Story from 13.11.2025
Snow at the Push of a Button
A Glimpse into the World of Snowmaking
Winter has arrived in the Nauders mountains. The larch trees are dressed in white, the ground sparkles in the early frost – and on the slopes, preparations for the ski season are already in full swing.
What looks like a small winter miracle to many – snow-covered hills and perfectly groomed pistes – is actually the result of months of planning, cutting-edge technology and a deep passion for snow. Once again this year, the dedicated teams of the Nauders mountain lifts (NBB) are working tirelessly to bring the first snow to the slopes.
Around 200 snow cannons are ready and waiting – as soon as the temperatures are right – to transform the ski area into a true winter wonderland. The water for snow production comes from three sources: the large reservoir (80,000 m³), the pump station in Pieng (at the Tscheyeck base station), and the Bachhang water source.
“Nature sets the pace,” explains Elias from the technical team. “We’re out there every day, measuring, checking, and waiting for the perfect time window. When temperature, humidity and wind all line up, we start – often in the middle of the night.
At full capacity, all pumps combined can move an impressive 300 liters of water per second. Last winter, this allowed for the production of around 400,000 m³ of snow – creating the perfect foundation for countless unforgettable ski days in Nauders.
Snowmaking officially kicks off every year on November 1st, weather permitting. And this season, everything is going according to plan: over 200,000 m³ of snow has already been laid across the ski area – bringing us one step closer to the start of the season.
“Looks really promising this year,” says Elias from the NBB team, proudly sharing snapshots from the latest night shift. “Now it’s just a matter of waiting, staying ready – and getting started as soon as the cold hits.
