New Viderböden reservoir
The Silvrettaseilbahn AG lift company has been operating the Idalp snow-making system since 1985. Over the years, this has been expanded to create a comprehensive system covering almost the entire ski resort. The foundation of the snow-making system was the ldalp reservoir with a volume of 32,000 m³. The existing reservoir site, including the upper and in particular the lower slope, is in constant motion and, at the end of the 2016/17 winter season, the authorities no longer approved its use. As a result, a new location had to be found. This had to be as close as possible to the previous site to allow the water pipes to be connected without any major expansions and then to direct the water to the extensive network in the existing system without any unnecessary excavation work. Following numerous inspections and in consultation with the owners of the land, a suitable location was found at the Viderböden which was also safe in geological terms, as shown by explorations of the subsoil by means of digging and rotational core drilling. From the winter of 2017/18, the new Viderböden reservoir with a capacity of some 52,000 m³ is planned to serve as a hub for snow-making activities in the ski resort of Ischgl. Building work is scheduled to start immediately after the end of the season, to allow the reservoir to be completed in time for the start of the snow season. The reservoir's heart-shape has a symbolic meaning - the Viderböden reservoir project and transfer of the hub function of the Idalp snow-making system required a “heart transplant” from the Idalp reservoir to the Viderböden reservoir. Following the creation of the planned Viderböden reservoir, the Idalp reservoir will be partially restored to a pond structure with a retaining function and blend harmoniously with the landscapes of the adjacent Vider Truja Park. Viderböden reservoir key facts • 52,000 m³ capacity • The reservoir operates in coordination with flood and avalanche barriers and with the natural geology as a retaining structure. • Plastic sealing with protective fleece and gravel covering • High dam crest: 2,325 m • Primary and secondary pumping stations each with a capacity of 400 l/s • Overall project planning by the engineering office AEP • Investment: approx. €4.5 million.