Snow Farming at Kitzsteinhorn

Kitzsteinhorn has practiced snow farming since 2010, building extensive expertise in snow preservation over the years. During the snow groomer ride up to the depot, where the snow is being pushed into place, Günther Brennsteiner explains:

“We established the snow depots with scientific support from the Open Air Lab at Kitzsteinhorn. Our research partners assisted us throughout the development process and continue to study how the depots affect the neighboring glacier areas.”

The Open Air Lab has been operated by GEORESEARCH and Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG since 2010. Project partners include the Technical University of Munich, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, and the Munich Alpine Hazards and Mitigation Cluster.

Work on the strategically located snow depots begins in May. Snow that would otherwise melt is pushed together and compacted using snow groomers. Head of Slope Operations René Cizek is already riding his snowmobile toward the newly created depot at the base station of the Schneehase lift, where the experienced team has gathered.

“Ideally, the snow has not yet been warmed by the sun and turned into old snow. That is when we achieve the best snow farming results. Today, our team is covering the remaining section of the Schneehase depot with geotextile fabric, sewing the panels together with a handheld sewing machine, and securing them with sandbags.”

As the team lifts the large rolls of geotextile fabric from the snow groomer, Günther Brennsteiner explains:

“Over the years, the fabric has been specially developed for snow depots at ski resorts. It is extremely tear-resistant and reflects sunlight. During heavy rainfall, its integrated structure allows the water to drain away in a controlled manner rather than rushing down like a torrent.”

To keep the covering securely in place during storms, the wide panels are firmly sewn together. Snowmaking specialist—and, in this case, master geotextile tailor—Stefan Bürgler knows exactly how to handle the handheld sewing machine. He skillfully threads the two-spool machine and joins the overlapping panels with a chain stitch.

“In the fall, when the coverings are removed from the depots, the stitch can be undone with a single pull of the thread, just like opening a potato sack. This allows us to reuse the same panels several times,” explains the Head of Slope Operations as he carefully coordinates the placement of the fabric across the large snow depot.

Hand-filled sandbags provide the necessary weight along the edges of the panels, preventing the covering from lifting off the depot during storms.

The snow-how and expertise acquired through many years of snow farming are no trade secret, as the Authorized Technical Officer reveals with a laugh:

“We are happy to share our experience with other ski resorts. International delegations regularly visit us to take a closer look at our depots and how they are created. Work is also continually underway to improve the quality of the geotextile fabric.”

The environmental compatibility of the geotextiles has been continuously improved over the years. Alpine ski resorts share the goal of using the most environmentally compatible materials possible to insulate snow and ice.

Completing all the snow depots takes several weeks. Once the final panel has been sewn, positioned, and weighted down, the depots are ready for their summer sleep. Throughout the summer, René Cizek regularly checks that the coverings remain properly positioned and that weather conditions have not caused any of the ballast bags to come loose.

Even during warm weather, a large portion of the “farmed” snow can be preserved throughout the summer and used in the fall as a foundation for an early start to slope operations. Günther Brennsteiner explains:

“Before the season begins, the snow depots are uncovered, and the geotextile fabric is rolled up and stored until it is needed again. The snow is then distributed over short distances using snow groomers.”

The depots are positioned at key locations where snow is needed for an early start to slope operations. At that time of year, the combination of air temperature, humidity, and water temperature is often not yet suitable for machine-made snow. Reusing the preserved depot snow therefore helps ensure the season can begin as planned.

“Ideally, some fresh snow has already fallen by the time we distribute the preserved snow. Mixing the two creates a strong foundation for the winter and also protects the glacier ice beneath it.”

Creating the depots requires considerable time and physical effort from the team. However, the resource-conscious reuse of existing snow and the protective effect on the covered glacier areas clearly justify the work involved.

Günther Brennsteiner explains:

“Scientists from the Open Air Lab regularly study changes in the high-alpine environment using modern measuring methods and drone surveys.

The research data shows that the snow depots significantly reduce summer melting in the covered areas. That motivates us to continue using our snow-how to protect snow and ice while ensuring the most resource-efficient possible start to the winter season.

At the same time, we save energy by reducing the need for machine-made snow.”