An Introduction to the ARENA Slope Management System

The ARENA Slope Management System is a game-changer from the groomer driver’s perspective. It provides a comprehensive overview, enhanced efficiency, and effective cost control. Its sophisticated 3D map, which displays the snow depth for each slope section in a color-coded grid, is like having a superpower. Suddenly, you’ve got this amazing ability to see exactly where the snow needs attention, empowering the grooming team to react promptly. This ensures optimal slope conditions even in challenging snow conditions. The ARENA platform has proven to be an indispensable tool, particularly during the intense start of the season, revolutionizing our customers’ operations.

“ARENAs snow height measurement system indicates snow depth intuitively. By visualizing tracks combined with snow depth, the system simplifies my daily work significantly. It’s a game changer, especially in difficult weather conditions. This is the difference and the key to high-quality slopes.”  Andreas Burtscher, groomer operator at Ski Lech Zürs AG

In addition to the snow depth, other information about snowmaking infrastructure, such as hydrants and piping, lifts, and terrain parks throughout the ski area, can be displayed on the screen. This way, you and your team always have all the relevant data on your screen, no matter where you are.

Unlike its predecessors and competitors, the latest generation of ARENA is designed for simplicity. It only requires one smart antenna, making installation a breeze. The technology ensures maximum performance under all conditions. With sensors installed in the smallest of spaces, the inch-precise snow depth and all relevant data can be measured and processed. Measurements are recorded directly in the snow groomer, and the drivers can react accordingly immediately. The display can also be specifically adapted to customer requirements, reducing complexity and enhancing usability. Thanks to the high precision of the display, the system also acts as an orientation aid in poor visibility, thereby ensuring increased safety and productivity for drivers. Lanes and snow depths are also shown in a common view on the intuitive user display.

From the Terrain Park Builder’s Perspective:

Did you know that the ARENA snow depth measurement is useful in designing and constructing terrain parks? In addition to the usual terrain representation, a model of the fun park to be prepared can now be played! Overlays from CAD files or KML files can be installed in the software to show the actual drawing and the exact location of each feature, so these files are visible to the groomer driver during the construction process and show the groomer in relation to the drawing. The terrain park is visible on the screen in 3D, which greatly improves orientation. In addition to the absolute snow depth, the driver is also shown the target and actual snow depth of the parking elements – a real-world first that no other system offers.

The transverse and longitudinal profile allows the Groomer Driver to see the current shape of the hill at a glance and can work towards the desired design. This is essential for the Terrain Park team in the construction and maintenance work to maintain the park features.

From the Snowmaker’s Perspective:

It is possible to integrate your snowmaking system into the ARENA platform. This way, the ARENA predefined snowmaking strategy can be implemented based on the actual snowmaking data. Thus, the use of resources can be controlled and optimized in a targeted manner. This means an enormous savings potential of water, electricity, and time, which you can access with the ARENA Slope Management platform.

Snowmakers can examine a section of a trail or by hydrant to see actual snow depths against predetermined depths determined in advance. In the early season, actual snow depths are known and can be compared to targeted snow depths. Seeing snow depth data by hydrant enables snowmaking during the season to be very efficient and targeted, not overutilizing resources.

“We will set up our snowmaking system even more efficiently. To do this, we want to link and analyze all the data we have collected on the mountain for years more intelligently. The slope management project at Nebelhorn is the first step in this direction; we want to expand the project to the entire group.”  Henrik Volpert – Kleinwalsertal

From the Snow Surface Manager, Director of Mountain Operations and Mountain Operations Vice President Perspective:

Snow depth measurement has become an integral part of modern snow surface operations. Knowing the exact amount of snow in each section of the slopes is not only a basic requirement for the best slope conditions, but through constant monitoring, resources can be used efficiently, and up to 20% of water and electricity can be saved in the long term. This potential is increasingly strengthened by further developing snow depth measurement into a smart tool. With a concrete vision, the courage to develop new ideas, and a focus on quality, the Austrian company ARENA has developed its Slope Management System.

Height measurement underwent a thorough upgrade – taking it to a new level.

While several components had to be installed in vehicles until recently, the latest generation of ARENA only requires one smart antenna. The technology for this ensures maximum performance under all conditions. With the sensors installed in the smallest spaces, the inch-precise snow depth and all relevant data can be measured and processed.

This makes the system more compact and efficient, reduces the susceptibility to errors to a minimum, and makes the measurements more stable and reliable overall. Last, fewer components mean lower purchase costs, so ARENA impresses with its extremely good price-performance ratio. When developing the snow depth measurement, ARENA paid particular attention to a clear display interface. The respective snow layer is shown in the detailed 3D view, including orthophoto, for everyone.

“Snow and energy management have been important, strategic topics for us for a long time. The challenges will become even greater in the future due to rising energy prices and climate change. As part of the ARENA Slope Management project, we create the conditions for data-supported decision-making processes in our snowmaking.”  Josef Reiter – Mayrhofne                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

The extensive analysis function and seamless reporting also make it easier to identify key metrics. For example, the actual water-snow factor, the required snow volume, and the respective target snow depths for each slope section can be determined at the touch of a button.

Already using other snow height measurement systems, no problem. The ARENA Slope Management system can integrate the data from your existing system and perform the same level of analysis and planning for Slope Management as described above.  Historical weather and snowmaking data can all be integrated into the equation to develop the Snow Master Plan to give you the best slope conditions every day of your season.

Call Steep Management to learn how ARENA Slope Management can help you at your ski area.