Mobile Snowmaker Selection: FIS-10, FIS-20, FIS-30 or FIS-50?
Compare FIS-10, FIS-20, FIS-30 and FIS-50 mobile snowmakers by coverage, power, water, site access and quotation scope before buying.
Answer first: choose the smallest mobile snowmaker that can cover the required snow area at the site’s actual temperature, humidity, water condition, power supply and access route. AIM’s Focusun range separates compact FIS-10 and FIS-20 units from the wider-coverage FIS-30 and FIS-50. FIS-10 is the 220V compact option; FIS-20 is the three-phase 380V compact option; FIS-30 is the medium model with up to 50 m³/h maximum snowmaking capacity and a 20-60 m range; FIS-50 is the large model with a 30-120 m range and up to 90 m³/h maximum snowmaking capacity. Those are reference selection figures, not a promise for every site. Final performance depends on ambient temperature, humidity, water condition and operation.
This guide is for a buyer preparing a model comparison or quotation brief. It does not replace a project calculation. If the venue needs year-round snow in warm indoor conditions, compare the mobile route with AIM’s broader snow-machine systems and the four-season snow solution before fixing the equipment list.
What decision does a mobile snowmaker solve?
A mobile snowmaker is a practical choice when the snow source must be positioned, moved or aimed at a changing area. AIM describes the cannon-type range for indoor snow parks, ski resorts, snow attractions, event venues and seasonal projects. The mobile chassis, fan, nucleator and snowmaking nozzles are treated as one system, so the buyer has to evaluate both snow output and the route by which the machine reaches its working position.
The key question is not simply “Which model makes the most snow?” It is “Which model can produce the required effect at the available operating point without creating an impossible water, power, drainage or transport brief?” A small event scene can value quick movement and modest coverage. A broad snow area may instead justify a longer throw distance and a higher-output unit, even when the machine will be moved less often.
How do FIS-10, FIS-20, FIS-30 and FIS-50 compare?
The table below keeps AIM’s published reference data separate from editorial selection guidance. Treat the range and capacity figures as starting points for a technical discussion; do not turn them into guaranteed site output.
| Model | Published selection signal | Best initial fit | Confirm before quotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIS-10 | Single-phase compact unit; 220V; compact snowmaking range of 15-35 m | Small scenes where transport and simple electrical connection matter | Actual water flow, target coverage, operating temperature and route to position |
| FIS-20 | Three-phase compact unit; 380V; compact snowmaking range of 15-35 m | Small projects with stable three-phase supply and the same compact coverage need | Available voltage, phase balance, water source, drainage and service access |
| FIS-30 | Medium model; up to 50 m³/h maximum reference capacity; 20-60 m range | Medium snow attractions that need more coverage than the compact units | Snow depth, duty hours, ambient condition, water quality and equipment position |
| FIS-50 | Large model; up to 90 m³/h maximum reference capacity; 30-120 m range | Wide snow areas, snow parks and projects where throw distance is critical | Site access for the larger unit, water flow, drainage, power and coverage plan |
AIM’s product page also notes that the four models use a built-in control system, nozzle arrangement and fan support to maintain snow quality. That description does not remove the need to specify the application. Snow quality, throw distance and accumulation target still define the equipment route.
When is FIS-10 or FIS-20 the better starting point?
Start with FIS-10 when a compact indoor snow scene can use a 220V single-phase connection and the project values easy transport. Start with FIS-20 when the same compact footprint is suitable but the site has a stable 380V three-phase supply. The difference is therefore not only nominal model size. Electrical infrastructure can be the deciding procurement constraint.
Do not select either compact model from voltage alone. The buyer should still state the target snow area, expected depth, operating hours, ambient temperature, water source and drainage route. If the snow must reach beyond the compact 15-35 m reference range, move the comparison to FIS-30 or FIS-50 rather than assuming a longer hose or higher fan setting will solve it.
When does FIS-30 or FIS-50 justify the larger scope?
