Green, quiet, powerful:

The Oberhof Winter Sports Center is setting a strong example in sustainable slope grooming: It recently added a PistenBully 100 E to its fleet. Following a test phase lasting several months, the team on site is convinced of the performance and practicality of the fully electric machine.

“We naturally have ideal conditions here for the use of the electric PistenBully. And I can confirm that a range of 4 to 4.5 hours is reliably achievable. This allows us to groom our cross-country trails intensively and optimally—without breaks or charging stops,” explains Heiko Schacht, Head of the LOTTO Thuringia Ski Sports Hall in Oberhof. 

The PistenBully 100 E also demonstrated its capabilities impressively in the creation of snow depots: over an entire working day, operations were carried out exclusively in pushing mode—without using the tiller to save energy—and continuously with just a single battery charge. At the end of the day, around 20% battery capacity still remained. 

Schacht adds: “We easily worked a full day on a single battery charge and still had about 20% left—we’re definitely on the safe side. When we fully prepare the indoor facility, meaning pushing and tilling, it takes around two to two and a half hours—and we still have 30 to 40% remaining. Even under demanding conditions with hard technical snow, about three hours of operation are easily possible—even at full tilling speed and maximum pressure.” 

The machine’s driving characteristics are also convincing in daily use: “Due to the higher weight—caused by the batteries—you can move more, and the machine pushes better. The vehicle has already paid off. It’s really enjoyable to work with—it’s simply fun to drive. The team looks forward to using it every time.” 

Schacht also highlights the advantages of the rubber track: “It allows you to get anywhere, work much more flexibly, and causes less damage—even on roads. Especially in spring snow on the ski jump slope, it works extremely well—you disturb the surface less and get a nice, firm finish the next day.” 

The vehicle also makes an impression externally: the green PistenBully attracts strong interest from guests and is actively noticed. With the planned installation of fast-charging stations, operational flexibility will increase even further in the future. 

Sonja Böhm, Managing Director of the Oberhof Winter Sports Center, adds: “This fully aligns with our goal of working as environmentally consciously as possible - including in trail and slope preparation. The PistenBully 100 E fits perfectly with what Thuringia stands for—the ‘green heart of Germany.’ We have several exciting projects planned for the coming years. We will therefore follow the use and further development of this technology very closely and remain highly interested in close collaboration—not least because of our long-standing strong partnership and the opportunity to carry out test operations and trials directly on site.” 

Her colleague Heiko Krause, Technical Operations Manager in Oberhof, confirms: “Driver training and the use of new technologies give us the opportunity to continuously develop - even as winter conditions become more challenging. Exchange and shared learning are key factors for success.” 

The PistenBully 100 E is the first fully electric snow groomer produced in series by Kässbohrer. It combines the proven performance of the compact PistenBully class with an emission-free drive and reduced noise levels. The vehicle offers a forward-looking solution, particularly for use in sensitive natural environments, cross-country trail areas, and indoor ski facilities. 

Further information about the association: 
https://www.wintersportzentrum-thueringen.de/ 

More about the PistenBully 100 E: 
https://www.pistenbully.com/fahrzeuge/100-e/