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How we measure snow depth in Sälen

For skiers, snow depth is more than just a number – it tells you something about the chances of powder, the quality of the pistes, and how the mountain is doing today. In Sälen, we use a combination of digital terrain measuring and GPS‑based systems in the snow groomers to provide the most accurate and up‑to‑date picture of the snow conditions.

How we measure snow depth in different parts of the Sälen ski area

To cover all of SkiStar Sälen’s ski areas, we use several fixed digital measuring points in combination with data collected from the snow groomers.

Snow depth measurement – Lindvallen

Piste: Gustavbacken (29) – Digital measurement from snow groomer, average across the piste.
Terrain: Söderåsen – Digital measurement.

Snow depth measurement – Högfjället

Piste: Mats (7) – Digital measurement from snow groomer, average across the piste.
Terrain: Söderåsen – Digital measurement.

Snow depth measurement – Tandådalen

Piste: Stora Backen (20) – Digital measurement from snow groomer, average across the piste.
Terrain: The marsh below Väggen – Digital measurement.

Snow depth measurement – Hundfjället

Piste: Familjebacken (5) – Digital measurement from snow groomer, average across the piste.
Terrain: The marsh below Väggen – Digital measurement.

Snow depth in the terrain – digital measurement

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

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

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

Snow depth on the pistes – digital precision via GPS

On the pistes, the snow is a combination of natural snow, machine‑made snow and daily grooming. Here we use digital systems integrated into the snow groomers, such as Snowsat and Alpine Pro, to measure snow depth.
How the piste measurement works:

  • Digital terrain model before winter: The mountain is mapped in 3D during the snow‑free season.
  • High‑precision GPS: The snow groomer measures its exact height position while operating.
  • Real‑time calculation: By comparing the GPS height with the stored bare‑ground terrain model, the snow depth is calculated.
  • Average for the whole piste: Since snow depth naturally varies along the slope, an average value is calculated. Some spots may have less snow, others significantly more.

This gives a reliable and up‑to‑date picture of snow conditions on each piste.

With a complete and trustworthy overview every day throughout winter, we can provide a current, transparent and highly accurate picture of the snow conditions in Sälen – both on and off the pistes.

This makes it easier for you to plan your skiing and provides the best conditions for a truly great mountain experience.

You can find the current snow depth in Sälen on our weather and slope information page.