SAFETY
ADVERTORIAL
State of the Art Snowmaking in
Mount St. Louise Moonstone
the snowmaking
philosophy of,
“Color me white
and call me open.”
Consistent snow
quality is achieved by
having all snow guns,
on all trails, optimally
adjusted to produce
desirable snow even as
temperatures fluctuate.
Automatic systems are
constantly adjusting
waterflow to achieve the
suitable snow quality.
ATASSplus is an
intelligent system which
manages the available
resources and contributes to the efficient operation of the
snowmaking system. The software allows the managers at
MSLM to control snowmaking production by the volume of
snow produced. This ensures the system does not overproduce
– wasting dollars and resources – or underproduce,
jeopardizing the length of the season.
MSLM’s innovation does not end with snowmaking.
They also use the Pistenbully SNOWsat system to measure
the snow depth on the slopes while grooming. The snow
management tool and the interface of the snow depth
measurement function help the snowmaking crew to
accurately plan their snow targets and contributes to
the efficient use of valuable and expensive resources.
The snow operations staff no longer needs to rely on
estimates, but can access exact data as a basis for their
decision-making processes.
Beside the advantages in efficiency and snow quality,
risk management is one of the main reasons to choose an
automated system. Manual snowmaking is not only tough
work, but it is also dangerous. One of the big results from the
conversion to full automation is lower workers’ compensation
claims. Crews in fully automated systems are much less likely
to be in close contact with high pressure air, water and high
voltage electric and the associated risks.
Risk management is not just about staff; risk to the
public is also minimized. With less snowmobiles and on-hill
equipment on the slopes, an automated snowmaking system
creates a safer environment than manual equipment.
Large-scale measures were taken in Mount St. Louis
Moonstone (MSLM) back in the 1980s in a bid to increase
the appeal of the Canadian ski resort. Hard core rock
and rubble from the surrounding area were used to raise the
hill and thus extend the slopes. The end result was a gain in
height of 60 meters. To this day, the managers of the family-run
ski resort have not lost their innovative spirit. Every year they
invest in improving the service offered at the resort.
In 2011, the crater that was left by the original project
was made into a gigantic reservoir with a view to optimize the
water supply for the snowmaking system. The reservoir has
the capacity to hold some one million cubic meters and boasts
a surface area of around 24 ha; making it arguably the largest
reservoir in the world for a snowmaking system.
More than 200 TechnoAlpin snow guns cover the
slopes in MSLM with high quality snow. Thirty-five of the guns
were installed during summer 2018.
Consistent snow quality is achieved
by having all snow guns, on
all trails, optimally adjusted to
produce desirable snow even as
temperatures fluctuate.
As an early adopter of automated snowmaking, MSLM
has been at the forefront of energy and labor efficiency. The
entire snowmaking system is controlled with the ATASSplus
control system.
Advantages of an automated system
This system’s software helps with the entire
snowmaking process and provides a clear layout of complex
data, thereby facilitating operation. Snowmaking is becoming
more efficient while providing a higher snow quality.
The ability to open trails before the early holidays
is critical to all resorts. To fully utilize the cold temperatures
early in the season, resorts need all guns to start within a
few minutes.
Besides the speed, the increased snow quality is one of
the main advantages for MSLM. Customers will no longer accept