An Australian company called Snowtunnel, with a revolutionary idea, plans to change the skiing experience forever. The company is developing gia rotating barrels that offer urban ehusiasts an endless ski slope with real snow in a much smaller space and less expensive than traditional indoor slopes. This technology could make wier sports easier to access for millions of people around the world. (newatlas)
Snow hamster wheel: a 16-meter wide tunnel
These snowmobiles, iroduced by Scott Kessler, the company’s co-founder and CEO, are cylinders with a diameter of 12.5 meters and a width of 16 meters. Each tunnel is corolled by an operator who can adjust the turning speed from walking mode for beginners to over 50 km/h for professional skiers.
Photographer: Unknown / www.nbcrightnow.com
According to Kessler, skiers in this tunnel will experience a sensation similar to surfing, always moving on a layer of seven to 10 ceimeters thick of real, fresh snow.
Perhaps the biggest question is how the snow does not fall from the roof. Kessler explains about this:
The main secret lies in our technology. A special layer is applied on the inner surface of the tunnel that gives structure to the snow and keeps it in place. Also, protective structures are installed above the heads of the athletes to preve the possible fall of snow.
This clever technology, partly adapted from industrial mining equipme, allows for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cost reduction and modular structure
After building an ice-based prototype for testing, Snowtunnel has now built a 1/6 scale model with real snow. The company’s plan is to open the first “snow tunnel park” in 2027, which will most likely be in Australia, and the exact location will be announced next year. In addition to the twisting tunnels, the complex will also have a typical mini ski slope, snow play areas and cafes with a mouain vibe.
The idea of a snow tunnel is in stark corast to massive projects like the Huafa Ice and Snow World indoor ski resort in Shenzhen, China, which has an area equivale to 11 football fields. By dramatically reducing construction, energy and land costs, Australian technology can make skiing an accessible pastime for everyone, without the need to travel to remote mouains.
Photographer: unknown / newatlas.com
What do you think? Would you ski in a tunnel like this or would you prefer a real mouain? Tell us and other readers which one you like the most.
Cover photo source: newatlas.com Photographer: Unknown
