Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to receive public subsidies for the purchase of Snow Secure snow storage covers?
Yes, in the same way as for the construction of sports facilities in general or, for example, through various EU or other public financial instruments. Funding can be granted to sports clubs, municipalities or companies. Snow storage covers are an environmentally friendly investment and a great example of circular economy and green intitiatives. Energy consumption can be lowered and water management can be better optimised
Where should I place my snow storage pile?
When on a slope, look for a flat area or a gentle slope. Note that some space is also needed around the pile. Whenever possible, a snow storage pile should be in the shade or semi shade. However, the difference in melting is not dramatically different depending the direction. Please check that no streams, paths nor mountain bike tracks are underneath snow storage.
How should the snow be made and piled?
In a flat area or next to a slope, make the snow layer by layer and compact it after each layer. Tightly packed snow is much easier to store than airy snow. Pile the snow according to the example image you received. Piling the snow correctly allows the insulation to work well. Even on a slope, the snow should be compacted between layers whenever possible. We recommend wide, almost flat tops and sides can be steeper.
Why is semicircle measurement is important?
The panels should hang above the ground when installed. Mats should hang minimum2m from the ground and bottom should be covered with Snow Secure geotextile to protect wind entering the storage. Check the installation instructions you have been provided.
How many persons and what type of machinery does it take to install or disassemble the snow storage panels?
6–8 persons can install up to 5.000–30.000 m3 of snow storage in one workday without machinery. You only need a tractor with a pallet fork attachment to bring the panel packages to the storage site or to take them away. Roller installed into groomer can speed up the installation and removal of geotextiles within ends and sides.
What is hybrid snow storage?
In the hybrid snow storage method, the Snow Secure panels are combined with wood chips/saw dust. The snow storage cover panels form the “roof” and hang off the sides of the pile. The ends and walls of the pile are protected using wood chips.
What is the expected useful life of the cover panels, and can they be repaired?
When used correctly, the Snow Secure snow storage cover panels are intended to last 20 years. They are a long-term investment. The panels are very durable, but wear or damage from mishaps can still occur. The panels can be easily repaired using special plastic screws. Snow Secure can sell repair kit to repair the issues caused by possible accidents. We can shipp new panelsm screws etc to repair for example broken panels if groomer accidentally rides over the mat.
Can natural snow be stored?
You may use natural snow if the snow is first groomed and used in trails before using the snow in snow storages. Often snow storages consists of mix of technical and natural snow from the groomed trails.
Why is the snow melting rate misleading?
A pile of snow contains a lot of “cold energy”, and it takes a lot of heat and energy to melt it. In a warm environment, a 500 m3 snow storage pile will naturally melt much more over 6 months in relation to a 50.000 m3 storage pile. The best unit for reporting the amount of snow that melted would be kg/m2. Based on experience, we also know that a snow pile that is built in the same place for a second year in a row melts much less than a first-time snow pile. During storage time, the snow will compact further. This means that in the best case the snow does not melt at all during the summer – instead, its density increases.
How can the snow storage covers be used in the winter?
Insulation mats can be stored outside. Insulation mats can be used during winter as additional insulation where needed or as advertising board cubes with sixe 4m x 1,05m.