Extension of the Bruckmoos retention pond More assurance of snow on the Planai
By the end of the 2025/26 winter season, Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen will expand the existing “Bruckmoos” reservoir on the Planai. Its capacity will be increased from the current figure of around 80,000 cubic metres to approximately 200,000 cubic metres. As part of the works, parts of the snowmaking infrastructure will also be upgraded to the latest technical standards. The aim of the project is to enable snowmaking on the Planai to be carried out in an even more targeted and efficient manner, thereby securing skiing operations in the long term.
The conditions for snowmaking have changed significantly in recent years. Autumn and winter months are increasingly dry, whilst the periods when temperatures are sufficiently low are becoming shorter. A robust snowmaking infrastructure is crucial for producing snow quickly and efficiently during the available windows of opportunity.
Water availability also plays a role: in addition to natural water inflows from streams, water is also drawn from the River Enns. During periods of low rainfall, low water levels can restrict this water extraction. Thanks to the larger storage capacity directly on the mountain, water can be stored in greater quantities during periods of sufficient availability and later used specifically for snowmaking. The water used for this purpose comes from the natural water cycle, is converted into snow and, after the snow melts, returns completely to the cycle. It is not consumed, but merely ‘borrowed’.
“Snowmaking is now a key factor in ensuring reliable winter operations. By expanding the reservoir, we are creating additional capacity to make the most of short cold spells and continue to offer our guests high-quality slope conditions. At the same time, ensuring ski operations is the most important economic foundation for our company and the entire region,” says Peter Weichbold, Managing Director of Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen GmbH.
The project will be carried out in the most resource-efficient way possible: the excavated soil will largely be reused on-site – for example, for the new dam crest and for terrain adjustments in the piste area. This will improve the piste layout, which in some areas will also reduce the need for artificial snow in future.
Construction began immediately after the end of the 2025/26 winter season.
