Snow cover
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What is a snow-gun?
This machine, is designed to make cultivated snow. It is fully automatic, coming into action whenever the temperature falls to - 4°C.
To make snow, our snow-guns are fitted with an air compressor, a fan, a water supply, and automatic controls taking all the various parameters into account in addition to the volume of snow required. 1 m3 of water makes 2 m3 of snow under optimum operating conditions.
The colder the water and air, the lower the humidity of the air (hygrometry), the more snow is made. In all, we use completely natural elements! This is why we prefer to talk of cultivated rather than artificial snow.
How do we make snow?
Cultivated snow is just water and air, that’s all!
It’s issued form a totally mechanic method consisting in sending crushed water in a snow gun network distributed on the ski area. No chemical is used during the production cycle, only water and cold air. Of course this method is valid only if negative temperatures.
And in Châtel ?
Châtel's geographical situation, to the far north of the French Alps, combined with the influence of nearby Lake Geneva, gives the resort its own microclimate usually ensuring that the snow does not melt. However, to counter Nature's whims, the Ski-Slope Department employs seven “snowmakers” making cultivated snow. Equipment: 120 snowmaking points spread all over the domain but concentrating on the most susceptible areas, that is to say 13km of slopes or 60 hectares covered. Actual pumping power is 750m3 per hour.
Châtel resort is still increasing its cultivated snow capacity with a project of adding 138 snow guns with an extra pumping power of 1250m3 per hour in 3 years time.
The first stage of this project has brought 23new snow guns for the 2008.2009 winter season on Pré-la-Joux/ Plaine Dranse area (strengthening the actual system and equipment of Rochassons slope).
The second step will be to create a new reservoir water and to fit out the Combes and Linga II (going with the replacement of the Linga II chairlift).
For the 3rd stage the Blattins and Rennes slopes (down to Plaine-Dranse) will be fitted out.
Discover our equipment.
During 2009.2010 winter season, on Tuesday morning from 10 to 11.30am you'll get the opportunity to discover our cultivated snow equipment and its functioning. Advanced booking and meeting point at the tourist board, admission free.
