Keeping the mountains moving in Saalbach Hinterglemm

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Keeping the mountains moving in Saalbach Hinterglemm: Polaris is a firm believer that a product comes to life through its applications, partnerships but most importantly, via the people who use it.

To showcase the versatility of the Ranger, Polaris has embarked on a journey across Europe, the Middle East and Africa to discover and film how customers are using the Polaris Ranger in their day-to-day lives. The initiative, called Ranger Stories, is set to demonstrate the many ways in which the RANGER line-up is servicing customer lives worldwide.

Keeping the mountains moving in Saalbach Hinterglemm

Keeping the mountains moving in Saalbach Hinterglemm

Episode 15 – Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria

From the fresh tracks in the morning to the very last chair, RANGER is always at work with customers who live and work in Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria. In the heart of this world-class ski destination, a Polaris RANGER is a common sight. For the locals that keep the mountains moving, it’s a necessary tool that allows them to get the job done and keep the customers happy, no matter what the mountain climate throws their way.

“Saalbach Hinterglemm is a hotspot for sport and tourism year-round,” said Gerold Vonblon, Managing Director and Founder of Vonblon, Polaris dealer in Austria. “Skiiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers in the summer; the fantastic network of pistes for all abilities means there’s a constant stream of activity. For the people that live and work here, they are guaranteed to be busy year-round, so it’s important they have vehicles that are reliable day-in, day-out, and can be adapted to the extreme seasons.

“Seeing how Polaris Rangers have become an essential part of daily life here—whether for ski event logistics, mountain hospitality, or trail maintenance—is a testament to their capability and the trust that’s been built within this hardworking community.”

Ranger Stories Episode 15 follows Gerold Vonblon as he visits valued Polaris customers across the Saalbach Hinterglemm area:

Thomas Johann Ferner – Owner of the Stöcklalm Restaurant in Leogang and owner of three Polaris Rangers, including the Ranger XP Kinetic and two Ranger XP 1000s. Running a restaurant business on the top of a mountain is no easy feat in winter, so Thomas and his wife, Christine, must find an easy way to transport essential supplies and ingredients from the town below to their restaurant. The solution is a fleet of Rangers, all equipped with snow tracks, to traverse the snowy slopes and carry everything they need in the cargo bed.

Fritz Steger – Local hotelier and Chief of the Piste at Saalbach Hinterglemm Ski Club, Fritz is the main man when it comes to preparing the Zwölferkogel for major skiing events, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships that took place on the mountain this year. With a fleet of Polaris’ in operation, including the Sportsman XP 1000 and RANGER XP Kinetic fitted with snow tracks, Fritz is always on hand to monitor and manage the slope during the busy ski season.

Sepp Gensbichler – Winkler Alm Restaurant Owner in Saalbach Hinterglemm, a restaurant that sits amidst all the action on the Zwölferkogel directly on the slope, Sepp is a longstanding Polaris customer now on his third Polaris RANGER XP 1000. Fitted with several accessories that make it ideal for winter use, Sepp’s RANGER has a full cab, including an in-cab heater and snow tracks for travelling up and down the mountain with ease.

Hannes Gensbichler – Zwölferkogel Workshop Manager in Saalbach Hinterglemm, Hannes is the master of winter vehicles that operate in and around the Saalbach region, working round the clock to keep the mountain in pristine condition for the season. Maintaining snow groomers, snow blowers, and snow plows are all in a day’s work, made easier by their fleet of 12 Polaris Sportsman and RANGER XP Kinetic that work tirelessly alongside the team to keep the mountain moving.

The all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic is an important tool for the teams that operate throughout the Saalbach Hinterglemm region, synonymous with their commitment to sustainability and responsibility to both people and nature, whilst supporting them with unmatched capability and strength to get the job done, no matter what the mountain throws their way.

Similar to Vonblon’s customers, Polaris vehicles in operation across the area are commonly seen with snow tracks fitted for travelling across deep snow, complemented by the fact that UTVs are generally much more lightweight than cars, for easy traversing up and down the mountain. Customers can then replace the tracks with wheels in the summer season, making it the ultimate year-round vehicle. For most, adapting the RANGER with a full cab kit, including windshield, roof, full doors and a rear panel, is a must, along with an in-cab heater for extra warmth and windshield defrosting.

Hear the stories of Saalbach Hinterglemm’s winter workforce and see why no other machine gets the job done like RANGER.

CATCH THE LATEST EPISODE OF RANGER STORIES HERE

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Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration

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Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration: Royal Ascot Golf Club has completed the latest phase of its course regeneration project to fulfil ambitious growth plans to make its playing facilities among the best in the UK.

The club has committed £500,000 to the project which will see each of its 18 holes upgraded by enhancing drainage and irrigation provisions, renovating all bunkers and adding new treelines to the course’s surrounds.

Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration

Royal Ascot Golf Club completes phase three of regeneration

Phase three saw holes five, six, sixteen and seventeen plus ten bunkers transformed before the beginning of the new season with the project scheduled to be completed this autumn.

