TechnoAlpin Indoor
Founded in 1990, TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin combines its fascination for snow with holistic wellbeing to create something completely unique.
TechnoAlpin Indoor offers expert consultation for indoor snow concepts, assisting customers with the integration of snow in the initial design phase of spa concepts and this way providing individualised solutions for any business in order to elevate the guest’s spa experience.
Main products and services
Indoor snow is a special highlight for luxury wellness and spa areas, fitness centres and private luxury real estate – a new way of cooling down that your guests will surely remember.
The SNOWROOM is cooled to -10° C (14°F) and filled with real snow, made from only water and air. Fresh snow is made every night, so fresh powder snow is ready every morning to delight your guests. The entire body cools down efficiently and gently: the respiratory tract and lungs, all organs and brain cells cool down at a slow pace. The skin is cooled over the entire surface without any damage to tissue. Cooling down in the SNOWROOM is invigorating; the body and the mind relax and regenerate.
SNOWSKY is the most sophisticated alternative for cooling down: a real snowfall in the middle of the room. The falling snow is joined by cold light, revitalising the spirit. The magical transformation from water into snow creates a grounding feeling, calming and relaxing all the senses. The cold snowflakes land and melt slowly on warm skin.
Snow is the gentlest version of cooling down and can be enjoyed by both men and women of any age. The benefits of cold therapy are accessible to all, with no shock or dizziness.
USPs
Snow offers a gentle and effi cient way of cooling down. One litre of water makes fi ve times its volume in snow. Thirty years of know-how in snow production guarantees sophisticated, high-tech products for a unique snow experience. The SNOWROOM is not only a visual highlight, but offers a holistic cool down and a resource-saving technology with the possibility of heat recovery.
When the Altenberger family – the owners of the five-star Hotel Krallerhof in Leogang in the Salzburg region – decided to extend its wellness provision, they included a TechnoAlpin Snowroom in its new ‘Atmosphere by Krallerhof’ spa to provide a rejuvenating snow experience, within a spectacular natural setting – all year round.
Overlooking the Leoganger Steinberg mountain range, the Atmosphere spa – designed by architect Hadi Teherani – fits seamlessly into the dramatic Asitz Mountain landscape. The organically-shaped glass-fronted building has been created with nature and the surrounding landscape central to its design. Made from natural, mostly locally-sourced materials, such as ash and oak, alpine marble, glass and exposed concrete, its open aspect offers a connection to the outdoors, with spectacular views over the spa’s 5,500sq m natural bathing lake and the 50m infinity pool.
Family traditions
According to Philipp Altenberger, the careful use of resources, the preservation of biodiverse habitats and other ecological aspects played an important role in the spa’s design process. Altenberger says his grandfather was enthusiastic about progressive design when he took over the family farm in 1956 and laid the foundations for the current five-star hotel – and his family has continued with this passion for innovation ever since. “Relaxation in a natural environment is becoming more essential for spa-goers, so we wanted to create a wellness facility, designed with water at its centre, that fits within its natural surroundings,” he explained.
Natural design
The new Atmosphere spa complements the hotel’s existing 17-treatment-room spa – Refugium – and during the initial design phase Alterberger says Teherani devised the perfect architectural vision: to create a spa that ‘integrates seamlessly into the landscape, creating an atmosphere halfway between the water and the mountains. “We wanted to create a place where guests could withdraw from the outside and allow everything to come to life from the inside,” he explains.
The Atmosphere spa entrance opens into an Alpine Zen Garden where the sound of running water can be heard in the background. This leads to the glass-fronted relaxation room where guests can relax or explore the spa’s indoor offering, which includes a Blue Grotto hydrotherapy cave; a Himalayan infra salt room; Finnish and herbal sauna; a steam bath and the TechnoAlpin SNOWROOM.
The chill factor
With a treatment brief underpinned by the hotel’s philosophy of rejuvenation, relaxation and renewal, the owners decided to include the SNOWROOM because they wanted a contrast to a conventional sauna. While researching they found the TechnoAlpin concept, that ‘brings natural winter conditions indoors’.
