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How We Measure Snow Depth in Hemsedal

For skiers, snow depth is more than just a number – it tells you something about the chances of fresh powder, the quality of the slopes, and how the mountain is feeling today. In Hemsedal, we use a combination of digital terrain measurement and GPS‑based systems in our grooming machines to give you the most accurate and up‑to‑date picture of the snow conditions.

How We Measure Snow Depth in Hemsedal’s Ski Area

To cover the entire Hemsedal ski area, we combine a fixed digital measurement point with data collected from our grooming machines.

Measuring Snow Depth in Hemsedal

Slope: Hemsedalsløypa – Digital measurement from the grooming machine, showing the average depth for the whole descent.
Terrain: Base area – Digital measurement.

Snow Depth in the Terrain – Fully Digital Measurement

When we report snow depth in the terrain, the measurement is taken completely digitally using contact‑free sensors from Starbit, placed in untouched terrain.
How the measurement works:

  • Contact‑free distance measurement: Starbit’s sensors use laser‑based technology to measure the distance to the snow surface and calculate the snow depth.
  • Placed in untouched terrain: By avoiding groomed areas, we capture an accurate picture of natural snow.

This provides a stable, precise and continuously updated measurement of the snow depth in the terrain – completely without manual handling.

Snow Depth in the Slopes – Digital Precision with GPS

In the slopes, the snow consists of a mix of natural snow, machine‑made snow and daily grooming. Here we use digital systems integrated into the grooming machines, such as Skadii, to measure the snow depth.
How the measurement works:

  • Digital terrain model before winter: The mountain is mapped in 3D during the snow‑free season.
  • High‑precision GPS: The grooming machine measures its exact position and height while it works.
  • Real‑time calculation: By comparing the GPS height with the stored summer terrain model, the snow depth is calculated.
  • Average depth for the whole slope: Snow naturally varies along the piste, so an average depth is calculated. Some areas will have less snow, others more.

This gives a reliable and up‑to‑date picture of the snow conditions in each individual slope.

With a complete and precise overview every day throughout the winter season, we can give you an accurate, transparent and trustworthy description of the snow conditions in Hemsedal – both on‑piste and off‑piste.
It helps you plan your ski day and gives you the very best conditions for an unforgettable mountain experience.

You can find the current snow depth in Hemsedal on our weather and slopes page.