 

Imprint

Schneestern GmbH & Co. KG · Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 47 · 87471 Durach

Phone: +49 831 960 886 10 · E-Mail: info@schneestern.com

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