Precision Snowmaking Ahead of Season Launch

After an intense preparation phase, Gstaad’s first ski areas opened on Saturday. Matthias In-Albon, CEO of Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG (BDG), is optimistic as he reflects on the current slope conditions and the upcoming winter season. He emphasises, however, the growing importance of technical snowmaking and the need for sufficient water resources to support it.

"The Slopes Are Ready, We Are Ready" 
… declares Matthias In-Albon, inviting the first guests to experience the Saanersloch and Hornberg ski areas as they open for continuous operation. Thanks to the cold temperatures of recent days, the Horneggli area will also open for weekend operations, ahead of the full launch of Gstaad’s ski world on 20 December.

Despite the challenges, In-Albon remains confident about the upcoming season. “We have prepared ourselves thoroughly and are ready to offer our guests an unforgettable winter experience,” he says. The Wispile is also set to welcome its “little” guests, with its "Zückerli" lift opening on Saturday. “The slopes are groomed, the team is motivated, and the infrastructure is in excellent condition,” he adds.

Visitors can look forward to firm and compact slopes, with current snow depths of approximately 30 cm in the higher elevations, 20 cm in mid-level areas, and 10 cm at valley level. With the indispensable support of technical snow, guests will have a solid foundation for skiing. “Gstaad is poised for a fantastic winter season,” says In-Albon, noting that the area’s appeal extends beyond local residents to attract visitors from across Switzerland and abroad.

Technical Snow: A Modern Necessity
Technical snow has become essential for today’s ski industry. “Guests expect impeccable slope conditions during the holiday season,” says In-Albon. Meeting this demand poses a challenge in the face of climate change. Snow reliability is a key priority for the resort, and Gstaad’s approach to snowmaking mirrors the natural snow production process with modern technology. This enables Gstaad to prepare slopes even when natural snowfall is lacking.

Securing Water Resources for Snowmaking
The growing need for reliable water resources is another pressing issue. In-Albon highlights the importance of strengthening Gstaad’s water supply infrastructure to support snowmaking. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the Hornberg reservoir. Currently, when operating at full capacity, the reservoir depletes within 22 hours but requires 72 hours to refill. Plans for an expanded reservoir, already in the approval phase, would significantly enhance snow reliability. Another key initiative is the construction of a third water pipeline on the Eggli, which is also pending approval. “For the future, we need more water resources to ensure sufficient snow production even in less snowy years,” explains In-Albon. A swift approval of these projects is essential to the region's long-term success.

The Challenge of Hotel Beds
Challenges for Gstaad are not limited to the mountains. The availability of accommodation in the village itself also poses a problem. “We have about 3,000 hotel beds in Gstaad, which is not enough, and the number has been declining in recent years,” says In-Albon. He emphasises the need for more mid-range accommodation to support the ski area’s operation. “For a large ski area to function properly, we also need day guests,” he adds. On peak days, nearly 14,000 visitors are on the slopes, further highlighting the need for adequate accommodation capacity.

With slopes prepped, teams ready, and a comprehensive strategy for snow production and visitor capacity, Gstaad is set to kick off an exciting winter season. As the ski lifts begin to turn, the resort’s commitment to innovation and preparedness promises a memorable experience for all who visit. 

Based on AvS | EOP