In fact it accurately replicates the natural process of snow formation in the atmosphere: the interaction between air and water. Once spring comes around the snow melts and completely re-enters the natural cycle.

How is programmed snow made?

As soon as the temperatures drop sufficiently in late autumn the ski resorts get to work "making snow". However, the work begins in summer, given that you need water to make snow, and there is certainly no lack of water in South Tyrol. Small reservoirs are built during the summer months to collect and store water (both rain water and snowmelt) and drainage systems are employed to prevent it from stagnating before the onset of winter. The water must be free of additives and almost of drinking water quality. Pipes lead from the reservoirs and the water is pumped to refrigeration towers where it is chilled to the ideal temperature, then pumped to the snow generator.

How does a snow gun work?

Snowflakes are crystallised rain drops formed in freezing temperatures. The snow gun nebulises the water with the help of compressed air to produce thousands of tiny droplets and blows them into the air. Over the years various types of snow guns have been developed (low and high pressure) to the point where the snowflake lattice is almost identical to that of natural snow, and snow can be deliberately made from light powder to wet base snow capable of withstanding higher temperatures before melting.

The only way to ensure consistently deal skiing conditions

"Programmed" snow produces reliable and consistent skiing conditions. Machine-made snow eliminates the element of chance and enables ski and snowboard centres to open early, ensures a longer season and offers the best guarantee of uninterrupted fun on the slopes.

Leader in its field

South Tyroleans are leaders in snowmaking. Technoalpin is a company based in Bolzano specialised in manufacturing snow guns for use on downhill and cross-country ski runs, toboggan runs, half-pipe and boarder-cross courses as well as for ski jumps. The company from Bolzano takes snow to Russia, New Zealand and Norway, including to Holmenkollen for the 2011 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

Statistics

South Tyrol boasts around 1,000 km of ski runs, 90% of which are covered by snow-making equipment. One cubic metre of water yields an average of two and a half cubic metres of snow.

What happens on the slopes once the snow has been dispensed?

A perfectly prepared ski run is the result of a whole year's work, including in summer. In the warm season the slopes are covered in grass and are perfectly suitable for grazing. As soon as temperatures drop the snow guns begin dispensing snow, then the snow groomers get to work to prepare the base. For example in the Plan de Corones/Kronplatz resort near Brunico/Bruneck 32 snow-groomers and 250 staff are at work each evening from 5pm when the lifts close to 2am grading, moving, smoothing, compressing and refreshing the snow and consequently the runs. There is a good reason why each year South Tyrol is awarded the top rating for the best prepared ski runs.

Snow under the microscope

Snowmaking in South Tyrol has become such an important activity that a research centre called ProNeve has opened to study the process. The group of resort managers and experts is headed by Erwin Stricker, a top skier who stood on the podium several times after World Cup events in the early 70s. The aim of the project is to improve the image of man-made snow and to develop efficient, sustainable and low-energy snowmaking technologies.

Titbits

In order to emphasise the purity of the water used for snowmaking, the award-winning chef Martin Mairhofer of the restaurant Herman's at Brunico/Bruneck has introduced an "Eco Snow Sorbet" to his menu, made using "technological" snow, lime, buttermilk, yoghurt and sugar. Shame that it can't be savoured in summer!

Webcams, snow and weather report

You can check the snow conditions in South Tyrol's top resorts before setting off by clicking on any of the numerous webcams installed overlooking the ski runs. The snow report gives you the depth of fresh snow and the total depth, tells you which runs are open or the number of kilometres of practicable cross-country ski trails as well as other information to enable you to get the most out of your winter holiday in South Tyrol.