Test facility

On February 11, 2021, the new snow rope and ice stupa test facility at the Diavolezza valley station in the Upper Engadin was put into operation for the first time. Since then, a frame for the ice stupa has been built every autumn so that an ice stupa can be created in winter. In winter 24/25, thanks to constantly evolving technology, the ice stupa reached a height of over 15 meters. 

Progress since 2021

Ice Stupa Technology has struggled with freezing problems on water lines in recent years. Once frozen, water pipes are almost impossible to get free.

In winter 2021, the watering system for the ice stupa was upgraded. Small heaters were installed on the water pipes in the areas of the ice stupa that are most exposed to the cold to ensure that all important areas are free of ice before the system is switched on. In addition, thanks to the heaters, it is possible to ensure that all water is drained (switched off) and that no ice forms in the pipes. Thanks to the expansion of the watering system, there was not a single malfunction.

New ice stupa project

A new ice stupa project was launched in winter 2023. The goal? To become the largest ice stupa in Europe. This project is being realized thanks to the automatic control system developed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the initiative of the GlaciersAlive association, Gletschervision GmbH, the Diavolezza cable car, Go Vertical and BerninaGlaciers. The ice stupas at the Diavolezza valley station are designed as striking, giant ice sculptures filled with icicles, which can be used for mini-events, aperitifs, and guided tours. In addition, the GlaciersAlive Foundation carries out targeted fundraising campaigns for water-needy communities in Ladakh.

Test facility

On February 11, 2021, the new snow rope and ice stupa test facility at the Diavolezza valley station in the Upper Engadin was put into operation for the first time. Since then, a frame for the ice stupa has been built every autumn so that an ice stupa can be created in winter. In winter 24/25, thanks to constantly evolving technology, the ice stupa reached a height of over 15 meters. 

Progress since 2021

Ice Stupa Technology has struggled with freezing problems on water lines in recent years. Once frozen, water pipes are almost impossible to get free.

In winter 2021, the watering system for the ice stupa was upgraded. Small heaters were installed on the water pipes in the areas of the ice stupa that are most exposed to the cold to ensure that all important areas are free of ice before the system is switched on. In addition, thanks to the heaters, it is possible to ensure that all water is drained (switched off) and that no ice forms in the pipes. Thanks to the expansion of the watering system, there was not a single malfunction.

New ice stupa project

A new ice stupa project was launched in winter 2023. The goal? To become the largest ice stupa in Europe. This project is being realized thanks to the automatic control system developed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the initiative of the GlaciersAlive association, Gletschervision GmbH, the Diavolezza cable car, Go Vertical and BerninaGlaciers. The ice stupas at the Diavolezza valley station are designed as striking, giant ice sculptures filled with icicles, which can be used for mini-events, aperitifs, and guided tours. In addition, the GlaciersAlive Foundation carries out targeted fundraising campaigns for water-needy communities in Ladakh.