South Tyrolean ski resort uses snow cannon as rainbow machine for children in summer

Only 240 liters are sprayed during this period, which is the machine's minimum consumption. Each use lasts just two minutes, during which the water is finely distributed. The consumption is therefore negligibly low compared to what a snow cannon produces in winter.

Water mist creates rainbow

The response from the youngest guests was overwhelming, the spokesperson continued: „Dann sind alle Kinder heraufgerannt und hatten eine Freude am Wasser.“ Parents and supervisors also responded positively to the action. For the region, which relies heavily on winter tourism, this is an unusual summer offering.

Until now, the snow cannons in the Ahrntal had a break in summer. According to the ski resort, the conversion into a rainbow machine is a first in the South Tyrol region. The operators at Klausberg see it as a small attraction that enhances the summer offering for families.

Ahrntal region bets on new ideas

The Klausberg ski resort is located in the rear Ahrntal (Italian: Valle Aurina) at about 1,600 meters above sea level. Even in midsummer, there are hiking trails, mountain stations and panorama platforms there that are normally characterized by snow and ski operations. This season, the rainbow machine complements the offering.

The action is explicitly designed as a spontaneous idea and not as a permanent marketing concept. The operators left open whether the snow cannon will be used regularly on particularly hot days in the future. They said they wanted to wait for the reactions and then decide.

Environmental aspects also play a role in the action: since the machine has to be maintained anyway, the resulting water is used sensibly instead of running down the valley unused. The low consumption of 240 liters per use underlines the resource-conserving character.

Overall, the example shows how tourist infrastructure can be made usable beyond the classic season. The Ahrntal is one of the higher-lying valleys in South Tyrol and has so far been known primarily as a winter sports destination. With the rainbow machine, a new, summery attraction for families is being created.