The Ehrwald Alm Railway has four snow cats, of which two are winch vehicles. These are in operation every day in the winter season, in order to offer the guests the best possible slopes. According to the snow conditions and weather situation, our employees prepare the slopes in the evening after closing time, or from 4 a.m. onwards in the morning.

There are slope conditions which are termed “bad” by the guest. However, that is in general not the fault of the slope preparation, but other circumstances are decisive. In spite of careful work, there are "bumpy" slopes, "icy" slopes and also "slushy" slopes. That is mainly dependent upon the snow and weather conditions (especially temperature), but also upon the number of skiers and, of course, your own ability to ski.

Slopes when there is fresh snow:
When there is fresh snow the slope machines are in operation in the morning from 4 a.m. onwards. As the freshly prepared new snow cannot bind well with the old snow by the time the slopes open at 8.30 a.m., the slopes appear very soft on such days. Should the snow continue to fall while the slopes are being prepared, it can happen that the slopes which have already been prepared early in the morning have a new layer of snow by the opening time, and the impression arises that the slopes have not been prepared.

Slopes when there are long periods of fine weather:
In the Spring the snow can become very soft and heavy due to the high temperatures during the day. This snow is termed "slushy". At night the temperatures fall under freezing point again, however, and the snow freezes. Early in the day, icy slopes result from that. If the slopes freeze again in the evening prior to preparation, when the snow cat drives over them the unpopular "lumps" occur. Besides the experience of our employees, the weather therefore plays the main role in the preparation of the slopes.

During the day, while skiing is taking place, the slopes are not prepared, for safety reasons. Should you nevertheless see a snow cat in the skiing region from time to time, it may be that it is being used for transportation purposes or for slope rescue.

Snow creation

Artificial snow creation serves to secure the season from Christmas to Easter. In the past few years it has become increasingly important, as, on average, the winters are becoming warmer all the time, and there is less snow. Our employees are constantly working on creating high quality basic snow.
With artificial snow, water and air are mixed and sprayed onto the slope under high pressure through the smallest nozzles, as a very fine spray. In order to create artificial snow, a temperature of less than -3°C is required.