A QUANTUM LEAP INTO THE FUTURE
Innovative All-Weather Ramp Track Improves Training and Competitive Conditions for Ski Jumpers
World class ski ramps in Trondheim, Norway and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany have chosen SKI-LINE, a new all-weather track system, to make events more reliable and to ensure equal chances from the first ski jumper to the last. SKI-LINE was invented by Peter Riedel® and enhanced by the polymer expertise of REHAU.
How does SKI-LINE work?
SKI-LINE consists of four track channels, combining summer and winter tracks into a single module that can be used year-round without costly conversion work. The choice of the ramp track in use if, for example, extreme changes in the weather occur, can be made in the shortest time. The cooled winter track channels are filled with a layer of snow or ice of about 3 inches (7 centimetres). This makes it possible to save over 90 percent of the snow used to prepare the ramps with conventional systems. The track’s integrated cooling system, featuring cross-linked polyethylene pipes from REHAU, puts the cold exactly where it is needed — beneath the two winter tracks. As a result, SKI-LINE is highly energy-efficient in operation. The side walls, made of a low-friction high-tech polymer, provide the highest standards of safety and the best conditions for all athletes — in summer and in winter.
Polymer Replaces Artificial Snow
REHAU has also put its competence in materials into the summer track. The system is extremely easy to maintain. Instead of using conventional materials such as ceramic, glass or stainless steel, SKI-LINE uses high-performance polymers specially designed for the coatings of skis, with all of their advantages such as weight, resistance to weather and longevity. Glide studs made of a highly abrasion-resistant material developed by REHAU replace the snow and ice. The resistance and slide characteristics are almost identical to the snow covering in winter.
The system is very cost-effective for ramp operators. Rebuilding from summer to winter operation is unnecessary. With SKI-LINE, training periods can also be extended. The track technology permits athletes to begin training earlier and continue training longer in constant winter competition conditions. Training is possible even in above-freezing conditions because the track is formed from a polymer material rather than snow.
SKI-LINE comprises a variety of components made of high-quality, specialized polymers which are optimized for outdoor use.
The short video attached below explains how the SKI-LINE system works.
How does SKI-LINE work?
SKI-LINE consists of four track channels, combining summer and winter tracks into a single module that can be used year-round without costly conversion work. The choice of the ramp track in use if, for example, extreme changes in the weather occur, can be made in the shortest time. The cooled winter track channels are filled with a layer of snow or ice of about 3 inches (7 centimetres). This makes it possible to save over 90 percent of the snow used to prepare the ramps with conventional systems. The track’s integrated cooling system, featuring cross-linked polyethylene pipes from REHAU, puts the cold exactly where it is needed — beneath the two winter tracks. As a result, SKI-LINE is highly energy-efficient in operation. The side walls, made of a low-friction high-tech polymer, provide the highest standards of safety and the best conditions for all athletes — in summer and in winter.
Polymer Replaces Artificial Snow
REHAU has also put its competence in materials into the summer track. The system is extremely easy to maintain. Instead of using conventional materials such as ceramic, glass or stainless steel, SKI-LINE uses high-performance polymers specially designed for the coatings of skis, with all of their advantages such as weight, resistance to weather and longevity. Glide studs made of a highly abrasion-resistant material developed by REHAU replace the snow and ice. The resistance and slide characteristics are almost identical to the snow covering in winter.
The system is very cost-effective for ramp operators. Rebuilding from summer to winter operation is unnecessary. With SKI-LINE, training periods can also be extended. The track technology permits athletes to begin training earlier and continue training longer in constant winter competition conditions. Training is possible even in above-freezing conditions because the track is formed from a polymer material rather than snow.
SKI-LINE comprises a variety of components made of high-quality, specialized polymers which are optimized for outdoor use.
The short video attached below explains how the SKI-LINE system works.
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www.rehau.co.uk: Company > About Us > Focus > Ski Jumping Ramps
© REHAU Ltd. All Rights reserved. 2009
© REHAU Ltd. All Rights reserved. 2009