The SUPERSNOW in action. Foto: SUFAG

SUFAG SUPERSNOW – an unbelievable „air water stick“

Propeller machine producer SUFAG made a surprise appearance in the season O4/05 with their own new „air water stick“. The „SUPERSNOW“ is not just any snow lance in the snowmaking market, rather it is a new lance type with a high snow capacity that closes the gap to a propeller machine in marginal temperatures. The key factor is the automatic regulation on 2 or even 4 levels and moderate air consumption (600 l/ min at 7 bar). SUFAG planned a very high development parameter for this air water stick that fits perfectly into the product range and reflects the company philosophy: a high degree of reliability, high performance at a fair price, technically perfected, and intensively tested by operators before going on the market. Since SUFAG is always interested in feedback from its clients, MOUNTAIN MANAGER asked the following customers about their experience: Golm Lifts in Vandans, Wagrain Lifts, Lungauer Lifts in Mauterndorf, Söllereck Lifts in Oberstdorf (Germany), as well as in France in Val d’Isère, Avoriaz, Flumer and Risoul. In short: all were astounded, absolutely enthusiastic about the performance …

During the season 04/05 Golm Lifts in Vandans converted and extended their snowmaking facilities at the lower section Latschau – Vandans with existing tapping stations. In concrete terms, 2 propeller S-Compact machines – one installed on a new 5 m high hydraulically adjustable SUFAG swivel arm – and 8 SUPERSNOW air water sticks with „rucksack compressor“ were installed. The new machines were integrated into the original automatic and visual system (each lance with separate controls). A hybrid solution was rejected, rather the 80 m separated tapping stations of the existing SUFAG SuperSilent propeller machines were utilized. However, that meant that the classic distances between lance installations were consciously not applied, and trust was placed in SUFAG Sales Manager Michael Moosbrugger's ideas that the new 4-step air water stick, because of its performance and variable water flow rate, would be the perfect  solution. On one hand it meant an early start in marginal temperatures similar to that of propeller machines, on the other hand it meant high performance in the low temperature range with 3 add on nozzle groups. This was the key factor for larger distances, in order to be able to produce greater quantities of snow, temperature permitting. Golm Manager, Manfred Blum was initially rather sceptical and feared, among other things, that it would result in an ice plate on the lower section of the downhill slope. But, he was more than positively surprised with the results after the first season!


As users confirm, icing is no problem with the new SUPERSNOW. Foto: SUFAG

Considerably easier workload

„Without the new lance installations we would never have been able to open the downhill run so early. Everything worked as planned and the snow quality is as good as with the propeller machines used further up. The greatest advantage for us was the easier workload caused by not having to move the snowmakers. We used to work with winches on steep slopes, dragging the equipment behind us. That is now a thing of the past with the new stationary air water sticks. And we can take advantage of snowmaking conditions – which is particularly important in our „inversion“ weather conditions. Vandans is situated at 600 m above sea level, not an ideal location for lance snowing, but to install more propeller machines would have meant a considerable increase in terms of necessary personnel (currently 43 snowmakers, 20 of those SUFAG propeller machines) and finances: you can’t place a propeller machine on every shaft! That’s why we „lance novices“ came upon the idea to try out SUPERSNOW – and it was the right decision. Now we can snow the downhill run, which is extremely important in terms of advertising. The result was that Golm booked a record number of guests last season.“

Advantages in the marginal temperature range

Mountain Manager was assured by Golm personnel that the 4-step SUPERSNOW has considerable advantages in the marginal temperature range and that start-up was possible at -2.5° WBT – and with good snow production. They explained that the minimal difference in quantity compared with the propeller machines was more than compensated for by the lesser number of machines required. And in addition: utilize every minute! All in all the same result was achieved. „So why not totally convert to these air water sticks?“, questioned Chief Editor Dr. Kalchgruber. „That wouldn’t be practical for us“, was the reply, „firstly because of our

topography and wind conditions, and secondly because we have so many wide slopes to snow, which means we need both types of snowmakers, and that is probably the right option for every sizeable ski area. But if we decide for a lance, then one like the adjustable SUPERSNOW – at least for our altitude.“

The 2-step SUPERSNOW was also tested in the ski area of Golm, but the snowing personnel definitely preferred the 4-step model that in practice is more easily adjustable. Another positive factor is the moderate compressed air consumption of e.g. 600 l/min at 7 bar and the energy consumption of 4.5 kW per lance compared with the Compact model. Both save on operational costs – but not at the expense of snow quality. So Golm may well in future decide in favour of SUPERSNOW…

Tests in Wagrain

Experienced snowmakers in Wagrain have also tried out the new SUPERSNOW. During the season 04/05 they tested 2 automatic 4-step models with radio data transfer integrated into the existing automatic system. We asked expert Johann Schartner about the results: „I am really surprised at the super snowing performance of the 4-step lance. On first try it is a great product with almost no teething problems. Actually we can only suggest improvements regarding integration into our own automatic system, otherwise we have no complaints. Integration into our visualisation was also no problem. There was no comparison in the

marginal temperature range with the non-adjustable lances we also use. And even at low temperatures: at -10°C WBT we produced 21 m3/h of snow. In its performance this air water stick is not far off from the Compact propeller machine.“

The 2-step model also produced good test results. It used to be said that 3 lances could replace a propeller, but that is not true with the new adjustable air water stick. A cross between a lance and a propeller are among its numerous advantages. Regulation is controlled via a meteorological station with temperature and humidity sensor on the lance. So the total range of -3°C to -16°C WBT can be fully utilized.


Detail Automatic control box.

