Slope preparation and grooming

Fabian Wolfsperger, Hansueli Rhyner, Martin Schneebeli

Snow is one of the most complex materials on our planet, as demonstrated by the fact that many languages have more than one word for it. Scots English alone has 421 words for it! Snow is highly variable and constantly changing. There are many reasons for this, such as air and snow temperature, air humidity, snow conditions, composition (natural or machine-made snow), age, grain size and shape, compaction, slope exposure and gradient, solar radiation, longwave radiation, clouds, and wind.

This book contains more than 200 pages full of practical examples to explain the scientific and multifaceted interrelations between these parameters, providing a wealth of information for any operational manager, chief of course, race director, or snowcat driver. The knowledge presented should help to enhance the quality of slopes and cross-country trails and also facilitate more efficient cooperation, thereby cutting the costs of facility operators and lowering competition budgets. I also found the discussions with Fabian Wolfsperger incredibly interesting and useful.

The key to successful slope preparation is: “know-how, sound planning based on weather forecasts, use of the right tools, and optimal timing”.

I hope you all enjoy reading the book and continuing to learn about snow, a never-ending task!

Hans Pieren

World Cup Race Director in Adelboden,
long-standing FIS Race Director and Advisor,
e. g. at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014 and Pyeongchang in 2018

Available in th WSL E-Shop

Preis: CHF 19.– / EUR 20.–