Application Field
Biopolymer Cover Systems for the Conservation of Snow Depots
Sprayable two-layer systems reduce melt and sublimation losses at snow depots over the summer months — without geotextile fleece, without removal logistics, without microplastic input.
Problem Statement
Why Existing Methods Are Coming Under Pressure
Snow depots are subject to substantial melt and sublimation losses over the summer months. The current state of the art consists of textile cover systems — geotextile fleece and wood chips. Both methods have structural disadvantages that coincide with increasing regulatory and logistical pressure.
Fibre inputs from synthetic geotextiles into surface water bodies have been explicitly identified by the European Commission as a relevant source of microplastic. Specific restriction measures for geotextiles are in preparation. For markets outside the EU, equivalent pressures are emerging through procurement requirements and environmental certification schemes (ISO 14001, EMAS equivalent frameworks).
Regulatory Context
Schematic layer structure — not to scale
System Approach
Three Physical Levels of Action
The system is applied by spray technique via standard hydroseeders directly onto existing snow depots. The performance is based on three complementary physical mechanisms.
Albedo Optimisation
Platelet-shaped phyllosilicates in the base coat increase the reflection of solar radiation, reducing absorbed heat directly at the snow surface.
Thermal Insulation
The lofted top layer structure of organic fibres and light minerals reduces convective heat exchange between the atmosphere and the snow mass.
Sublimation Inhibition
Defined pore structure and moisture management at the interface layer slow the direct phase transition from ice to water vapour.
System Comparison
Biopolymer Solution vs. Established Methods
| Criterion | Fleece / Wood Chips | Biopolymer Cover Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Microplastic Input | Synthetic fibre inputs into meltwater documented | No synthetic fibres — biodegradable formulation basis |
| Logistical Effort | Transport, deployment, retrieval and disposal required | Spray application via hydroseeder — no removal, no disposal |
| Remote Locations | Access roads and bulk transport required | Micro-depots along snowmaking infrastructure possible |
| Biodegradability | Retrieval and disposal after season required | Biodegradable — complete degradation without residue |
| Regulatory Exposure | Synthetic geotextiles under EU regulatory scrutiny | Positioned outside current restriction frameworks |
Intellectual Property
Patent Protection
A priority application for the layer system and the method for covering snow bodies has been filed with the Austrian Patent Office (file reference A65025/2026, filing date 14 February 2026). The application is pending. International extension is under evaluation.
- –No organic solvents
- –No ecotoxicologically relevant additives
- –Suitable for use in water protection areas
- –Complete meltwater safety
Formulation Basis
Application Contexts
Three Primary Use Cases
Ski Resorts — Snow Farming
Starter depots for periods when technical snowmaking is not efficient (temperature window, energy costs). The system conserves existing snow masses through to the start of the season.
Glaciers & Firn Fields
Large-scale application on existing firn and old snow surfaces without piste machinery — spray application via backpack unit or hydroseeder vehicle. No depot shaping required.
Cross-Country Ski Centres
Micro-depots along trail networks — decentrally positioned without additional access road infrastructure. Reduction of transport distances and machine deployment compared to centralised depot solutions.
Interested in this approach?
Contact us — whether regarding specific requirements, potential development cooperations or as a system partner. We accompany projects from pilot application through to scaled system solutions.