Skiers in the Val Thorens area of the 3 Valleys in France are now able to get an idea of how busy the slopes below them are and make route decisions as they ski or board based on how crowded or not each of a choice of trails below them may be.
The Valley has installed technology which measures the flow of skiers via sensors on the runs and then presents live data on display boards positioned at key junctions in the run network so skiers can see how busy runs below them are. The system is known as Ski Flux.
“The digital revolution is well on its way for French slope maintenance services – both in terms of skier enjoyment and safety. Ski patrol equipment is being updated with new geo-localisation devices. In introducing these resources, Val Thorens is a truly pioneering and visionary force in terms of what will become common practice 3 or 4 years’ time.” Benjamin Blanc, head of the Belleville Valley slope maintenance service.
Ski Flux is being trialled in the Grand Fond areas where three giant screens (measuring 3m x 2m and seven times brighter than a standard screen). Besides data on how busy individual slopes are, the system also provide other specific up-to-the minute information such as different snow levels on the runs, a geo-localised weather report and itinerary tips.
