What is snowmaking all about?

Snowmaking is a process that combines air, water, and cold temperatures, with no other additives. The water is sent at high pressure through a network of underground pipes across the ski area. The water is blasted out into very cold air, where it transforms into snowflakes.

Learn about this fascinating process through the animation 'Behind the Scenes of Val d'Isère Téléphériques' and afterwards, explore all our other animations that we offer you this winter.

Snowmaking system at Val d'Isère: ensuring snow-covered slopes for optimal skiing all winter.

Snow Workshop

The Snow Workshop Val d'Isère Téléphériques has developed its own automated system to manage the snowmakers, weather stations and pumps.
The first snowmaking facility opened in
1986 at La Daille, with a second one opening the following year at Solaise Legettaz.The most recent facility, which opened in 2014, is the «Face de Bellevarde» plant, just beneath the Olympique cable car.

All the technical aspects, from assembly to welding, as well as all the automation were carried out by Val d'Isère Téléphériques’ snow team.
Each year, we continue to invest in the latest snowmaking equipment. Additionally, we have moved the location of several snowmakers and modified certain runs to optimise water use.

During the winter season, about ten professionals and enthusiasts ensure the proper functioning of the entire snowmaking network of the ski area.

View from a high-altitude restaurant at the top of the Olympique cable car in the Bellevarde area
Turquoise background

Some key figures

Light blue snowflake icon
60cm
is necessary to cover a run
Illustration of a light blue leaf icon
90-95% of the water
goes back to nature when the snow melts, and 5-10% by evaporation.
Illustration of a blue tunnel icon
70km
is the lenght of the underground artificial snow network.
Illustration of the iconic Face slope in Val d'Isère
45%
of Val d'Isère’s ski area is equipped with snowmakers.
Illustration of snowmaking equipment
631 regards
for 61 mono-fluid canons and 570 bi-fluid canons..
Light blue gear icon
15
is the number of machine room, with 9 separate facilities
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Keep on reading

Find out all there is to know about the summits: immerse yourself in the captivating stories of Val d'Isère Téléphériques ski lift company.

Enjoy free wifi in Val d'Isère.

Top picks ❤ - The Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a break in you ski day.

Top picks ❤ - Enjoy the comfort and modernity of the Daille gondola