“We could see huge potential for our wellness business through choosing the SNOWROOM,” Altenberger explains. “Used in combination with heat, it delivers the most innovative kind of Kneipp therapy, which appeals to guests for whom health and relaxation are important. This fits perfectly with the variety of relaxation and regeneration programmes we offer our guests.
“The SNOWROOM offers a gentle cooling experience, which provides guests with a pleasant chilled feeling without having to endure a shocking wet effect. This means it’s accessible to all our adult guests, who can benefit from a holistic cooling effect that refreshes their respiratory tract and cools their skin.
The Lodge at Woodloch is a five-star, adults-only destination spa resort located in the Poconos in Pennsylvania, on the east coast of the United States. It’s considered one of the top destination spas in the US, ranking #8 in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2022 list.
The Lodge is an intimate, yet sprawling destination spa that celebrates nature and offers guests the opportunity to explore its uniquely beautiful 500-acre sprawl, including extensive hiking trails, a beautiful stream and pristine lake, garden dinners right in the middle of its farm-to-table garden and so much more. There is something for everyone, from archery and biking to fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding to guided, mindfulness nature walks.
When guests are ready to head indoors, the Lodge does not disappoint. Owner John Kiesendahl and his team constantly look to ways to refurbish and improve the property’s offering in a mission to provide something new to delight guests each and every time they return.
A recent update to its 40,000-square-foot spa was the addition of a TechnoAlpin SNOWROOM, along with a Himalayan Salt Sauna and Tyrolean Bucket Shower.
“Everything at the Lodge is based around nature,” said Kiesendahl. “The Snow Room fits right into that. It’s completely natural and totally invigorating. It makes me feel great.”
SNOWROOM Discovery
Kiesendahl first encountered the TechnoAlpin SNOWROOM as part of his own wellness journey while traveling on a cruise. He was immediately captivated and visited the SNOWROOM daily because of the burst of energy he experienced each time he entered. “He knew this was an experience he had to bring back to our guests,” said Brooke Jennings Roe, Director of Marketing & PR.
“Because we use our natural surroundings as our muse, the SNOWROOM was a perfect fit,” said Kiesendahl. “As opposed to other cold experiences like bath plunges, the SNOWROOM feels like a snowy forest (similar to our beautiful forest a few months of the year) and allows the body to cool down more naturally.”
Results
Determining the ROI on a spa amenity like a SNOWROOM isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about delighting guests in a way they never imagined and giving them something to talk about long after they’ve left. The SNOWROOM brings the magical appeal – and accessible cold therapy benefits – of tingling cold and soft powder snow to guests at the Lodge 365 days a year, something that is making a hugely positive impact.
“Guests are happier than ever," said Kiesendahl. "They’re going to come back next year and they’re going to tell their friends. The SNOWROOM is contributing to continuing growth of the Lodge. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done."
Guest Feedback
The reaction to the SNOWROOM has exceeded all expectations. According to Roe, there is a continual flow in and out of the SNOWROOM and the Salt Sauna of guests explore the benefits of hot/cold contrast therapy. “What’s great is that guests return to experience it again and again – it’s not the novelty that make it appealing, it’s how it makes them feel.”
Roe says this popularity will only continue as more people embrace contrast therapy - and its accompanying health benefits - in the United States.
Gianni Guadagnini, head of sales & business development
Mehmet Er, senior business developer wellness & hospitality
Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated.
TechnoAlpin Indoor has introduced a revolutionary creation in this sphere – the Snowsky. This innovation is meticulously crafted to revolutionise the warm-down following fitness sessions and offer a unique and luxurious way to cool the body effectively and support the recovery process.
The luxurious elegance of falling snow
While cold therapy has traditionally been associated with icy baths and plunges, TechnoAlpin's Snowsky introduces a new dimension of luxury to the concept.
Imagine entering a peaceful and calm environment, where the atmosphere is imbued with softly cascading snowflakes, forming a tranquil ambience that brings comfort to both the body and the mind.
