Switzerland is making strides in sustainable winter sports with the testing of its first fully electric snow groomer in the Flumserberg ski resort in the canton of St. Gallen. The electric snow groomer, manufactured by Italian company Prinoth, has been undergoing rigorous testing since December 2023, showcasing its potential to revolutionize snow grooming operations.
The project is a collaboration between Bergbahnen Flumserberg, Prinoth, and Swiss eMobility specialist Designwerk, which provides a mobile charging station capable of charging the electric snow groomer in just under two hours.
“The experience with the Prinoth Husky E-Motion and the fast charging station has so far been very positive,” says the Flumserberg Tourism office. The electric snow groomer offers exceptional quietness and delivers excellent trail quality. With the addition of an eco mode during testing, the vehicle has readjusted its maximum torque, improving performance by approximately 15 percent. However, maintaining the extensive network of 55 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails on a single battery charge remains a challenge for the ski resort operator.
“We are now trying to plan the preparation sequence so that we can travel as energy-efficiently as possible and recharge at the charging station halfway through the route. It requires sensitivity on the driver’s part and a lot of thinking and rethinking,” says Managing Director Rolf Blumer. Despite the challenges, the electric snow groomer has performed admirably, leading to a strong recommendation from Blumer. “Although the purchase costs for the electric vehicle are higher than for a diesel machine, the electricity price pays for itself over the years, and the sustainability concept is just as important here.”
