Taming Snowcats
One beast of a ride
15.12.2021

When the ski/snowboard day is coming to an end and the winter sports enthusiasts slowly make their way home, the working day for our heroes of the night begins. The job behind the gearsticks of the snowcat is highly valued and much desired. In their capable hands lies the perfect shape of our snowparks, funcross & funslopes. Day in and day out, the facilities have to be prepared so that the quality, fun & flow are given for the skiers and snowboarders of the respective facility.

Curtain up

Generally speaking, snowcat drivers are responsible for the maintenance of the slopes. Depending on the temperature and the weather, this can become a real supreme discipline. In the fun facilities, however, precision is the key. It's not about the cat eating up as many kilometres as possible, but rather millimetre work. The obstacles have to be precisely embedded into the snow masses so that everyone can slide over them safely and stoked. The installation of modular tunnels for example requires concentration and very detailed planning.

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Build up

Currently, our Mountain Men & Women are working in numerous areas in four different countries. In order to build a fun facility,  we spend several days preparing, pushing, building and shaping. Our masterminds on the snowcats usually set the tone and groom for hours. The snowcats are beasts and move huge mountains of snow with their 500 hp. This is how our facilities are created in the shortest time possible.

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Shaping Funslopes

The Funslopes are all about one thing: Fun For Everyone! With swift banked turns, snappy jumps and rapid tunnel rides, fun is guaranteed for everyone. However, this only works if the slopes and obstacles are regularly maintained and cared for. Masses of snow have to be transported away, buried tunnels have to be shovelled free again and kickers have to be freshly shaped. Especially the fun twisters need precise and regular maintenance. Otherwise, they wouldn't look like this work of art:

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Behind the Scenes

Before a fun facility can even be created, there are metres of snow in front of us. First, the heavy masses of snow are transported to the desired locations with the snowcat in order to build twisters or kickers, for example. The shape crew then takes care of the necessary fine-tuning and shovels smaller masses of snow into place. In case of heavy snowfall, night shifts are required. The team must therefore be able to rely on each member.

Here we would like to show you a Vimeo video.

More Stuff

“We are back in the Familypark Obergurgl after three years. We are happily enjoying the bluebird weather and Gurgl’s beautiful slopes." state Roxana and Lukas from Heidelberg with contentment. Felix Lindner from Upper Franconia agrees. He is thrilled by the diversity of the Audi quattro funslope in Obergurgl and recommends to everyone to give it a try.

Arne from ski patrol Obergurgl and Widi, the mascot of the Funmountain Gurgl present the Funslope Safety Rules! Safe & funny through our Funslope and Familypark!

Film Credit: Bernhard Poscher / Young Mountain

“Hey WIDI! Look, this is how we behave correctly when riding the Funslope. Let’s go for a run and discuss the FIS rules step by step!”, says Arne to WIDI.

Together with Arne from ski Patrol, WIDI, the Ötztaler Mountain Aries, took a closer look at the Familypark and Funslope safety rules. Because only if these are followed, maximum fun can be guaranteed at our fun facilities.

Lots of family fun awaits you when skiing down the Funslope Hochgurgl!

Film Credit: Bernhard Poscher/Young Mountain

Today, Kaya and Sofie from Denmark are sharing what they love about the Funslope Hochgurgl.

Film Credit: Bernhard Poscher/Young Mountain

Greta and Jude from London are having their best times riding the Funslope.Greta’s favourite element is the snow tunnel, and Jude really likes the Slopy high-five!

Film Credit: Bernhard Poscher/Young Mountain

“I like the Audi quattro funslope because its just quite fast and fun!”, says an enthusiastic Funmountain Gurgl guest. Have you tried it yourself?

Film Credit: Bernhard Poscher/Young Mountain

Felix from Upper Franconia shares his thoughts about the Audi quattro funslope in Obergurgl. He says, it brings a lot of fun since it has so many diverse features!

Film Credit: Bernhard Poscher/Young Mountain

To guarantee maximum fun in our fun facilities, it's worth taking a look at our FIS rules at the park entrance of Funslope & Funcross. The rules are not only intended to contribute to your safety, but above all to guarantee fun. Together with piste manager Bernhard Schupfer, mountain bunny Hopsi took a closer look at the safety rules. Let's goooo: