What if your ski patrol had rotor blades instead of skis? DJI has released a must-watch video that shows exactly that its new Dock 3 in action at Japans Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, where drones are redefining how ski areas manage safety and efficiency in harsh, snow-packed conditions.With deep snow, steep slopes, and remote terrain, Nozawa Onsen isnt just a skiers paradise its the perfect stress test for autonomous drone operations.
Powered by the rugged Matrice 4D and 4TD drones, DJI Dock 3 can operate 24/7 and even from the back of a moving vehicle, offering ski staff a safer, smarter way to monitor their environment.Traditionally, crews would use radios and in-person visual checks to assess slope safety before opening to the public.
But now, drones can fly pre-programmed routes, capture high-res 3D maps, spot potential avalanche cracks, and even assess cable line safety after a snowstorm all without sending people into dangerous terrain.We are cautious about sending staff to closed courses because of the avalanche risk, says Kimura from Nozawa Onsen.
But with drones, we felt we could safely assess the current situation and respond accordingly.Advertisement - scroll for more contentUsing DJI FlightHub 2, the team also takes advantage of 3D terrain views, location markers, and daily historical data to track changes over time.
This isnt just about flying a drone its about building a smarter response system.
Whether its checking for snow-damaged trees or making speaker announcements to skiers straying into off-limits zones, the drone can do it all.The collaboration with JDRONE highlights how drone tech is quickly becoming essential infrastructure, not just a cool gadget.
And in places where nature is unpredictable and time is critical, automation could mean the difference between a routine morning check and a full-blown rescue.Watch the full video here:More:New V-Line Pro delivers 10-hour flight time for DJI droneFTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.