Ecology is the trump card on the Planneralm

The Planneralm ski area in Styria, situated at 1600 to 2000 metres above sea level, with its five lifts, 16 kilometres of slopes and 25 hectares of pistes, is a mecca for natural snow lovers. In order to guarantee guests unique snow quality in the future (especially in the early season), a new snow-making system was put into operation in autumn 2020. An innovative, ecological and energy-efficient overall concept was at the forefront of all considerations, which is why Tiroler Rohre GmbH (TRM) was chosen as the partner for the pipe system area.

The Tyrolean family-owned company scores points by using recycled steel scrap as the raw material for its ductile iron pipes and produces exclusively in Austria.  The pipe manufacturer also complies with the overall ecological concept by recycling "waste products", such as waste heat, which is fed into the local district heating network. In addition, the innovative pipes from the heart of the Alps are ideally suited for use in snow-making systems due to their high pressure resistance. TRM is supplying almost 9000 metres of pipes in nominal sizes DN80 to DN300 for this construction project. The client, Planneralm BetriebsgmbH, invested around €5.5 million in the project. On a slope area of 20 hectares, 27 cannons will be in use for the first time in winter 2020/2021. The water for the highly energy-efficient snow cannons comes via an extensive pipe system from a snowmaking pond with a capacity of almost 50,000m³. This is filled 100% from meltwater and is very energy-efficient due to its high location (as less pumping is required); furthermore, the remaining energy requirement is covered 100% by green electricity. When installing the snow line network, a good 100 snow hydrants will be used to connect the snow cannons. The experienced planning office Zöschg & Groß GmbH was won as general planner, the storage pond and line construction was carried out by the company Gebr. Haider. The necessary power lines were laid by Karl Pitzer GmbH.

Safe water supply.
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