7.1.2011

Full TechnoAlpin range for Tauplitz ski resort

People have been skiing in Tauplitz (AT) for 105 years. Due to its geographical location Tauplitz is one of the most reliable ski resorts in Austria for snow. Yet snow-making technology is still indispensable, even in Ausseerland, if top slope quality is to be guaranteed from the beginning of December to mid-April. The resort managers in Tauplitz have realized this and invested in snow-making equipment this summer. "At the beginning of the season we are especially prone to the occasional shortage of real snow", said Dr. Hubert Mayrhofer, Director of Tauplitz tourism company Tauplitzer Fremdenverkehrs GmbH, "so we rely on snow-making technology for maximum convenience". TechnoAlpin won the contract for the snow-making system. Both fan guns and lances were supplied. Two pump stations and a new cooling tower were also installed.

The snow-making system was installed on the downhill runs served by the new Mitterstein eight-seater gondola lift and on the Brentenmöser slope. All the newly constructed slopes in Tauplitz can be fully supplied with snow from snow-making systems. To this end the existing snow-making system has been upgraded by adding a total of 31 fan guns and 38 lances. The 31 fan guns include 14 of the new T40 model. The T40 was only launched in the spring and was used for the first time at the beginning of this snow season. The feedback from Tauplitz is also entirely positive. "We are very satisfied with all the snow guns and with the system as a whole", said Mayrhofer, reporting on the first few days of snow, "the installation of the system and start of operation went off without a hitch". The T40 machines were installed on a 3.5 m tower. Snow will also be guaranteed in future by nine of the top-of-the-range T60 snow guns mounted on a 3.5 m tower. All have a central air supply system. Eight more fan guns of the mobile variety were also supplied for added flexibility. 38 snow lances with central air complete the arsenal of snow guns.

Cooling towers for increased efficiency

A new reservoir with a capacity of 77,500 m³ was built to guarantee an optimum supply of water. TechnoAlpin installed a pump station with an output of 3 x 70 l/sec and a pressure booster station.
The water pressure and also the temperature of the water are key factors in snow-making technology, therefore a cooling tower from the new Cooltech range was also installed in Tauplitz. Using water at the ideal temperature improves the performance of the individual snow guns. The cooling towers in the "Cooltech" range have a honeycomb-type cooling system which works by redirecting the water. The cooling of the water has a positive impact on the snow output and therefore on the energy consumption of the snow guns. Each snow gun can produce up to 45% more snow on average if supplied with water at the right temperature. This means up to 45% more output but no change in energy consumption. Moreover, the snow-making process can begin earlier if a water cooling system is installed, which translates into an enormous commercial advantage for the ski resort.

Consistent snow quality thanks to ATASSplus

The new system in Tauplitz is a fully automatic system which is controlled by the TechnoAlpin software ATASSplus. Fully developed by TechnoAlpin, the software adds a touch of clever sophistication to snow management. It takes next to no time to respond to changes to the relevant parameters. The software collects data from snow guns and weather stations and optimizes the snow production according to the prevailing conditions. This provides the basis for clever water and air management and continuous energy control. Operational states and the consumption of resources can thus be monitored and evaluated with maximum accuracy, operating costs are optimized, and consistent snow quality is guaranteed down the entire length of the slope. Ultimately it is the skiers who benefit the most.

The ski resort in Tauplitz extends from 896 m to 1965 m above sea level. There are 42 kilometers of slope for the ski enthusiasts. The resort is particularly good in terms of offering various alternatives and has something to suit everyone. Another unique feature of the resort is its mountain village "Tauplitzalm-Dorf". The village is situated 1650 m above sea level and offers accommodation for 1000 people. Cozy traditional chalets and charming restaurants make the atmosphere really special. Moreover, the "Alm" or mountain pasture is a car-free zone in the winter. Snowcats and Ski-Doo sleds are used as public transport.