Despite one of the wettest winters in recent times, improvements have meant the course has remained open for play through the winter. And Course Manager Ian Hockley is pleased with the outcomes both visually and practically.

“Delivering a quality playing surface on each of our holes in all seasons is a key priority for the club,” said Ian. “This investment coupled with the hard work of our eight-strong grounds team makes that goal possible, and we’re really pleased with the outcomes.

“Visually, our bunkers are now much more visible for players and are positioned appropriately for the modern game.

“We’ve been able to eliminate any risk of cross contamination too by applying clean sand to each of our bunkers and removing any clay which runs the risk of heavier conditions and flooding when the weather turns.

“Feedback from players has been overwhelmingly positive which is great to hear with the new season around the corner.”

The investment forms part of Royal Ascot Golf Club’s long-term strategy to enhance the playing and social experiences of members and visitors alike.

Last year, the club cut the ribbon on its regenerated clubhouse and patio which is now open seven days a week and capable of hosting corporate events and private celebrations while serving food all year round.

Other planned developments at the club include the creation of a new swing studio and an extended pro shop.

Stephen Nicholson, General Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, added: “We’re committed to establishing Royal Ascot Golf Club as one of the UK’s best courses.

“With the nights drawing out, the completion of phase three of our course regeneration project is timely as we welcome an increasing number of players to the course as the weeks build up to summer.

“Credit must go to our grounds team who play an essential role in maintaining the highest standards to our course.”

Further information about Royal Ascot Golf Club is available online via www.royalascotgolfclub.co.uk.

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Duncan Ross continue school field transformation

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Duncan Ross continue school field transformation: Following Phase 1 of works with Duncan Ross Ltd, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys addressed critical drainage issues and drastically reduced match cancellations. Phase 2 has built on these successes by further improving the school’s sports facilities.

The school has been dedicated to its ‘Sport for All’ campaign, which seeks to improve access to quality sports facilities and ensure students of all levels have the opportunity to engage in physical activity. Duncan Ross Ltd.’s project has been integral to bringing that vision to life, enabling students to enjoy well-maintained and high-performing sports pitches throughout the year.

Duncan Ross continue school field transformation

Duncan Ross continue school field transformation

Neil Brown, Head Groundsman for the Hamblin Trust, highlighted the significant impact of the improvements made during Phase 1 and Phase 2. “Since we’ve had the drains done, the pitches have been fantastic,” he said. ”

In the last 18 months, we’ve only had two games called off, and even then, it was our decision to be extra cautious due to upcoming cup matches. The fields are now miles better for the kids to play on, with improved surfaces and more grass coverage, and the teachers and students are really pleased with how well they play.”

Phase 2 of the project concentrated on the training areas which had significant unevenness, with noticeable dips and slopes that made play difficult. As a result, a decision was made to level the entire area to create a more functional and versatile space.

Duncan Ross Ltd executed this transformation with precision. “The team at Duncan Ross went over and above, using various equipment for stone burning, flattening, and levelling,” Neil explains.

“The work was done so well that, when it was fully grassed in, we decided to convert it into a football pitch instead of just a training area because it was just too good only to be used for training.

Alongside the levelling work, extensive drainage improvements were made, mirroring the successful approach taken in Phase 1. Drains were installed at five-meter intervals with sand slits at half-meter intervals, significantly improving water management on the field. Previously, areas of the Year 7 field would become waterlogged and unplayable for months at a time, but that issue has now been resolved.

Looking ahead to Phase 3, the school is set to benefit from additional enhancements, including the installation of an Olympic-style long jump and triple jump area and another synthetic cricket wicket for match play. The ongoing collaboration between Altrincham Grammar School and Duncan Ross Ltd continues to elevate the school’s sports facilities, fostering greater student participation in various sports.

“There are a lot more kids playing cricket now using the practice nets,” Neil explains. “With the extra football pitch, we have better facilities all around. Before, the fields would turn into a mud bath in winter, but now we have quality playing surfaces all year round. It’s just a much better environment for the kids to play and develop their skills,”

With Duncan Ross Ltd.’s expertise and commitment to delivering top-quality sports surfaces, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys is well on its way to achieving its ‘Sport for All’ vision, ensuring that students have access to excellent facilities for years to come.

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SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor

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SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor: The Campey™ Universe® rotor from Campey Turf Care Systems has become a featured and approved method of SIS Grass renovation by SIS Pitches, which is the world’s leading provider of stitched hybrid pitches.

SIS Grass has become the go-to option for clubs and federations worldwide in football and rugby, with every major tournament, from the World Cup and European Championship to the Champions League and Premier League, featuring the surface.

SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor

SIS Pitches Approve Campey™ Universe® rotor

A significant part of SIS Grass’ success has come through innovation and testing. To get the best consistency and longevity from the system, SIS Pitches has constantly researched ways to keep it at its best, with the Campey Universe® Rotor fitted to the Koro FIELDTOP MAKER (FTM) playing a leading role.

