The goal of the project that GST and IG Langlauf Cross Schönried have been working on for some time is to offer an easily accessible trail starting from early December. Work on this began at the start of December.

Technical options
“We have created the conditions in line with the opportunities available, but at the end of the day, we’re still dependent on winter temperatures,” agreed Samuel Matti, IG member and initiator of the project along with Michel Zysset, head of infrastructure and projects at GST. They are using high-end snowmaking technology. The SnoTek Medusa, a double-headed lance from the Swiss company Bächler, can effectively cover the cross-country ski loop with snow in the Moos-Lägerli area below the Waldmatte in Schönried. The energy efficiency of this mobile lance meets today’s requirements.

The water that’s required is taken from the hydrants just as for other purposes in the region. According to operational requirements, water can be drawn from the hydrants up until Christmas. After the first week of the New Year, according to Zysset, water may be drawn for snow production upon request.

Taking finances into account
The decision to rent the technical equipment instead of buying it has had a favourable effect on the financial planning of this project. “The finances involved are paid for by GST and these include water supply, electricity costs and the preparation of the trail, as well as the rental costs for the snowmaking equipment,” explains Zysset. This season is planned as a test to determine how locals and visitors react to the offer.

A concerted effort
The desire for an earlier cross-country start in the Saanenland had long been in the minds of those involved in the project. Volunteers from IG Langlauf Cross Schönried and GST quickly agreed that this project should be tackled jointly. While Matti worked out the concept and was in charge of project management, Cornelia Frautschi, another member of the IG and the project team, approached the landowners and agreed with them on earlier use of the land. The GST snowmaking team, with Peter Bärtschi (chief snowmaking), Markus Schwizgebel (snowmaking) and Peter Oehrli (trail grooming and snowmaking), will mainly ensure that the trail is well prepared.

Why Schönried?
The track in Schönried, known as the “dog track”, has been around for a long time. The terrain has proved to be favourable. Also, it’s located away from the sun, which is crucial for successful and efficient technical snowmaking.
Accessibility is another essential point in favour of this location. While the trails on the glacier and on the Sparenmoos take longer to reach, the trail in Schönried is central and easily accessible by public transport.

Based on AvS / Jenny Sterchi
Translated by Justine Hewson