Welcome to the future of snow depth measurement

Our article from MountainManager 4/2023

Smart antenna, user-friendly display and maximum performance - the latest generation of ARENA snow depth measurement is a real quantum leap and takes snow depth measurement to a new level. The course can already be set in summer to save money in winter through constant monitoring and active snow management.

Snow depth measurement has become an integral part of modern piste operations.
Knowing the exact amount of snow in each section of the piste is not only a basic requirement for the best piste quality, constant monitoring means that resources can be used efficiently and up to 20% of water and electricity can be saved in the long term. This potential is increasing due to the further development of snow depth measurement towards a smart tool. With a concrete vision, the courage to come up with new ideas and a focus on quality, the Salzburg-based company ARENA has thoroughly upgraded its snow depth measurement system – taking it to a new level.

ARENA takes snow depth measurement to a new level.

Compact hardware

Until recently, several components had to be installed in the vehicles, but the latest generation of ARENA gets by with just one smart antenna. The technology ensures maximum performance under all conditions. With the sensors installed in the smallest of spaces, not only can the snow depth be measured and processed with centimeter precision, but also all relevant data. This makes the system more compact and efficient, the susceptibility to errors is reduced to a minimum and the measurements are more stable and reliable overall. Last but not least, fewer components also mean lower acquisition costs, which is why ARENA impresses with its extremely good price-performance ratio.

Slope optimisation: snow deficits and surpluses can be recognized quickly and compensated for directly.

Focus on usability

During the further development of the snow depth measurement, ARENA paid particular attention to a clear user interface of the displays. In the detailed 3D view including orthophoto, the respective snow cover for each section is shown in color and in real time.
Measurements are recorded directly in the snow groomer and the drivers can react accordingly immediately. Reduced to the essentials, the display can also be specifically adapted to the customer's requirements. Thanks to the high precision of the display, the system also acts as an orientation aid in poor visibility, thus ensuring increased safety and productivity for drivers. Lanes and snow depths are also shown in a single view on the intuitive user display.

Driver visualization: The 3D visualization and high level of detail serve as an orientation aid in the vehicle.

The ARENA PistenManager – the innovative control center

Of course, all threads of the snow depth measurement have to come together somewhere.
That is why ARENA has created a control center with the new PistenManager that is clear, easy to use and fully compatible with other measuring systems. The detailed analysis of the snow depth can be called up on the office screen or directly in the snow groomer. An optimized view is ensured for all end devices and creates maximum benefit for the operator. Powerful components such as the integration of natural snow depths, data exchange with the snow control system or the individually created ARENA MasterPlan provide a full overview of the current status of each individual slope section at all times. Furthermore, the shorter loading times of the snow depths and the MasterPlan ensure efficiency gains and let the user benefit from smoother navigation in the map view. The PistenManager can be linked to the snow guidance system of all providers in no time at all and thus provides important real-time data for optimal snowmaking.

Use the summer

In order for the snow depth measurement to be able to deliver reliable measurement data in winter, it is essential to keep the terrain model up to date at all times. Structural changes or natural movements of the terrain distort the data basis of the measurements, which inevitably leads to incorrect results. Therefore, the geodata should be updated before the season. The ARENA team is happy to take care of all updating measures for the terrain model, from re-measurement using a drone, orthophotos, 3D meshes and the integration of current cadastral data to special employee training in the ski areas.

Real-time monitoring: The latest antenna technology creates measurements in the centimeter range.

Ready to innovate?

Inspired by the experience of long-time snow groomer drivers, ARENA snow depth measurement is perfectly tailored to their needs and a must-have tool for modern snow management. This makes ARENA a long-term investment, not just in its own infrastructure, but in the future performance of the entire ski area.
You too can benefit from this innovation and use the summer months to save money in winter.

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