much more can be tracked and analyzed to improve efficiency and accelerate the learning curve for new operators. Man- agers can view all of this data from the office and communicate valuable infor- mation to the operators. The Snow Measurement tool pro- vides live snow depth data through triangular meshing, giving accurate mea- surements under the blade and tracks. Snow depth is displayed in the machine and is also viewable through the Fleet Management system, giving operators and managers alike the data they need to maintain ideal snow placement. PistenBully’s SNOWsat is in use across 350 resorts comprising about 2,700 machines. Its Fleet module can be used to manage any sort of machinery or vehi- cles, from ATVs to bulldozers to snow- cats. Pattern analysis, fuel consumption, vehicle data, position data, and more are at the fingertips of managers to analyze and tweak for optimal efficiency. Other modules available in the SNOWsat suite include a comprehensive maintenance platform, a ToDo application for plan- ning and managing tasks, GIS integra- tion, and snow management. New this year, SNOWsat now offers LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) ALPINE 510 Vermont- and Wisconsin-based Track Inc., North American distributor of the 134 hp SR3X Snow Rabbit by Favero Snow Tech, will introduce a new grooming machine to the market as the exclusive North American distributor of the 510 hp Alpine 510 from CM Dupon out of France. Track Inc. has been promoting the Alpine 510’s imminent arrival and expects to have a final tested unit for demo in fall 2023, with units available for purchase in early 2024.
technology, which collects up to 200,000 data points per second, providing real- time measurement of snow depth up to 165 feet in front of the machine on a sur- face up to 28,000 sq ft. This information allows operators to plan ahead, getting the snow exactly where it needs to go.
TRAINING
Operator training plays a major role in the quality and efficiency of any groom- ing program, and directly impacts oper- ator retention. Well-trained operators create ideal skiing surfaces efficiently, and cat operators who see their resort investing in their training and compe- tence are more likely to stick around. PRINOTH and PistenBully have both taken this to heart. The PRINOTH Academy provides a suite of online and in-person training for operators, all offered at basic, advanced, and expert levels. A test at the end of each level ensures that the student has mastered the material. Operators earn a certificate after finishing the course, documenting their proficiency in machine knowledge, slope preparation, vehicle handling, cor- rect winch use, terrain park use, and more. Similar training programs are available for mechanics to increase their knowledge, hone their skills, and reduce downtime. The ProAcademy, PistenBully’s com- prehensive operator and mechanic train- ing program, also seeks to create precision operators and highly skilled mechanics. To expand its online learning opportu- nities, Wirtz says PistenBully has begun implementing resort-specific portals, giv- ing more employees access to the training
Top: PRINOTH’s Posiflex tiller shines in harder snow conditions. Bottom: PistenBully’s ProFlex- Tiller has features geared toward terrain park building and maintenance.
materials. Offering training both online and face-to-face, ProAcademy employs various levels of training that build on each other, and training can start at the individual level of each student. PRINOTH and PistenBully also offer consultation for resort-specific needs.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
In the final analysis, it comes down to this: The modern snowcat is designed blade-to-tiller to provide skiers and rid- ers with the best possible snow surface in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. Both manufacturers place great emphasis on responding to the real needs of their customers, including hot-button issues like hiring, training, retention, snow surface quality, and sustainability.
PistenBully SNOWsat now offers LiDAR technology, which can measure real-time snow depth up to 165 feet in front of the machine.
PRINOTH Connect snow measurement tools are viewable live both in the machine and in the office on the Fleet Management system.
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator