Snow depth measurement, terrain models, etc. - digital tools for ski resorts have become an indispensable part of modern slope management. But the market is developing quickly and there are constantly new tools that ski resorts can use to save money and at the same time improve the quality of their slopes.
Digitalization brings completely new opportunities for ski resorts to improve their performance in many areas. First and foremost, snow depth measurement is now standard in the Alpine region. But beyond that, there are many other ways to improve competitiveness and customer satisfaction in the long term with digital control tools, extensive analysis methods, modern fleet management and digital rescue assistants.
1. Digital tools: Terrain model
The basic requirement for most digital tools in piste management is a terrain model. By using a drone to 3D scan the ski area, a digital twin of the terrain is created on the monitor. Many other functions can then be integrated into this digital data basis. Such as snow depth measurements, infrastructure and weather data, and operational data from the piste fleet, making the terrain model a powerful tool for the piste team.
But a terrain model also offers numerous advantages and opportunities for utilization beyond snowmaking and preparation. For example, the terrain data can be easily passed on to partners and construction companies in the course of planned construction projects. The terrain model is also interesting for tourism utilization. For example, hiking and trail maps can be created with little effort or the planning of major events can be better organized.
2. Digital tools: snow depth measurement
Snow depth measurement is now standard in snowmaking and preparation of ski areas. It not only allows the exact snow cover to be measured and mapped, but above all it saves natural resources. The more accurate the snow depth measurement, the greater the savings and the lower the variable costs. In the long term, the use of resources can be reduced by up to 20%.
Modern snow depth measurements are playing an increasingly important role in snow preparation due to their precision and differentiated display options. ARENA snow depth measurement can display snow depths and vehicle tracks in one view. This makes it indispensable where the highest precision is required, such as in the construction of fun parks. At the same time, it can be used as an orientation aid in poor visibility, making work on the slopes safer.
3. Digital Tools: Controltools
In addition to snow depth measurements, other measurement, infrastructure and weather data as well as the snow guidance system can be integrated into a terrain model. This makes the terrain model a direct control tool for the entire ski area. All data is collected here, geographically located. This ensures maximum overview and quick decisions in daily piste operations.
For example, the ARENA Platform was developed as a digital tool especially for this purpose. Measurement data is displayed with centimeter precision and analyzed according to individual requirements. A slim and intuitive user interface ensures the best possible workflow and makes work easier both in the piste machine and in the office. The platform is also fully compatible with measurement systems from other providers. It is therefore not necessary to change the measuring devices.
4. Digital Tools: Calculations
In addition to the recording and presentation of digital measurement data, their analysis is another important factor when it comes to efficiency and the conservation of natural resources. These analyses can be called up at the touch of a button based on a well-maintained database and with the help of digital control tools. The piste team receives important key figures with which the snow cover on the slopes and the necessary use of resources can be actively managed.
This provides valuable information, such as the actual water-snow ratio for each hydrant area, the required snow volume and the respective target snow depths for each individual piste section. By integrating natural snow depths or forecast weather data from the GeoSphere Austria The ideal time for producing artificial snow can be anticipated, making snowmaking even more efficient.
5. Digital Tools: Action Plans
If the snow depth measurement has been in use for several years, it is possible to compare the individual seasons with each other. Different scenarios can be derived from this, which in turn cover different weather and natural snow constellations. Based on the key figures determined, target snow depths can then be defined for each section of the piste for the entire season, which the piste team can use as a guide.
This avoids unfavourable snow conditions, especially at the beginning and end of the season, and ensures snow security during the core business at Christmas and Easter. In this context, it is sometimes clever to external serviceprovider to assist the piste team in developing data-based action plans.
6. Digital tools: fleet management
Snow groomers and other vehicles are becoming increasingly efficient. However, with increasing digitalization, the options for coordinating your own fleet are also improving. Modern fleet management goes far beyond the mere location of the vehicles. It is now possible to digitally access the performance of your own vehicles, i.e. the fuel consumption, wear and tear or the maintenance status of the equipment.
Manual vehicle reports are now a thing of the past and all important operational and safety data is automatically transmitted and evaluated. High-quality fleet management tools can be used for everything from snow groomers to skidoos, quads, cars and construction machinery and ensure maximum overview of your own fleet. The digital documentation of fleet data also acts as indirect theft protection, ensures legal certainty in the event of accidents and simplifies proof of performance for the tax office or the billing of in-house and third-party services.
7. Digital Tools: Slope Safety
Safety on the slopes is a big issue. Both for skiers and for the piste rescuers. Digital rescue assistants improve coordination and communication between emergency services, saving time where time cannot be wasted. All operations are documented digitally, audit-proof and for an unlimited period of time. Operational reports can therefore be provided at the touch of a button if required.
This ensures maximum legal certainty, both for the piste rescuers and for the ski area itself. In addition, the digitally completed protocols ensure a higher billing rate and thus greater cost-effectiveness of operations. The geographically located documentation also makes it possible to analyze accident hotspots and types of accidents retrospectively and to take targeted precautions to improve piste safety.
Numerous advantages of digitalization
Digital tools bring numerous advantages to piste management. From resource-saving snowmaking to strategic planning and snow security in the off-season to comprehensive fleet management and greater safety on the slopes, digital tools can significantly improve the performance of a ski area in many areas.
