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Always that step ahead since 1884

Successful glacier project in Andermatt

25.10.2005

Preservation of a 2 m thick layer of snow and ice
The expectations have been met! By applying 3000 square metres of Ice Protector Optiforce®, the glacier-protection nonwoven of Landolt, at the summit station of the Gemsstock in Andermatt it has been possible to largely stop the melting away of the snow and ice ramp.
The problem became worse as time went by. Fifteen years ago the skiers could easily descend the short distance from the top station of the aerial ropeway to the piste where they started their eventful run down the glacier towards Andermatt. In the meantime, however, the glacier receded by approx. 20 m and the access to its top end was no longer guaranteed. The effect was that, every autumn, a major personnel and equipment effort was required to build a ramp of snow to bridge the widening gap and the difference in altitude.

Last spring, the persons in charge of the Andermatt-Gotthard Sports Facilities had the courage to start a spectacular test. The ramp of snow and the uppermost part of the glacier were covered by a novel type of nonwoven made by Fritz Landolt AG of Näfels/Switzerland. With the scientific support of glaciologist Andreas Bauder of The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) the project was continuously evaluated over a period of several weeks.

The results are positive all along the line and confirm the innovative concept of those responsible for the project. Until the end of the test it was possible to preserve a layer approx. 2 m thick of snow and ice under the cover. The special fastening system proved its worth as well and stood up to wind and weather so that the fixation was still perfectly intact at the end of the test period.

In mid September the nonwoven was rolled up and put into storage. Next spring it will be installed again.

The international echo of the media to the project has attracted the attention of further mountain ropeway operators. Several other successful tests are in the meantime under way in Switzerland, and the Landolt company has even received enquiries from overseas. Other promising application possibilities for the nonwoven are now also being investigated.

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