Extensive time and research have gone into the finessing of the Campey™ Universe® rotor for use on hybrid systems, with it now being used worldwide by contractors and end-users to ensure the quality of their pitches.

Group Board Director at SIS Pitches, Ivo Lamot, has worked to develop the hybrid system into a world-leading product, and fully endorses the use of the Universe® rotor on the hybrid surfaces.

“SIS Grass is a world leading stitched hybrid system that is truly innovative, and the Campey™ Universe® rotor has kept pace with that innovation to become an integral part of getting the best from SIS Grass,” he explained.

“At SIS, we’re committed to providing a product that can be used for multiple seasons while always performing at its peak, and a big part of that is the maintenance. Renovations occur yearly, and by using the Campey™ Universe® rotor, all the organic material can be removed without damaging the fibres, leaving the perfect base. That is why we have officially approved the Campey™ Universe® rotor.”

It is an exceptional tool for maintaining and rejuvenating hybrid pitches, combining precision and efficiency to meet the unique demands of these innovative playing surfaces. SIS Grass, a blend of 95% natural grass and synthetic fibres, require specialised care to ensure optimal performance, durability, and player safety. As an attachment to the Koro® FTM®, the Campey Universe® Rotor offers the perfect solution for targeted surface management without damaging the synthetic components of hybrid systems.

This rotor is equipped with specially designed tungsten-tipped blades that are strategically spaced to remove organic matter, thatch, and surface debris with precision. When used on hybrid pitches, it effectively addresses the accumulation of organic material, which can compromise drainage and stability if left untreated. By operating at adjustable depths, the rotor can delicately remove unwanted material without disturbing the synthetic fibres or the underlying structure of the hybrid system.

One of the significant advantages of using the Campey™ Universe® rotor on hybrid pitches is its ability to preserve the natural grass while enhancing the interface between the natural and synthetic components. The process improves aeration and drainage, which encourages healthy grass growth by creating an ideal environment for root development.

Additionally, it facilitates a clean and even surface, preparing the pitch for essential follow-up treatments such as overseeding or topdressing. These procedures are critical for hybrid pitches, as they rely on consistent and sustainable natural grass cover to complement the synthetic elements.

Using the Campey™ Universe® rotor, groundsmen can maintain the integrity and performance of hybrid pitches, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards of professional sports. Its precision and adaptability make it an invaluable tool for extending the lifespan and playability of these high-tech surfaces.

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to confirm the speaker line-up for its upcoming GMA Connect events at Ashton Gate Stadium and Durham County Cricket Club.

GMA Connect is designed to bring the grounds industry together at a regional level, offering a valuable opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and exchange ideas. These practical events will feature expert seminars, live demonstrations and insights from leading manufacturers – all in one day.

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Renowned weather expert and industry leader, Mark Hunt, will present ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’ which will explore the impact of changing weather patterns on turfgrass management, with advice on reading forecasts and managing issues like dew formation and disease risks.

Turf consultant, Alex Vickers, will deliver ‘Reading Your Soil’, a hands-on workshop exploring soil profiles, sampling methods, and spotting signs of compaction. Expect to get your hands dirty in this interactive session!

On the new GMA Connect events, Alex Vickers said: “These new GMA Connect events are a fantastic opportunity for professional grounds people to learn and share experiences. The format is really unique, offering an intimate setting where attendees can engage directly with experts and explore today’s challenges in depth. The chance to take part in hands-on workshops and network with peers makes these events invaluable.”

The GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster will walk attendees through his sessions ‘Carrying Out a Surface Assessment’ and ‘Using a Playing Surface Assessment to Upgrade Your Facility’, providing practical advice on conducting assessments and presenting findings to encourage investment.

‘What’s in Your Shed?’ is a special practical workshop taking place across both events. Jack Langley (Ashton Gate Stadium) will lead the session in Bristol, whilst Vic Demain (Durham County Cricket Club) will take the lead in Durham. This workshop gives a behind-the-scenes look at the machinery, fertilisers and irrigation methods used to maintain top-quality surfaces.

Both events will also include a panel session looking at ‘Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues’. At Bristol, panellists include Jack Langley, Sean Williams (Gloucestershire CCC), and Alex Vickers. The Durham panel features Vic Dermain, Alex Vickers, and Aaron Tong (Hull City MKM Stadium).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s fantastic to have such knowledgeable experts speaking at GMA Connect, and there’s more to be announced, too! Their practical advice will be invaluable to everyone attending. These events are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct access to industry specialists, making them an essential opportunity for grounds professionals looking to develop their skills and improve their facilities.”

Tickets for GMA Connect are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership offers even more value, providing access to exclusive resources, training and learning discount, Member Assistance Programme including high street discounts plus much more!

For more information about the GMA Connect series, or to register, please visit thegma.org.uk/events/.

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