A Day as a Snowcat Driver
CompanyTitlis cableways14.02.2025
For many, the workday begins with the first rays of sunlight—but not for the snowcat drivers at Titlis. In mid-January, Peter Bolliger, a video creator from Central Switzerland, had the chance to spend an entire day with Dino Ineichen, one of the 15 snowcat drivers at Titlis. But before hitting the slopes, Peter had to rise early—his alarm went off at 3.00 a.m.!
Dino Ineichen has been working as a snowcat driver for over 10 years. Together with his colleagues, he ensures that the slopes on Titlis are perfectly groomed every day.
Ever since he was a child, Dino has been fascinated by these big machines. He spent a lot of time on the slopes in Engelberg, dreaming of one day becoming a snowcat driver himself. Through a friend, he got the opportunity to truly experience the profession—and to this day, he carries out his work with great passion.
The PistenBully 600 Polar – A Powerhouse on the Slopes
The tool of the day: the PistenBully 600 Polar – a true powerhouse with a width of 5.20 meters, a weight of 14.5 tons, and 461 horsepower. Before heading out, the machine is thoroughly checked to ensure everything is running smoothly. Then, Dino and Peter head out into the darkness to prepare the slopes for the next ski day.
Throughout the Titlis area, special anchors are installed, which, along with wind ropes, ensure the secure attachment of the snowcat in steep terrain. Another important tool on board is the GPS: not only does it serve as a navigation system, but it also shows the current snow depth. This allows Dino to precisely decide which areas of the slopes can be widened.
A childhood dream comes true
For Peter Bolliger, it was a real highlight – he got to take the wheel of the snowcat himself. With great sensitivity, every slight movement has to be precisely controlled, as the machine responds immediately to each command. A childhood dream came true – and Peter experienced firsthand what it feels like to drive this massive machine.
Safety comes first
But it’s not just driving and grooming the slopes that are important – safety is also a top priority. Every snowcat driver is equipped with an avalanche transceiver (LVS), which helps locate the driver quickly in case of an emergency. Fortunately, such emergencies are rare, as avalanche safety in the ski area is continuously monitored. Every morning, even before the slopes are officially opened, the team triggers controlled avalanches to minimize the risk for guests and staff.
The result of the work: Perfect slopes for the guests
Dino describes the best feeling after a workday like this: When he heads home and knows that the slope is perfectly groomed or that he’s gotten the most out of it. "The most fun is actually when you can immediately test the slopes as a guest after your workday," says Dino.
Im Video von Peter Bolliger erhältst du einen spannenden Einblick in die Welt der Pistenbullyfahrer.