Artificial Snowfall

Functionally – water and air... that’s all! Snow facilities basically consist of a water extraction area in a flowing body of water or pond, pipes laid in the ground, connection points, a pump, and if necessary, compressor stations, and the actual snow machines.

Snow systems run according to a physical principle in which water is sprayed into fine droplets by nozzles and quickly forms snow crystals in the short period between exiting the nozzle and hitting the ground. No chemicals are needed or used! As this system is based on the technological imitation of a natural process, the development of hoarfrost, snow can only be created at temperatures from – 4° C and not at high humidity. One cubic metre of water creates about 2.5 m3 of snow.
There are generally two kinds of systems: low-pressure systems or lance systems.

Artificial snowfall on ski slopes...
... helps equalise snow fluctuations during the season.
... ensures that lower slopes and main downhills remain navigable.
... covers snowless areas – curves, edges, sunny areas, entry areas – in otherwise well-snowed slopes.
... increases safety for skiers due to even snow quality.

Environmentally...
... adequate snow cover protects the layer of vegetation from frost, avoiding freeze desalination and erosion, and from damage by skiers or slope equipment.
... slope equipment can be used more sparingly on artificially snowy slopes.

Economically...
... certainty of snow is the most important prerequisite for continuous operation and ensures the income of the entire tourist region.

At Planai and Hochwurzen, an area of 400 football fields (about 200 ha) can be covered by artificial snowfall.