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Hans Kleinstein
In action for perfect ski days
«Avalanche blasting is required from 15 centimeters of fresh snow with strong winds,» explains the piste and rescue chief. Then he gets a kind of red sausage out of the snowmobile and ties a cord around the explosive charge. Even with gloves on, no problem for Hans, who has been working for Bergbahnen Samnaun for 25 years.
With blasting masts and by hand
Hans triggers most avalanches with the help of blasting masts, which he can operate with the click of a mouse on his computer or with his cell phone. Here at Palinkopf, he blasts by hand. «I can reach this avalanche slope without putting myself in danger. We use blasting masts mainly in places that are difficult to access.»
In 60 seconds the detonation takes place
Hans has detonated the explosive charge and throws it down the slope. He has measured the length of the cord so that the explosion occurs at the steepest point. «We use a special avalanche explosive that affects the snowpack over a wide area and leaves no residue in the environment.»
The morning sun of Samnaun
Hans spends most of his time in the command center on the Alptrider Sattel. He is responsible for around 70 kilometers of slopes on the Samnaun side of the ski area and coordinates the patrollers' operations. Many skiers are already out and about in the morning. «We have morning sun. That's why many guests who come from Ischgl also ski on the Samnaun slopes.»
The effort is worth it
Twelve loads have room in one blasting bucket. After that, Hans and his team have to dismantle the buckets and refill them. A helicopter helps them do this. «Blasting buckets are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, but the effort is worth it. Our work has become much safer as a result, and we can guarantee ski operations from 08.00 every day.»
«We always have good snow»
Hans appreciates his job because he never knows what can happen on any given day. «My job is exciting and varied. I also get to work in one of the most beautiful and largest ski areas in the Alps. We have high mountains and slopes on all slopes. That's why you always find good snow in Samnaun.»