The sensation of soft snow landing on your skin provides a uniquely pleasurable experience, enhancing the overall feeling of relaxation and indulgence.
How does the cold benefit the body?
The therapeutic benefits of cold exposure have been recognised for centuries, with practices including ice baths and cold plunges becoming commonplace in the fitness world.
Cold exposure triggers a series of physiological responses within the body that can promote recovery, reduce inflammation and enhance overall wellbeing. From reducing muscle soreness to improving circulation and speeding up the removal of waste products, cold therapy is an essential component of a comprehensive recovery routine.
Efficient cooling with falling snow
The key innovation in Snowsky lies in its ability to deliver efficient cooling using falling snow.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on cold water immersion, Snowsky's falling snow creates a gentle and controlled cooling effect that envelops the body. This method avoids the shock and discomfort associated with sudden temperature changes while providing a consistent and effective cooling experience.
"Snowsky is a compact solution that's easy to install, adaptable to various environments and remarkably low on water requirements,” explains Sara Brenninger, product manager at TechnoAlpin Indoor.
“It's an efficient solution that offers a refreshing cooldown for fitness recovery.”
Elevating post-fitness recovery
After an intense workout, the body craves effective recovery methods that can soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation. Snow as an element to cool down the body steps up to this challenge by offering a rejuvenating experience that combines the science of cold therapy with the luxury of snow.
Whether for athletes pushing their limits or individuals seeking a distinctive and indulgent recovery experience, Snowsky caters to a diverse range of individuals looking to enhance their wellbeing.
Snow’s holistic cool-down: Embracing inclusivity in post-sauna rituals
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation. But, a crucial and sometimes overlooked part of the journey is the all-important cooldown.
Traditional cooling methods such as cold-water immersion might not suit everyone, especially those with chronic illnesses and high sensitivity to pain.
With TechnoAlpin Indoors’ gentle snow solutions – the Snowroom and Snowsky, the cool-down process is now accessible for all and offers holistic benefits regardless of age, physical fitness and cold sensitivity.
Holistic and gentle cooling
Cold therapy has long been hailed for its array of health benefits, from reducing inflammation and easing discomfort to improving circulation.
TechnoAlpin says its snow therapy applications are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic pain or conditions like inflammatory rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and circulatory and sleep disorders.
The rejuvenating sensation of a snow-filled room offers a cooling effect not only on the respiratory tract but also invigorates the skin, promoting an overall sense of refreshment.
This gentle cooling process prevents the shock often associated with abrupt temperature changes, making it a safe and comfortable option for everyone.
Cooling relief
Following a study into the Snowrooms by Dr Christian Thuile*, a 49-year-old female participant stated:
"Having lived with rheumatism for several years, I was told that only extreme cold (down to -100°C) would provide relief.
“I can honestly say that even the first few minutes in the Snowroom at only -10°C already had a very positive effect. This only improved during my second and third visits."
Access and diverse needs
From a building perspective, accessibility has been meticulously crafted into every detail of the Snowroom.
Thoughtfully designed doors ensure easy entry for individuals using wheelchairs, while the minimum dimensions provide a spacious environment for all to enjoy.
But inclusivity goes beyond physical access – it's also about catering to diverse needs. The room's snow and cold temperatures have been purposefully curated with individuals with allergies in mind. This way, everyone – regardless of physical abilities or sensitivities – is able to enjoy the beneficial effects of cold.
Breaking cultural barriers
One of the most remarkable aspects of snow as a cooling agent is its universal appeal.
Regardless of cultural background, the sight and feel of snow elicit wonder and fascination, plus the incorporation of snow into the cool-down process introduces an element of surprise and delight that transcends cultural boundaries.
Snow's inclusivity and accessibility invite everyone to explore the advantages of cold therapy without fear or apprehension.
*(source: Thuile. Christian/Außerer Oskar (2014): Schneesauna. Die Wellness Revolution. Eine Methode nach Dr. med. Christian Thuile, 1st ed., Vienna: Kneipp Verlag)
Gianni Guadagnini, head of sales & business development
Mehmet Er, senior business developer wellness & hospitality
