Behind the scenes: how the Schmittenhöhe prepares for the ski season

published on 26.11.2025 · Winter

Dreaming of carving your first turns on perfectly groomed slopes? The winter season is almost here – but what does it really take to get the mountain ready? From detailed planning and cutting-edge technology to expert secrets: Discover what goes into top-quality slope preparation on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See.

Key facts about the start of the season at a glance

Long before the first lift starts running, the Schmittenhöhe team is hard at work behind the scenes. Here’s what goes into preparing for a smooth and safe start to the winter season:

year-round maintenance of snow groomers, snow cannons, and snow lances
bi-weekly inspections of water reservoirs throughout the year
use of modern snow groomers with GPS-based snow depth measurement for efficient snow distribution
precise snow management and energy-saving snowmaking techniques
comprehensive infrastructure checks – from signage to the slope guidance system
daily quality and safety inspections
sustainable practices to ensure resource-efficient ski operations

Tip: Want to know which slopes and lifts are currently open? Check the latest updates anytime on our opening hours page.

Summer on the mountain: laying the groundwork for winter

While the valley basks in summer sun, vital preparations for the next winter season are already underway on the Schmittenhöhe. During the warmer months, snow groomers, snow cannons, lances and other equipment are dismantled, thoroughly checked, serviced and made ready for the cold season ahead. Pumping stations receive a complete maintenance cycle, and reservoirs are inspected every 14 days throughout the year.

Equally crucial: the greening and soil protection efforts. These measures help stabilise the slopes and ensure that they can support a consistent and sustainable snow cover in winter.

Learn more about sustainable piste management

Step by step: preparing for the first descent

Weeks before the winter season officially kicks off, the first preparations are already in full swing. Every task follows a carefully planned process, with each step playing a vital role in ensuring the slopes on the Schmittenhöhe are in perfect condition for that first descent.

Snow management & snowmaking

As soon as temperatures drop low enough, the snowmaking system on the Schmittenhöhe springs into action. It includes twelve pumping stations, three reservoirs, and over 500 snow cannons, all operated with precision. Snow is not produced across the entire area but only where it’s needed. Throughout the winter, snow reserves and GPS-supported measurement systems help ensure optimal snow distribution.

This allows for consistently optimal slopes while using water and energy as efficiently as possible. Plus: Once the snow melts, 100 per cent of the used water returns to the natural cycle.

Mechanical snow grooming

Once there’s enough snow on the ground, the snow groomers take over. These powerful machines spread, compact and shape the snow to create smooth, safe skiing surfaces. On steeper slopes, winch-assisted groomers are used to ensure stability and safety across the entire ski area.

Did you know? You can discover a unique piece of snow grooming history on the Schmittenhöhe – our historic snow groomer offers a glimpse into the technology of earlier times.

The return of the historic snow groomer

Technical inspections & infrastructure

Before the slopes officially open, a wide range of technical and infrastructural preparations must be completed to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly.

These include:

activation of all digital display boards, electronic slope info, avalanche warning systems and LED systems
inspection and installation of all directional and safety signs on the slopes
placement of barriers, safety nets and protective padding
final maintenance and inspection of all lift systems and cable car access points

Convenient: Our interactive ski map shows all slopes on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See at a glance.

Safety checks and quality assurance

Just before the official season starts, our experts ski every slope themselves to carry out thorough final checks. They assess snow conditions, slope transitions, and all safety equipment. Only once everything meets our strict standards is a slope approved and opened to the public.

How does sustainability play into season preparation?

On the Schmittenhöhe, resource-efficient operations are a top priority. A variety of measures help ensure top slope quality with minimal environmental impact:

digital planning systems for precise and efficient snow management
low-emission snow groomers with reduced CO₂ output and fuel consumption
energy-efficient snowmaking with intelligent temperature sensors
nature-focused planning, including summer greening and soil protection

These efforts all contribute to sustainable skiing without compromising on slope quality.

Discover more sustainability initiatives

When does winter season preparation begin?

The first steps toward a successful ski season on the Schmittenhöhe begin in late autumn.

From October: preparation and installation of slope signage, plus inspection of the slope guidance systems
As soon as temperatures consistently stay below zero: snowmaking begins – focused on ensuring snow reliability during winter without artificially extending the season
Shortly before opening day: final quality checks, slope inspections, and official approval of all runs, often during the early morning hours and night shifts

All of this comes together in just a few weeks to create what our guests look forward to: perfectly groomed slopes, clear markings, and a safe winter season on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See.

Teamwork: a smooth start thanks to many helping hands

Preparing for a successful winter season on the Schmittenhöhe is a true team effort. Numerous departments work hand in hand to ensure everything is ready on time:

Technology & machinery: maintenance and servicing of snow groomers, snowmaking systems, pumping stations, and cable car technology
Piste management: planning, snow depth measurement, quality checks and coordination of daily grooming routines
Infrastructure & safety: installation of signage, safety nets and padding, plus inspection of all digital info and safety systems
Lift & operations management: technical inspections on lift facilities and coordination of operational approvals
Slope rescue & avalanche safety: assessing avalanche warning levels and snow conditions and implementing all necessary safety measures

In total, several dozen employees often work in early, late and night shifts, all to ensure the resort is not only ready on time but also fully maintained and compliant with the latest safety standards.