16-11-2022

Snowmaking: Golden machine for Davos Klosters Bergbahnen AG

This is the TT10 - a special piece in every respect - and a permanent feature on the Jakobshorn from this week onwards. The 1,000th fan gun produced by TechnoAlpin in any one year is traditionally gold in color.

And this year’s special gold edition goes to Davos Klosters Bergbahnen AG. In early November 2022, Patrizio Laudonia, Branch Manager for TechnoAlpin Schweiz AG, handed over the rare piece to the managers of the Graubünden Winter Sports Resort. This is none other than a TT10 fan gun, which delivers perfect snow quality even in difficult temperature conditions and is extremely economical. The special feature on this model is the new tiltable tower. This turns the TT10 into a snow producer combining the advantages of a tower-mounted machine with the ease of maintenance of a mobile fan gun.

TechnoAlpin and Davos Klosters Bergbahnen AG share a special relationship. They have been working together for 30 years. Both companies present a united front in their commitment to innovative, sustainable projects. The small hydroelectric power plant, which has been up and running for a number of years, is a prime example of this. The existing snowmaking infrastructure is used to generate electricity. Electricity for 200 households can be generated for 10 months of the year by passing the reservoir overflow through turbines. Over 60% of the power required for snowmaking on the Jakobshorn is generated in this way. Other small hydroelectric power plants are also in the pipeline. The two companies were nominated for the 2021 Swiss Mountain Award for their joint project.

Patrizio Laudonia, Branch Manager for TechnoAlpin Schweiz AG added, “Sustainable solutions are a focal point for TechnoAlpin. With this in mind, we are always ready to venture into new territory. The task is that much easier when we are working alongside loyal parters with whom we have built up a trusting relationship over the years”.

Projects like the Jakobshorn are becoming increasingly important for mountain railways. On the one hand, they also guarantee economically sustainable future operations and on the other hand, they boost resource efficiency and the amount of self-generated electricity. Both aspects are equally important, not only for the mountain railways but for the entire mountain region.