FIS-30 is the logical next comparison when a medium attraction needs a 20-60 m reference range and a published maximum capacity of up to 50 m³/h. FIS-50 belongs in the brief when the snow area is wider, the required throw distance reaches the 30-120 m reference range, or the project needs the published maximum capacity of up to 90 m³/h for preliminary planning.
A larger model also raises the importance of logistics. Confirm the transport route, turning space, service access, power supply, water flow and drainage before asking for a final quotation. A model that fits the snow map but cannot be positioned or maintained is not a complete solution.
Which site conditions change the model recommendation?
AIM asks buyers to confirm more than snow area. The following conditions can change the comparison even when two projects have the same nominal coverage.
- Temperature and humidity: the product is described for snowmaking at 0°C and below, while the general snow-machine page distinguishes cold-condition equipment from four-season systems. State the real operating condition instead of using a seasonal label.
- Water: provide the water source, available flow and water condition. AIM explicitly lists water availability or water pressure among the data needed to select a mobile snowmaker.
- Power: state voltage and phase at the installation point. FIS-10 is presented as the 220V compact option and FIS-20 as the 380V three-phase compact option.
- Coverage geometry: give the snow area, target depth, throw direction and any obstructions. A range figure is not a substitute for a plan view.
- Operating schedule: include event dates, daily hours, changeovers and whether snow is made continuously or in timed sessions.
- Drainage and access: melting snow, wash-down water and service movement need a defined route. AIM’s general snow-machine guidance calls out drainage, cleaning, safety and maintenance flow.
How should buyers compare the quotation?
Ask each supplier to respond to the same operating point. This prevents a larger headline capacity from hiding a different assumption about temperature, humidity, water or duty cycle.
- Write the target snow area, snow depth and required effect: falling snow, accumulation, a snow scene or a wider snow-park application.
- Record the design operating temperature and humidity, plus the water source, pressure or flow and drainage arrangement.
- State the electrical supply, phase, installation country and available service access.
- Mark the machine position, throw direction, coverage distance, obstacles and transport route on a layout drawing.
- Request the supplier’s assumed operating hours, reference capacity basis and exclusions. AIM states that final performance depends on project conditions.
- Separate the snowmaker from supporting scope: water treatment, refrigeration, compressed air, drainage, controls, installation and commissioning.
For an indoor warm-climate project, the quotation should also say whether the proposal is a mobile cannon-type machine or a complete all-weather snow system. AIM’s All Weather Snow Machine page describes a containerized route that coordinates refrigeration, water treatment, snow delivery, air movement and venue conditions. That is a different project brief from a mobile FIS unit.
What should be in the quotation-preparation checklist?
Send the following information before asking AIM to recommend a model. Missing data should be marked “to be confirmed,” not silently replaced with a supplier assumption.
Application and snow target
- Venue type and indoor or outdoor condition
- Snow area, target snow depth and required snow effect
- Coverage distance, direction and any height or access limits
- Operating dates, daily hours and expected changeovers
Utilities and site logistics
- Voltage, phase and installation country
- Water source, water condition, pressure or available flow
- Drainage, wash-down and meltwater route
- Machine-room or equipment position, transport path and maintenance clearance
- Any existing refrigeration, compressed-air or control-system interfaces
Include a layout drawing and identify the person responsible for confirming utility data. AIM’s quotation contact page asks buyers to send application, capacity and site conditions so the equipment scope can be reviewed before a recommendation is made.
Bottom line: which FIS model should enter the shortlist?
Put FIS-10 and FIS-20 on the shortlist for compact 15-35 m projects, then let the available electrical supply decide between 220V single-phase and 380V three-phase. Put FIS-30 on the shortlist when the project needs the medium 20-60 m reference range and up to 50 m³/h maximum reference capacity. Put FIS-50 on the shortlist for wide areas where the 30-120 m reference range and up to 90 m³/h maximum reference capacity are relevant.
The final choice still depends on the complete site brief. A credible quotation should show its assumptions for temperature, humidity, water, power, drainage, operating hours, coverage and access. When those inputs are not known, state the gap and request a site review rather than treating a catalogue range as a guarantee.
