DEMACLENKO Commissions One Of The Largest Pump Stations In The World On Stubaier Glacier:

One of DEMACLENKO's highlight projects of the last years was the construction and commissioning of the new snowmaking system on the Stubai Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier ski area. DEMACLENKO was responsible for the construction of several pump stations with cooling tower systems, the supply of new snow guns and the digital integration of the entire snowmaking network into the DEMACLENKO Snowvisual 4.0 control software. The centerpiece of the major project was the new construction of the “Gamsgarten II” pump station next to the new reservoir (capacity of 308,000 m³).

KEY PROJECT DATA

New construction of 3 pump stations
Conversion of 2 existing pump stations
New construction of the Gamsgarten reservoir (308,000 m³)
58 new snow guns
54 new concrete pits
Introduction of a standardized, fully automatic control system with integration of the
entire snowmaking system

SPECIAL FEATURE “CONNECTING CORRIDOR”

An exceptional highlight is the roughly 100-meter-long “connecting corridor”, an accessible tunnel linking the new water reservoir and the new “Gamsgarten II” pump station. Typically, such connections are encased directly in concrete to safeguard underground pipes. However, at the Stubai Glacier, a decision was made to construct a walk-through tunnel instead, requiring roughly the same amount of concrete. This innovation ensures both pipe protection and easy accessibility, significantly simplifying maintenance and inspection procedures.

PLANNED WITH FORESIGHT

The new snowmaking system on the Stubai Glacier stands as one of the world’s largest. From its inception, the project was meticulously planned with future expansions in mind, ensuring adaptability and scalability from the outset. If adjustments are required in the future, they can be seamlessly integrated without significant disruption to the surrounding area. Prior to execution, the project navigated through complex regulatory processes, adhering to stringent criteria and conditions.

DIGITALIZATION AT ITS BEST

The project also included the digital integration of the entire snowmaking facility into a standardized and fully automated process control system. DEMACLENKO technicians not only incorporated the new snowmaking equipment into the DEMACLENKO Snowvisual 4.0 control software but also integrated the existing system, including third-party snow guns. The control system now consolidates all system components into a single intelligent and powerful system, ensuring efficient and economical resource utilization while capturing valuable data on snowmaking operations. Also the new reservoir is integrated into the software, enabling real-time monitoring of its level and other important measurements and safety checks.

THE NEW "GAMSGARTEN II" PUMP STATION IN FIGURES

Walkable connecting corridor approx. 100m
8 cooling towers in double construction (final expansion 12)
3 pre-pumps (final expansion 4)
2 automatic backwash filters (final expansion 3)
4 high-pressure pumps (final expansion 6)
2 medium-pressure pumps (final expansion 3)
Gravity-fed water pressure line DN300
Max. water flow rate 540 l/s (final expansion 810 l/s)
Max. gravity-fed water flow rate 300 l/s
Installed power 3,650 kW (final expansion 5,400 kW)

EXPERIENCE REPORTS FROM THE PROJECT ON THE STUBAI GLACIER

Reinhard Klier, Chairman of the Board Winterspor Tirol ltd / Stubaier glacier highlighted that “The collaboration with DEMACLENKO has always been solution-oriented and required a particularly high level of flexibility due to the challenging conditions during construction. In addition to the high altitude of the construction site on the glacier, the short time windows, and the adverse weather conditions, we also had to contend with the effects of the pandemic and global material shortages. Thanks to close coordination and efficient planning with our partners, we were able to successfully overcome all challenges. Snow reliability will continue to be our key asset in the future, and with our new snowmaking system, we are optimally equipped.”

Christoph Hofer, Piste Manager Stubaier Glacier said “We chose to implement such a large pump station to swiftly capitalize on the initial window of cold temperatures and cover the widest area possible with snow. Additionally, this ensures maximum efficiency, prompting our decision to incorporate a cooling tower system. This system pre-cools the snowmaking water, sourced from the reservoir at approximately 7-8°C, resulting in a more efficient snow production process as the water reaches the snow guns at an optimal 2°C. Following the inaugural season with the new system, we are pleased to report overwhelmingly positive outcomes and are very satisfied with the results on the slopes.”

Manfred Salcher, Managing Director Klenkhart & Partner Consulting commented “The collaboration with DEMACLENKO proved highly effective and consistently solution-oriented. Particularly during the project’s planning phase, where the primary focus was on devising the most optimal solution for constructing a pump station of such magnitude. However, the execution itself posed significant complexity, particularly in laying the pipes within the connecting corridor and installing the numerous components. With a tight construction timeline, DEMACLENKO commenced component delivery and pump station installation while the ski season was still underway. As a planning office, we reflect on this remarkable project with great satisfaction, and all partners and contractors can take pride in the work accomplished.”

Philipp Oberhuber, COO & Member of Board DEMACLENKO said “The new snowmaking system at the Stubai Glacier serves as a testament to our capacity to undertake pioneering projects in collaboration with our clients and partners. At DEMACLENKO, we take pride in our role in achieving this milestone, drawing upon our products and extensive experience. It represents another successful endeavor in our commitment to preparing ski resorts for the future and delivering unforgettable snow experiences worldwide.”

Download Project Overview here