pioneers of sustainability

The vision is the overarching aim of the project

The order of the day is to make even more improvements in the area of sustainability. According to Adrian Jordan, it is important to take ecological, economic and social factors into account in order to really make a difference. The largest project at the moment is a second natural reservoir – this should result in huge savings in the production of artificial snow. However, this is just one piece in the puzzle of the overall vision of sustainable development in the ski resort.

‘Lej Nair Pitschen’ – a major project

The second reservoir will cost 10 million Swiss francs, but the benefits will be even greater, even if they are not immediately apparent in all respects. Adrian Jordan expects it to take twelve to thirteen years of operation before the new water management system also pays off financially.

Less is more

Storing meltwater high up at 2,500 metres above sea level brings various advantages. Since the water is already on the mountain, none of it needs to be pumped up from the valley – these pumping systems are being dismantled. Furthermore, the water is directly available on site. When conditions are good, snowmaking can be done in a shorter time. This means that the snowmaking machines are in operation for a shorter period of time, which saves electricity, water and money.

Snowmaking follows the terrain

Complex models decide how much snow should be made. These are based on the terrain structure, orientation and inclination. On steep sections, far more snow is removed by the edges of skis and snowboards than on flatter terrain; this results in a necessary snow cover of 70 or 40 cm.

Pilots conserve resources

Grooming the slopes requires hours of work from drivers and equipment, as well as fuel. The drivers have an immense influence on how much of each is used. They receive technical support to help them work as efficiently as possible. Their cabin is an absolute high-tech cockpit.

High-precision and three-dimensional

The Snowsat system works with satellite data. The measurements taken during the summer months are compared in real time with the position of the vehicle. The resulting difference provides the driver with information about the thickness of the snow cover – accurate to within 3 cm.

This information is particularly important in hilly terrain, because not every dint needs to be filled up to the top with snow. The precise information about the depth of the snow gives the driver the necessary orientation to neither dig too deeply nor move an unnecessary amount of snow. This saves operating hours, fuel and snow – and with the latter, water as well. Despite sophisticated technology, the correct interpretation remains with the driver. With the finest of impulses, he moves the plough blade at the front in twelve directions of movement using a kind of joystick.

Snow from your mobile phone

Where is there less snow on the slope and where is there more? The drivers' vehicles provide the answers, which are then collected and recorded. As long as the snowmaking machines are in place, they can be controlled directly from a central location or via smartphone. Not only can it be determined whether they should turn water into snow at all, but also in which direction the snow should be made. This means that the wind factor, which plays a major role, can be taken into account and avoidable preparation hours can be saved.

Innovations made in St. Moritz  

There are opportunities for improvement in all areas. This applies to the private sphere, but especially to companies. The new water management system with the second reservoir is a single project that is embedded in a vision and based on technical progress. Furthermore, many of the snow groomers in St. Moritz are equipped with a hybrid-like drive that also uses biodegradable motor oil. In addition, solar panels on the Piz Nair cable car generate enough energy for one in six ascents, and the first plus-energy hotel in the Alps has been built on Muottas Muragl.