The snow storing experiment was tested for the first time in Jasná in 2018, with 5,000 m3 of snow stored. About two thirds of the amount lasted until the following winter. As this year´s season ended sooner, much more snow remained on the pistes so the storage pile can be much bigger this time.
“We have been working for six days and would like to store more than 10,000 m3 of snow. Unlike the premiere from two years ago, this time we plan to stabilise the snow with water directly instead of injecting it. In addition, the geotextile and UV ray protection covering system will be improved to keep the temperature and humidity at required levels. Individual foil pieces will be connected in a different way to make the cover more compact and to store the cold mass of snow better. To complete the changes, concrete bricks which were used to load the foil in the experiment of 2018 will be replaced by special sewn bags filled with crushed stone to spread the weight more equally. All these changes have resulted from our own experience with the experiment of 2018 as there are not that many projects of this kind in the region of Central Europe and Jasná basically counts to snow storing pioneers,” explained Martin Kupčo, the head manager of ski pistes in Jasná.
The stored snow should be used not only as a basic layer to open the Biela púť piste next winter but could also help launch the season all around Jasná one week later if the weather is good.
Although the 2019/20 ski season ended earlier due to preventative measures against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Jasná is thinking of the next season. Snow is being stored, the Smart Season Passes are already on sale. “In spite of very good snow conditions, our pistes are empty at the moment. We know the situation is difficult but we cannot just twiddle our thumbs. We need to think ahead and stay positive. Snow is being stored, measures regarding a safer operation in all our resorts are being planned and the season pass sale is also a proof that we are getting ready for the next season dutifully. By buying season passes in today´s difficult times, our skiers can support not only their popular resorts but also the regions of Liptov and the Tatras, where thousands of jobs, self-employed people and other subcontractors depend on tourism,” said Andrej Árendáš, the TMR CCO.
There are two kinds of Smart Season Passes to choose from. Local patriots will love the JASNÁ and VYSOKÉ TATRY Smart Season Pass, which will be valid only in Slovak resorts. Skiers who prefer a variety of options can buy the PREMIUM Season Pass, which offers skiing in all TMR resorts (SK, CZ, PL, AT) plus several extra bonuses.
