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21-09-2026

FUTURO Snowmaking Project in Elm: TechnoAlpin provides greater snow reliability

With the FUTURO snowmaking project, Sportbahnen Elm is paving the way for a more predictable winter season. TechnoAlpin is providing a comprehensive, high-performance solution tailored precisely to the needs of the ski area in the Swiss canton of Glarus.

The demands placed on winter sports destinations are changing. Guests expect reliable slope conditions and a top-notch winter experience. For Sportbahnen Elm, an efficient snowmaking system is therefore a crucial component in enabling more effective planning of the winter season in the future.

FUTURO marks the realization of a project that emerged more than a decade ago. As part of the bidding process, several vendors were evaluated against predefined criteria. In addition to price, the technical report – including the contract analysis – references, service, and experience played a key role. After a thorough evaluation, TechnoAlpin was ultimately chosen.

[Translate to USA:] Construction site of the building for TechnoAlpin’s new pumping station in Elm

[Translate to USA:] A TechnoAlpin pump is lifted by crane into the pumping station building.

Ambitious schedule, ongoing construction work

The first snow removal efforts began as early as March 23, 2026 – one week before the official end of the last winter season. Since then, work has been proceeding in parallel on several construction lots: the water intake at Sernf, the extensive distribution network, and the four pumping stations in the valley, at Unter- and Oberämpächli, and at Pleus.

In total, more than nine kilometers of ductile iron cast pipes will be laid. The four pumping stations will be equipped with a total of eleven high pressure pumps. Once the construction work is completed, the technical components will be installed and the electrical systems connected.

The schedule is an ambitious one: The plant is scheduled for completion between March and December 2026, with operations set to begin in time for the 2026–27 winter season. Thanks to favorable weather conditions and close coordination among all parties involved, the work is currently on schedule.

[Translate to USA:] TechnoAlpin pumping station in Elm

High-performance snow producers for a variety of needs

When fully operational, the plant will include 65 TL series snow lances, which are used primarily in the lower section of the sled run. In addition to the 20 existing fan-based snow producers, there are 43 TT series tower machines as well as two mobile fan-based snow producers, the TF10 Piano and TR10 models.

Combining different types of snowmaking equipment makes it possible to cover snowmaking specific sections of the trail precisely and as needed. The result is a high-performance, comprehensive solution tailored to the specific topographical and operational requirements in Elm.

[Translate to USA:] Alpinal pipes were installed by TechnoAlpin in a trench beside the slope in Elm.

Collaborative solutions for a challenging project

For a project of this magnitude, close collaboration between the construction management team, the site management team, Sportbahnen Elm, and TechnoAlpin is crucial. Challenges are addressed openly and resolved together.

"Despite the scale of the project and the challenges it presents, solutions are developed collaboratively and with a clear focus on the goal." We are particularly impressed by the well-thought-out and coordinated efforts between Sportbahnen Elm and TechnoAlpin. Even in challenging situations, the teams involved work together constructively and seek practical solutions. "We are extremely satisfied with the implementation so far and with the collaboration," says the customer.

With FUTURO, Sportbahnen Elm is making a targeted investment in greater snow reliability and more predictable planning for winter operations. TechnoAlpin is supporting the project with technical expertise, many years of experience, and a clear shared goal: to create the best possible conditions for future winter seasons in Elm.