Reduced amounts of natural snow, rising energy costs and increased competitive pressure - the challenges in winter sports are manifold. In seven steps, you will learn how modern piste management can help you achieve perfect pistes at all times and reduce costs at the same time.
Perfect slopes don't just fall from the sky. They are the result of hard work and the right decisions at the right time. However, climate change and rising energy costs are putting ski resorts under increasing pressure. So how can we meet these challenges in order to guarantee an unforgettable winter sports experience with optimal slope conditions in the future?
1. Snow as a means of existence recognize
For a long time, snow was considered a natural occurrence in the winter sports industry. effects of climate change have now also arrived in the Alpine region. This poses major, and in some cases existential, challenges for many ski areas at low and medium altitudes.
This makes it all the more important to view snow as an operational resource that must be actively managed. The decline in natural snow volumes cannot be compensated for by making artificial snow on a whim. A well-thought-out snowmaking strategy is therefore the be-all and end-all of modern piste management.
2. Make objective decisions
In many areas, work on the slopes depends on the individual instinct and many years of experience of the slope team. But intuitive decisions are not always the best. In view of the current climatic challenges, perfect slopes in the long term are only possible with objective and data-based decisions.
That is why it is essential for ski resorts to use digital monitoring. Measuring snow depth is only the first step. Only in conjunction with data from the snow guidance system, comparative values from previous years and the Terrain model Key figures can be calculated that reflect the exact condition of the runway.
On this basis, decisions in snowmaking can be made more objective and economical. In combination with forecast weather data from GeoSphere Austria It is also possible to choose the optimal time for snowmaking and to make full use of the natural weather conditions.
3. Resource efficiency is a cost factor
Perfect slopes are associated with enormous costs in many ski areas. This is why sustainability in winter sports is not just a buzzword, but above all a financially relevant factor with enormous potential. The efficient use of resources is directly reflected in a reduction in variable costs.
Through digital monitoring and analysis of the collected data alone, up to 20% of water and electricity can be saved per season - year after year. Without expensive new purchases, ski resorts can significantly and sustainably reduce their operating costs through these process optimizations. This scope can be used for other investments to perfect slopes and further improve the skiing experience.
4. Digital tools improve slope quality
Digital tools not only reduce costs, they also improve Overview and at the same time increase the quality of the slopes. Problem areas are identified early, snow eaters are eliminated and, especially at the beginning and end of the season, standard operations can be guaranteed even with little natural snow.
In addition, the ARENA snow depth measurement can be used in the snow groomer as a preparation aid. With snow depths and tracks displayed simultaneously, it becomes an orientation aid in poor visibility conditions and opens up completely new possibilities in the construction of fun parks.
5. Define snow targets
Maximum resource efficiency and slope quality can only be maintained in the long term if a strategic approach is taken. It is therefore essential to define snow depths for each point in the season in advance. This enables a well-founded analysis of the actual snow requirements, which vary in the different phases of the season.
Target snow depths and target water volumes for all hydrant areas in the ski area make it possible to keep an eye on the current state of the slopes at any time during the current season. Overproduction of artificial snow is avoided and premature melting can be counteracted in good time.
6. Be prepared for every scenario
Every season is different, every winter brings its surprises. That's why as many different scenarios as possible should be taken into account when developing a strategy. Based on the experience of the piste team as well as long-term data series and seasonal trends, it is possible to estimate what to do in certain weather scenarios. This enables a statistical view of the situation, which is also taken into account in the decisions.
Additional security is provided by the addition of meteorological data such as the SNOWPACK models from Geosphere Austria. Data from the past can thus be linked directly to weather forecasts. This means that unfavorable weather situations can be anticipated by taking timely measures.
7. Maximize piste safety
How perfect a slope is can also be measured by its safety. An increased number of accidents or recurring types of injuries on certain sections should be consistently counteracted. Both perceived and actual safety are important factors in customer loyalty.
At the same time, it must be ensured that the piste rescue and the connection to the rescue chain function smoothly. Here, too, digital tools help to make operations more efficient, improve communication and coordination, and identify hot spots.
The future of piste management begins now
Modern piste management is characterized by the fact that, on the one hand, it improves the quality of the pistes. On the other hand, a key focus is on saving natural and financial resources in snowmaking. This is achieved through a balanced mix of personal experience of the piste managers, who are optimally supported by digital tools and data analyses. In this way, ski areas become fit for the challenges of climate change and remain attractive and competitive with perfect pistes even under unfavorable weather conditions.
