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How we measure snow depth in Vemdalen

For skiers, snow depth is more than just a number – it indicates powder potential, piste quality, and how the mountain is behaving today. In Vemdalen, we use a combination of digital terrain measurement and GPS‑based systems in the snow groomers to provide the most accurate and up‑to‑date picture of the snow conditions possible.

How we measure snow depth in different parts of Vemdalen’s ski system

To cover all areas of SkiStar Vemdalen, we use several fixed digital measuring points combined with data collected from the snow groomers – as well as manual measurements in selected locations.

Snow depth measurement – Vemdalsskalet

Piste: Turisten (22) – Digital measurement from snow groomer, average across the piste.
Terrain: The plateau between Turisten and Sörbacken – Digital measurement.

Snow depth measurement – Klövsjö

Piste: Storslalombacken (11) – Digital measurement from snow groomer, average across the piste.
Terrain: Top of the Klövsjö Express – Manual measurement.

Snow depth measurement – Björnrike

Piste: Björnstigen (5) – Digital measurement from snow groomer (Snowsat), average across the piste.
Terrain: By mast two on the Mitt lift – Digital measurement.

Snow depth in natural terrain – digital measurement

When we report snow depth in natural terrain, the measurement is carried out entirely 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 thereby determine snow depth.
  • Placed in untouched terrain: By avoiding groomed surfaces, we obtain an accurate representation of natural snow.

This gives a stable, precise, and continuously updated measurement of snow depth – without manual handling.

Snow depth on the pistes – digital precision via GPS

On the pistes, the snow consists 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 piste measurement works:

  • Digital terrain model before winter: The mountain is mapped in 3D during the snow‑free period.
  • High‑precision GPS: The snow groomer measures its exact height position during operation.
  • Real‑time calculation: By comparing the GPS height with the stored bare‑ground terrain model, the snow depth is calculated.
  • Average for the entire piste: Because snow depth naturally varies along the slope, an average snow depth is calculated.

This gives a reliable and updated picture of the snow conditions in each piste.

A clear and daily overview

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

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