Simone, how did the courses fare over the winter?

Well, I'm very satisfied. We always try to prepare the courses as well as possible for winter in the autumn. That works very well now.

What does this preparation involve?

We carry out what is known as top dressing on the greens, which involves applying a layer of sand to protect the plants. We then use a Vertidrain to pierce the greens with nails to a depth of 20 cm in order to enrich the soil with oxygen, loosen it, improve drainage and help the greens survive the frost better. On the fairways, we pierce the entire surface with empty sticks.

How do the courses wake up from hibernation? Do you wait for the snow to melt, or do you help it along?

In spring, we decide whether to remove the snow or simply wait for nature to take its course, depending on the amount of snow, temperature development and any ice layers. This year, we cleared the snow where it normally melts last. In hindsight, we could have done without, but the weather forecasts were very uncertain.

What tasks are there to do next?

First, we clean the greens and fairways, especially of dead grass and thatch. Then we mow and fertilise.

What determines whether Samedan or Zuoz opens first?

The opening depends, among other things, on the condition of the greens. This year, the greens in Zuoz look much better. They consist almost entirely of ‘Festuca’ grass. This is more resistant to winter diseases. In addition, the soil is completely sandy. This means that the surfaces warm up more quickly. In previous years, we had problems in Zuoz because some areas of the course took a very long time to clear of snow. This is not the case this year, which is why the Zuoz-Madulain course will open first.