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Ski tourism is fighting for a sustainable image. An example from eastern Switzerland.
The vast majority of snow groomers are still powered by diesel. The first mass-produced, fully electric snow groomer has been in operation for almost a month in the Flumserberg ski area in the canton of St. Gallen.
Legend:
The electric snow groomer is in the snow – within reach of the socket.
SRF/Nicolas Ledergerber
«We had to replace our old machine. “In the course of this, we looked for a replacement,” says Rolf Blumer, Managing Director of Flumserberg Tourismus, about why the ski area is testing electric operation. “At the moment it is important and right to examine the preparation of cross-country ski trails without emissions.”
The first interim conclusion: “We are not yet at the operating time that we would like,” says Rolf Blumer. “We can currently prepare the entire trail, then we have to recharge it again. We were pleasantly surprised that the charging time was significantly shorter than predicted.”
The electric snow groomer in the Flumserberge
A full charge takes around seven hours. That’s why a quick charging station (one to two hours) is an issue. However, this costs around 70,000 francs and also requires a building permit. But they want to test it, continued Blumer.
The snow groomers also continue to be tested. “We hope to gain insight into how the machine behaves in icy conditions or in fresh snow,” says Rolf Blumer.
Different in the cockpit and in production
Preparing the entire ski area electrically is not the goal at the moment. The electric caterpillar is used on winter hiking trails and cross-country ski trails. Once the electric vehicle is in operation, the heated battery lasts for around two and a half to three hours. For comparison: a full tank of diesel lasts for around six to seven hours.
The shorter operating times require different planning: Which slope is prepared and when? The new vehicle is also a change for the drivers: “Especially the noise level,” says Yves Hungerbühler from the manufacturer Prinoth, “you can’t hear anything anymore.” The torque is also extreme. “It’s different driving.”
We had to train our people.
Prinoth also faced new challenges with the electric vehicle. “An electric vehicle is slightly heavier than diesel engines.” This is mainly due to the battery. However, because of the changeable surface, snow groomers should be as light as possible.
The company, based in South Tyrol and a Swiss branch in Valais, has invested millions in development. «There was also a complete rethink in our production. We had to train our people differently. There are also safety regulations for vehicles that are operated at high voltages.”
Electricity from hydropower
The price of an electric vehicle is within the range of a diesel vehicle. You can compare it with buying an electric car, says Rolf Blumer: more expensive to buy, but the fuel costs are eliminated. During the test phase, the electricity is available free of charge from a local operator, largely from local hydropower.
Preparing the entire ski area electrically is still a thing of the future. For the time being, the strikingly green tracked vehicle – all others are red – is reserved for the cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails. With positive feedback: passers-by and cross-country skiers stop, ask questions and are interested in the vehicle. And the result is also correct: the cross-country ski trails have already been praised by winter sports enthusiasts.