White slopes – with snow-making by KSB

The latest in winter wonderland technology: KSB at INTERALPIN '23

From 19 to 21 April 2023 the INTERALPIN fair will once again be held in Innsbruck. It is the world's leading trade fair for cable car and alpine technologies – KSB will be live on site with a trade fair stand. Under the slogan "Let it snow – with KSB", we will present to you innovative pumps, components and services for efficiently operating snow-making systems. Visit us in Hall B.1, Stand B139B and talk to our experts. We look forward to welcoming you there.

Efficient technology for carving it up on reliably snow-covered slopes


It is a fact: Climate change has long arrived in the mountains. Winters in the Alps are becoming warmer, snowfall is becoming sparser, and the snow line is moving higher up the mountains – with major consequences for ski resorts. Even regions that, until a few years ago, were known for having a reliable snow cover can no longer guarantee perfect pistes.

To be able to offer their guests a skiing season that is largely weather-independent and lasts as long as possible, more and more regions and lift operators opt for snow cannons and other snow-making systems. The only challenge: Snow-making generally consumes a lot of energy. It is all the more important for the pumps fitted in such systems not to be "energy gobblers"; they have to work as efficiently as possible.

Schematic: Pumps and valves from water extraction to the piste

Schematic: Pumps and valves from water extraction to the piste

KSB builds up pressure – from water extraction to the piste

Before water can be turned into snow on the piste, it has to come a long way, which can be divided into two sections:

1. Water extraction: the low-pressure section
Sources of water are usually water reservoirs or ponds. From reservoirs, the water is transported to the pumping system with low-pressure pumps, for example Etanorm, CPK or Omega. If the water is taken from ponds, special submersible motor pumps such as Amarex KRT or UPA submersible borehole pumps are employed. As several hundred metres of altitude might have to be overcome between the place of water extraction and the pumping system, the components used here already have to perform at the highest level.

2. Snow-making: the high-pressure section
Snow cannons require a water pressure of up to 40 bar. This pressure is generated by multistage high-pressure pumps of the types Multitec, HG or HGM. The demands on these pumps are high – not only regarding their efficiency. At only 400 to 500 operating hours per season, it is essential for the pumps to run absolutely reliably and trouble-free when needed.

The high quality of KSB pumps, valves and services has proved its worth in numerous ski regions, e.g. in Ischgl, Kitzbühel, St Moritz, Saalbach-Hinterglemm and in the glacier regions of Stubai and Pitztal.

Snow gun in front of alpine panorama

Suitable valves for your snow-making system

High-performing pumps always go hand in hand with suitable valves. With gate valves of the type STAAL 100 AKD/AKDS, ISORIA butterfly valves and NORI globe valves we offer high-performing, durable and absolutely reliable valves perfectly matched to our pump portfolio.

Comprehensive pump monitoring with KSB Guard

Smart monitoring solutions

To run snow-making systems as economically as possible, assistance is provided by automation technologies such as the KSB Guard monitoring solution. The KSB Guard digital monitoring solution helps you keep an eye on all key data at all times.

KSB Supreme Serv

Range of services for all-round care

Especially during the ski-season months, speed is of the essence should help be required. This is why we are available worldwide with over 3500 specialists in 190 service centres. We are there for you around the clock and can be at your site within a short amount of time. Whether it is for pumps, valves or other equipment: KSB SupremeServ provides you with comprehensive service and spare parts – also for products from other manufacturers. We look after you.

Do you have any questions? We'll be pleased to help you.

If you would like to find out more about our large range of solutions in the field of snow-making, if you would like to make an appointment with one of our experts at the trade fair, or if you would like a free ticket to the fair – simply get in touch. We will be glad to be of assistance.

Finding suitable pumps for your snow-making system

Etanorm

Etanorm

Horizontal volute casing pump, single-stage, with ratings and main dimensions to EN 733, long-coupled, back pull-out design, with replaceable shaft sleeves / shaft protecting sleeves and casing wear rings, with motor-mounted variable speed system. With KSB SuPremE, a magnetless synchronous reluctance motor (exception: motor sizes 0.55 kW / 0.75 kW with 1500 rpm are designed with permanent magnets) of efficiency class IE4/IE5 to IEC TS 60034-30-2:2016, for operation on a KSB PumpDrive 2 or KSB PumpDrive 2 Eco variable speed system without rotor position sensors. Motor mounting points in accordance with EN 50347, envelope dimensions in accordance with DIN V 42673 (07-2011). ATEX-compliant version available.

Omega

Omega

Single-stage axially split volute casing pump for horizontal or vertical installation, with double-entry radial impeller, mating flanges to DIN, EN or ASME.

Amarex KRT

Amarex KRT

Horizontal or vertical single-stage submersible motor pump in close-coupled design, with various next-generation impeller types, for wet or dry installation, stationary or transportable version, with energy-saving motor and models for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

UPA 200 / UPA S 200

UPA 200 / UPA S 200

Single-stage or multistage single-entry centrifugal pump in ring-section design for vertical or horizontal installation. Optionally available with lift check valve or connection branch. For well diameters of 8 inches and above.

Multitec

Multitec

Multistage horizontal or vertical centrifugal pump in ring-section design, long-coupled or close-coupled, with axial or radial suction nozzle, cast radial impellers and motor-mounted variable speed system. ATEX-compliant version available.

HG

HG

Horizontal radially split ring-section pump with radial impellers, single-entry or double-entry, multistage.

HGM/HGM-S

HGM/HGM-S

Horizontal radially split product-lubricated multistage ring-section pump with radial impellers, axial and radial single-entry inlet.