The reality is that we are so used to ski resorts offering us this service that many times we do not see the effort involved in "ironing" an entire resort, both in terms of time, machinery and personnel. .
Normally the work begins around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., after everyone has descended, the skiers have checked the slopes for the last time and the lifts are closed. Then the engines and headlights of powerful machines specially designed to do this work are turned on.
And we say normally because many times it is not possible, not because of carelessness or forgetfulness but because it is not recommended and the remedy would be worse than the disease (for example in the middle of a heavy snowfall or with the snow too wet after raining). />
Depending on the quantity and quality of it, it will be worked in a different way. For example at the beginning of the season, when the thickness is very small, you should not step on it as soon as it falls but let it harden and form a base, since if we put the machine in at this moment what will happen is that will be mixed with the earth and will be all in a mud.
Later in the season, when we already have an important base, we will not have this problem, the most common way of working the slopes is to first make a few passes with the chains and the shovel, equalizing the snow and distributing it evenly. uniform manner. This is of utmost importance especially if it has snowed during the day, since if the new snow is not compacted, it could turn into a crust. Once again it depends on the weather conditions, it will not be the same in winter where temperatures are more uniform throughout the day than in spring where the temperature differences between day and night are very important. .
Once the snow is compacted, a final pass is made with the router and brush lowered. These elements are located at the back of the machines and consist of blades that rotate quickly, breaking into very small parts the surface area that the brush will then flatten perfectly, leaving that characteristic mark that we all know.
Now we just have to give it time and let the cold of what remains of the night harden the snow that we will enjoy in the morning.
The only limitation that these vehicles have when they face very steep slopes, since due to the high weight, more than eight tons, they would tend to skid when what is important is to hold on to the snow to compact it. In recent years, a new technique has been developed that consists of hooking two machines together using a steel cable. One of them is on top holding the other one who is stepping on it. The result is optimal since it can be raised very slowly, achieving a better finish with fewer passes.
But it's not all about hitting the slopes. Many times a machine is the only way to get some equipment or material up to one of the slope cafeterias, a broken ski lift, or go for an injured person.
And the snowparks? And the half pipes? Who makes them? I assure you that not with a shovel, although it takes a lot of work to profile them to leave them in optimal condition for use, especially if it is for a competition. To give you an idea, a pipe can take more than 100 hours of machine work. Of course, once done you will only have to review it from time to time. Unless a big snow falls and covers it up, then we will have to start working again.
Until a few years ago, only the shovel was used, which, handled with skill, worked wonders, but then left a lot of work to finish it off. Now what is used is an accessory called Dragon Pipe that is placed in place of the blade and gives the characteristic half-pipe shape. First one side and then the other, yes. Since a photo is worth a thousand words, see for yourself. Notice that on the side of the Dragon there is a chain with small shovels that drag the snow.
As a curiosity, I would like to tell you that they have also been an important step in the construction of pothole tracks (for competitions or permanent stadiums where the potholes must all be as similar as possible and be located at a uniform distance). Until not so many years ago the only way was to ski, but this required a lot of work from many people who had to be willing to go one or two days before the day of the competition. Now I know You can have a track in two or three hours by knowing how to use a machine. Obviously the result is mounds with square edges which will now have to be outlined, skiing or with a shovel, until they are perfect, now needing very few people since they will also be fixed during training.
And they are also used in snowdomes, where the treatment of the snow must be optimal for its maintenance.
But it's not all about the machine. Much more important is the person who leads them. As they say, anyone can drive them (you only have the steering wheel and a pedal to accelerate, you brake by releasing the gas) but to get all the performance out of them you need an expert. And a lot of patience. Think that if we press the pedal to the limit we can travel the slopes in a very short time, but it is not just about passing, but doing it in the right way. It has sometimes been compared to vacuuming: if we go slowly we will pick up all the dust, but if we go very quickly all we will do is move it around. Perhaps because of this need for patience and meticulousness, there are more and more female machinists.
And as in almost all human activities, there are also competitions. For a few years now, the National Pisten Bully Challenge has been organized where the best train drivers from stations across Europe participate. The tests are not simple, but they are very curious. Sprinkle water with a claw, a maze with a ball... with a 5 meter wide shovel! There is also usually an obstacle course, a written exam and a ski descent (for many the most difficult). In the end, only one winner. But a lot of fun.
You know, when you arrive at your station in the morning, and see it perfectly groomed, remember them, the men and women who spend the night working so that you can enjoy slopes in perfect condition. Thanks to all of them.