Impressive price-performance ratio

In the light of their experiences Wagrain Lifts say they can imagine using this air water stick type for future extensions. Schartner’s opinion: „The price-performance ratio of the SUPERSNOW is excellent on the basis of what it can achieve – compared to a propeller machine that produces only a limited amount of additional snow. And the lower power consumption of 4.5 kW as well as the more favourable purchase price are also positive factors. With that in mind, the air water stick is a more reasonable solution, provided it is not needed on wind-exposed and wide slopes.“ Neither was icing a problem with the SUPERSNOW even though this snowing device has no heating. Namely Mountain Manager heard such a rumour which prompted Chief Editor Kalchgruber to probe further. The explanation from Wagrain was: „In the beginning we had metal splinters from production in the nozzle which caused the lance to ice up, but as soon as we removed them icing was never a problem even at low temperatures!“

Enthusiasm from Söllereck Lifts in Oberstdorf

Hermann Felder of Söllereck Lifts in Oberstdorf, Germany, can also report positive experiences in every respect. He has integrated 5 SUPERSNOW 2-step and 4-step models with a central ventilation unit into the existing automatic system.

„We’ve had a long history of lance technology experience with all models on the market. The new adjustable SUFAG air water stick really is a revolutionary innovation. It used to be that operation with lances could be started far later than propeller machines, but this model can be started up in the limit temperature range at –2.8°C WBT.

Furthermore, it meets our requirements absolutely regarding economic efficiency – which is important to us in our company. I don't need an enormous air and energy consumption.

In short, I’m happy – and I’m well known for being critical! The performance is fascinating through out all temperature ranges. It used to be with lances that 3.5 litres/second water flow rate was the limit, but with the SUPERSNOW considerably more is possible. For automatic operation this type is particularly suitable, as it regulates the temperature in a similar way to a propeller machine.“

Icing no problem

Mountain Manager also asked Mr Felder for his opinion regarding icing. His reply: „Normally there is no icing here – if the air water stick is properly adjusted. But if you have to snow against the wind, small cones do form and then fall off. So it is not a case as often happens with conventional lances that the entire head ices up, rather it de-ices itself. We can no longer afford to place a man at each lance. Problem-free operation is decisive.

What also impressed us was how SUFAG immediately accepted and implemented our suggestions during the introductory phase.

My conclusion: this air water stick cannot be compared to any other lance on the market.“

40 manual SUPERSNOW devices at Lungauer Lifts

Last but not least there is also feedback in the manual SUPERSNOW sector from Lungauer Lifts in Mauterndorf. Manager Peter Schitter has integrated lances for the first time into his propeller snowmaking system, to be exact 40 manual 2-step SUPERSNOW air water sticks. Of those, 30 are supplied via a compressor station and 10 are equipped with a rucksack compressor. The air water sticks have snowed two slopes running towards St. Michael (3 km), indeed „better than I believed“, Schitter comments. He has 15 years of snowmaking experience and although he himself has carried out many lance tests, he has never been able to warm to this new type of snowmaking. As a result, there was naturally a high degree of scepticism regarding the new SUFAG product. But in the meantime, that scepticism has given way to a pleasant surprise. Schitter speaks of an „interesting snow yield“ and is certainly speculating with further expansion plans in terms of the SUPERSNOW.

KASTEN

Features SUFAG SUPERSNOW 10-4


3 separate nozzle groups make 7 different combinations and therefore switching levels possible. This results in constant snow quality over the largest possible area.

  • Excellent marginal temperature range

  • Nevertheless low air consumption

  • Low dirt accumulation in the snowing head

  • Simple almost maintenance-free design

  • Additional water nozzles can be added, resulting in optimum snowing results without

  •  time-consuming nozzle changes

  • Constant snow quality over a wide area

  • Sub-structure with hydraulic lifting mechanism

  • Integrated lifting arm

  • Short assembly and disassembly times due to compact design

  • Water distribution via compact valve unit

  • Simple automation due to well thought-out system

  • Integration into SUFAG SUPERSNOW visualisation

  • Integration into existing lance and propeller systems

Features SUFAG SUPERSNOW 10-4


3 separate nozzle groups make 7 different combinations and therefore switching levels possible. This results in constant snow quality over the largest possible area.

  • Excellent marginal temperature range

  • Nevertheless low air consumption

  • Low dirt accumulation in the snowing head

  • Simple almost maintenance-free design

  • Additional water nozzles can be added, resulting in optimum snowing results without time-consuming nozzle changes

  • Constant snow quality over a wide area

  • Sub-structure with hydraulic lifting mechanism

  • Integrated lifting arm

  • Short assembly and disassembly times due to compact design

  • Water distribution via compact valve unit

  • Simple automation due to well thought-out system

  • Integration into SUFAG SUPERSNOW visualisation

  • Integration into existing lance and propeller systems

 

Technical data S10-4
Water flow rate 27–279 l/min*
Snow capacity approx 3.9–40 m3/h*
Air consumption at 7 bar 600 l/min
Water pressure 15–60 bar
Height  10 m
Weight sub-structure 40 kg
Weight tube and head 70 kg
Nucleator nozzles 2
Water nozzles fixed 2
Water nozzles to be added 3 x 2
Options: Rucksack compressor 4 kW
Spotlights for central air lance
STF lance automatic controls
Standard: 2 x 15/50 + 2 x 15/50 + 2 x 20/50 + 2 x 30 /50

 

Technical data S10-2
Water flow rate 53–175 l/min*
Snow capacity approx 7.6–25 m3/h*
Air consumption at 7 bar 600 l/min
Water pressure 15–60 bar
Height  10 m
Weight sub-structure 40 kg
Weight tube and head 50 kg
Nucleator nozzles 2
Water nozzles fixed 4
Water nozzles to be added 2
Options: Rucksack compressor 4 kW
Spotlights for central air lance
STF lance automatic controls
Standard: 4 x 15/50 + 2 x 20/50