In the coming years, CHF 12.4 million will be invested in the „Snowmaking 4.0“ project at Pizol. The primary focus of the investments is on sustainable snowmaking. However, at Pizol, they have thought beyond that.

With the project, winter operations and the positioning as an attractive skiing and hiking as well as leisure area are secured for decades. Existing gaps in technical snowmaking can be filled, strengthening the entire tourism region.

A reservoir that offers more than just water

The centerpiece of the project is the new reservoir, which sits proudly at 2,212 meters above sea level. This reservoir, with a low-water area, serves not only for snowmaking but also offers various opportunities for tourist activities in the summer. Its location near the Pizol Hut makes the reservoir a hub for recreational activities.

With around 80,000 square meters of water in the dam and the existing reservoir, along with the water supply‘s excess, there will be approximately  30,000 square meters of water available for snowmaking.

Technical innovation for uninterrupted snow coverage

BÄCHLER is responsible for the main part of the snowmaking equipment. Around 170 pit components and 130 snow lances are contributed by the Swiss manufacturer to realize the vision of continuous snow coverage.

A central planning goal was the optimal water distribution along the route to ensure uniform snow production.

The use of BÄCHLER SnoTek snow lances supports this strategy, aiming to operate as many snow lances as possible simultaneously, rather than  producing large amounts of snow at specific points.

Challenges and sustainability

The financing of the „Snowmaking 4.0“ project is secure, and implementation has begun. Klaus Nussbaumer, CEO of Pizolbahnen AG, emphasizes the satisfaction of successfully completing the initial phase and looks forward to the upcoming implementation phase.

He recalls that the project was initially met with skepticism but through perseverance and optimism, it has become a milestone in the development of the ski area.

Already in 2004, the first localized snowmaking was implemented. Further expansions, resulting in a total of 142 snowmaking devices today, followed.

The challenges of winter tourism at Pizol were evident: snow reliability, especially around the Christmas season, played a crucial role in the economic profitability of the ski resort. Nussbaumer explains that the project not only increases snow reliability but is also geared toward a sustainable future.

The facilities, including the reservoir and pipelines, are designed to offer versatile uses, including electricity production, emergency water supply, firefighting reservoir, and support for agriculture.

Efficiency through innovation

Increasing snow production by nearly double presents challenges, but Markus Oertle, the operations manager, is confident. The installation and commissioning of the expanded system are demanding, yet thanks to trust in the system and proven technology, the operators are ready to take on the challenge.

“The biggest  challenge will be the entire installation and commissioning of the  system. However, we already know the system very well and are familiar with operating the controls as well as the snowmaker,“ says Oertle.

Despite the substantial increase in snow production, energy consumption remains almost unchanged. This is made possible through the clever positioning of the new reservoir and the use of energyefficient lances from BÄCHLER.

The new reservoir, located at higher altitudes, generates its own pressure, which reduces the need for pumping. Furthermore, it is expected that the lower sections can operate without pumps. The collaboration with BÄCHLER and the use of modern technologies also enable sustainable snow production.

Looking to the Future

The „Snowmaking 4.0“ project is a milestone for the Pizol Bad Ragaz – Wangs ski resort. The expansion of the snowmaking system to over 300 snowmaking devices from BÄCHLER promises a snowmaking time of under 80 hours, thus increasing the efficiency of snow production.

The comprehensive planning and the use of state-of-the-art technologies not only set new standards for snow reliability but also for the sustainable utilization of alpine resources.

By the year 2028, the project will be completed, and as early as the winter of 2024/25, water from the new reservoir will flow into the existing system.