SNOWMASTER: Efficient management of ski resorts with real-time data in 3D
How TechnoAlpin is driving the digitalization of ski resorts
As a leading manufacturer of snowmaking systems and snow cannons, the South Tyrolean company TechnoAlpin also develops technologies for the management of ski resorts. Its SNOWMASTER software suite has received an extensive update for the 2023/2024 season - with the aim of providing even better decision-making aids for ski slope operators. We have added a 3D map to the tool that provides an overview of snowmaking.
The management of ski resorts combines complex fields of action and is constantly facing new challenges due to the consequences of climate change. In addition to fluctuating water availability and unusual weather conditions, issues relating to energy consumption and sustainability are increasingly being raised – by operators and visitors alike. Efficient solutions are needed to overcome these challenges. With SNOWMASTER, TechnoAlpin provides a toolset as a decision-making aid – for better monitoring of energy consumption, easier use of all devices, and a clear display of the slope situation in real time.
Planning resources more efficiently with digital decision-making tools
Growing energy costs, weather fluctuations, lack of resources – experience alone is no longer enough to deal with the challenges of operating ski slopes. Technological progress in hardware and software has become essential. For this reason, TechnoAlpin has updated its SNOWMASTER software suite for the 2023/2024 ski season:
- Energy consumption: Energy indices can be used to precisely monitor energy consumption in the machine room and on the slope.
- Cross-device: The browser-based tool is available on all common devices. This means that all information can be accessed in real time from anywhere – whether in the office or on the move.
- Real-time data: A 3D map provides an overview of the snowmaking situation on the ski slopes – both at present and in retrospect.
This data provides a reliable basis for operators to make decisions and facilitates communication between management and snowmaking teams.
Optimize operations with real-time data on the map
The strategic positioning of snow cannons on the ski slopes is the basis for consistent snowmaking. Additional information is required for efficient operation: How much snow is currently on the slope? How long has the slope been covered with snow? How many snow cannons were in use? TechnoAlpin's solution is a view of the ski slopes on a 3D map that we have developed for SNOWMASTER.
The Mapbox-based map integrates seamlessly into the existing application as a module and visualizes ski slopes and shafts for the snow guns in 3D. Info windows provide detailed information on the current snow depth, the amount of snow produced and the number of snow guns in use – as a live view and with historical data. This makes it particularly easy for users of the application to get an overview of the situation on the slopes and make decisions for future operations.
It was a pleasure to bring the 3D map into SNOWMASTER with Ubilabs. The commitment and expertise of the team is impressive and made the project a success. We are more than satisfied with the result. We look forward to more exciting joint projects in the future!
The next run calls: New features and upgrades for Snowmaster
For the 2024/2025 winter season, we were able to expand our 3D map component solution with two key features that further enhance usability.
- Lifelike 3D models of snow cannons: To make the infrastructure on the map even more tangible, we integrated detailed 3D models of the snow cannons. An external 3D design agency created these exactly to our specifications based on the original production models. The specific challenge was reducing the enormous file sizes for smooth web display. Thanks to our in-depth expertise in 3D rendering, we optimized the models so that they are not only visually stunning but also rendered with high performance via a new Mapbox API version.
- Precise visualization of snow depths: How much snow is currently on the slopes? To answer this crucial question at a glance, we developed custom interfaces in close collaboration with TechnoAlpin. Using dynamic, colored area overlays within the map component, current snow depth data is now visualized directly and clearly.
These additional features give slope operators an even more comprehensive view of current conditions on the mountain. With the efficient 3D display of the equipment and the intuitive snow depth overlays, users now have even more information at their fingertips. The update makes using the software even more intuitive and rounds off the overall experience.
