Newsletter #6 - October 2009: The World's first All Weather Snowmaker Produces high quality snow at Pitztal, Austria

Pitztal is offering high quality ski slope since early September

The Pitztal Glacier sparkles with a technical novelty, setting a new benchmark for a future-proof and environmentally-friendly use of the highest glacier ski area in Austria. The IDE All Weather Snowmaker – an innovation from Israel – makes it possible for the first time to produce snow without having to depend on TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, and WIND.

"Over recent years, temperature, humidity, and wind conditions  on the Pitztal Glacier were often not right in early autumn for producing normal snowfall", explained Dr. Hans Rubatscher, Manager of the Pitztal Glacier Resort. "We were therefore looking for an innovative alternative – and found the IDE All Weather Snowmaker in Israel." In the future, the Snowmaker will be used alongside the existing snowmaking equipment with canons and lances, in particular at the start of the season in autumn and in late spring.

IDE Technology is one of the world leaders in design and construction of seawater desalination, water treatment and ice and snow plants. Since 1965 the company installed about 400 plants in over 40 countries world wide. IDE welcomes the Pitztal Glacier as a bold investor who has recognized the future prospects of the IDE All Weather Snowmaker at an early stage.  "We are very proud to have found a partner in the most innovative glacier ski area in Austria so that future-oriented projects like these can be implemented", adds Felix Viehauser from IDE Snowmaker.

Manfred Pranger, FIS slalom World Champion Val d'Isère 2009:
The snow quality is totally great, it's perfect for us racers and much better than on the glacier. We will use this slope for training.

Gunter Pekoll Operation Manager, Schladming, Austria:
The snow coverage is very impressive and the snow quality looks great also impressed by the quantity of snow produced per hour.

Alois Geiger, CEO Fiss Ski Resort, Austria:
I think it’s a real good project. I believe that this technology could help ski resorts especially for problem areas at the beginning and end of the season. I think it can also be an opportunity for our resort. I’m sure that this innovation will have success.

Vidar Løfshus, Chief Coach, Norwegian National Cross Country Team:
I was lucky to be invited with IDE Technologies and Ski Federation to Pitztal on a excursion to see next generation snow production, after seeing the "light" on the glacier of Pitztal I am calm when it comes to the future of snow production with or without sub zero temperatures. I can see great potentials together with IDE Technologies to secure recruiting to the sport of skies even with warm winters. My message will therefore be that we open for commercial players such as IDE to secure that activity on snow.

Karlheinz Waibel, DSV Chief Coach German Men Ski Team:
It is quit similar to wet natural snow which is good for us and early morning we will have perfect training conditions.

Hilde Gerg, German Ski Legend and Olympic Gold Medalist:
Unbelievable, it’s real snow!

Martin Kafer, Operation Manager, Feldberg, Germany:
We consider installing a snowmaker in our resort. It can secure the season especially in the German middle mountains where there is less snow.

Jim Tracy, Head Coach USA Women Alpine Ski team:
I am impressed with the produced snow quality and I’m convinced that some American ski resorts will follow Pitztal in the near future. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference between real snow and IDE snow.

Klaus Kromann, Technical Manager, Holmenkollen, Norway:
The snow felt very good to ski on. It was surprisingly well also as base snow, and was very fast to ski on. This is really something for the future of ski sports.

Geir Kihle, Director of FIS, Drammen, Norway:
Very impressive capacity and snow quality. It produces pure white snow even with “dirty” inlet water. Seems fast and compact and will suit the cross country sport very well.

Anders Wassgren, Director Tryvann Skisenter, Oslo, Norway:
I liked the snow very well. It was compact and fast to ski on. It is an impressive machinery and set-up.

Hans Pum, Chief Coach Austrian Ski Team:
The snow quality and the opportunities for us are excellent. 

The second All Weather Snowmaker will be operated in Zermatt Switzerland during October.

You may view few video films at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEDdLflDc0A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzn7b8VafA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h958ioY4OBM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q85lZ6UbUOc

For further information please contact Mr. Moshe Tessel:
moshet@ide-tech.com