Snowhow in Ruka Ski Resort

RUKA’S SNOW-HOW BRINGS WINTER TO THE COORDINATES OF SNOW

Ruka is one of the Europe’s most snow-sure ski resorts. Due to first class snow-how, efficient snowmaking equipment and storing snow over summer, you can ski over 200 days in Ruka. The season start is annually set in October when the slopes and snow park in Ruka are opened with stored snow.

The new technique for storing snow over summer was tested for the first time in summer 2016. During winter, a several meters high snow layer was created with the snow cannons to Saarua’s slope 13 which was driven into three big piles in the spring. Snow piles were covered with white gauze and partly with saw dust. This technique proved functional and suitable for development which we have done during the past 7 years. In 2023, we stored 150 000 square meters of snow.

STORED SNOW SLOPE IS THE RESULT OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN HIGH END TECHNIQUE AND SKILLED PEOPLE 

In May, when the slopes are closed, the snow that is left there is collected and driven into big piles at Saarua’s ski area. Several meters high snow piles are stored over summer under sawdust and felt darp.

When the snow gets digged up from under the darps, it gets spread on the slopes in three shifts around the clock. PistenBully’s SNOWSAT-system that shows the thickness of the snow with centimeter precision in real time is used to help the drivers. This system helps to spread and level the snow. Snow melts a bit during summer, but nowaways we have had app. 100 000 square meters of stored snow for the season opening. This allows us to open several slopes, including Ruka snow park.

RUKA’S SNOWMAKING MACHINERY

– At their best, Ruka’s over hundred different snow cannons make over 1250 cubic meters of snow in an hour.

– Ruka has 25 Technoalpin’s movable and efficient blow cannons at use.

– There are 50 Lance-high pressure cannons by the sides of the slopes. In addition, there are altogether 30 movable and stationary traditional model snow cannons around the ski areas. 

– The automatic snowmaking system covers almost the entire area of the Ski Resort, the Masto area being the latest addition in the system during summer 2023.