As you know, skis appeared almost at the same time as the wheel and since then have firmly established themselves in our life - today almost every resident of Russia has them. For many years skiing has been one of the most popular in our country. Modern winter activities, whether it's downhill skiing or snowboarding, are thriving in the big cities, but cross-country skiing is far from popular. We start skating at the age of 7, or even earlier, and every winter our parks, squares, birch groves are crossed by double parallel tracks. A Russian person associates winter with skiing! In any provincial town of our country ski races take place, and "Ski Track of Russia" gathers amateurs from all over the country. Almost every school, technical school, higher educational institution has its own mini-stadiums or rolling tracks in the nearest forest, where cross-country skiing among students takes place in winter. Many businesses with well-developed infrastructure also have sports facilities where employee competitions are held.
However, most of the amateur skiers prefer walks in the wild, and not only because the air is cleaner and the routes are more interesting. The fact is that the quality of the tracks of the majority of domestic stadiums and "cultivated" ski areas is at an extremely low level. A strange situation is developing in our skiing, both in mass and in professional: with a colossal number of skiers, with the highest level of sports achievements in Russia, the number of special ski stadiums, well-prepared, constantly operating modern tracks for mass skiing is negligible.
It is obvious that here Russia has an ever-increasing serious lag behind the rest of the "ski" world: the overwhelming majority of our slopes do not have the necessary infrastructure and the necessary equipment and exist thanks to the enthusiasm of devotees, are serviced by "antediluvian" or homemade equipment, and this clearly does not correspond to the level of popularity mass skiing and the growth of professionalism of the elite.
According to the requirements of international organizations, the width of a professional ski track should be at least 8-10 m, the surface should be flat, the snow cover should be dense. On unprepared tracks, all these requirements are practically not met. What does this lead to? To the "kilometer" congestion in marathon races, to the fact that even on the smallest climbs, skiers break up a loose track, and it turns into a snowy mess, along which the skis begin to slip, to the fact that the track does not resemble a snowy, flat surface, but washing "board with potholes and bumps, to what hundreds of thousands of ski fans see and ride on in our country every year.
In addition, unprofessionally prepared tracks are a big cross on the possibility of training world-class professional skiers, and precisely because we have very few prepared tracks, elite athletes from Russia are often forced to travel abroad for regular training simply because there are practically no opportunities for full training. And the price of such trips is many tens of thousands of euros, which could have stayed in their "native" land.
At the same time, it should be admitted that the matter of equipping ski stadiums and tracks is not hopeless - there are already precedents for the creation of modern ski stadiums and special training centers, whose experience can be used to develop our favorite sport in Russia, in all its qualities - how to increase the mass scale and to improve the quality of the training process for professionals.
By and large, only two sports complexes can boast of being well-equipped in Russia - a ski center in Rybinsk and a biathlon complex in Khanty-Mansiysk. Only they have certified tracks and are accredited by the FIS (International Ski Federation) and IBU (International Biathlon Union) and have the necessary equipment, which means that their organization corresponds to the international level, i.e. is competitive with the world's best ski resorts.
Modern tracks require modern technology and a modern view of its use. The first, most important and necessary equipment for the preparation of a modern ski track or a biathlon stadium is a snow-compacting machine or in common people - a snowcat. Many ski center organizers will ask: "Why do we need a snowcat? We have three Buranas and they do an excellent job, and it is several times cheaper!" However, it should be admitted that no "Buran" can prepare a modern ski track, and that's why.
The most significant advantages of a snow groomer over a snowmobile, such as "Buran":
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The presence of a cutter. This sophisticated mechanism performs three main functions at once - it cuts off the dense snow crust formed from thousands of skiers' passes, mixes the snow to a homogeneous structure and smoothes the surface, cutting off the bumps and filling the hollows with snow. "Buran" can best case ONLY to compact the already existing snow surface, however, it can neither cut off snow bumps, nor fill potholes. The articulated suspension of the snow groomer cutter perfectly smoothes even tracks with sharp vertical drops.
Weight. The snowcat - even the lightest weight is much higher than that of a snowmobile, in addition, it is specially selected for the specific work of a snowmobile, which means that it compacts snow with incomparably better quality. If "Buran" has to walk along the track several times a day, then after being treated with a snowcat, the track retains "excellent shape" for three days, subject to numerous daily trainings, and if the track is not used too often, then all five days! In conditions of heavy snowfall, abrupt temperature changes, and thaw, no Buran can cope with the amount of work that the snowcat can do quickly and efficiently.
Special mechanisms - ski pads, which are attached to the rear of the snow groomer and which squeeze out the perfect shape and density of the track. The skid shoes can be moved along the width of the cutter to change the distance between adjacent tracks, which is necessary, for example, for organizing a mass start and finish. However, only Prinoth snow groomers have such an opportunity.
"On a track treated by a snowcat," Igor Tyrnov, winner of the Cup "Ski Marathons of Russia" in 2000, and in the 2001-2002 season winner of the second place at the "Ski Marathons of Europe", now the brand manager of cross-country skis ROSSIGNOL, shares his impressions. continue to go in a classic style even uphill with a slope of 13 degrees.On a good track, where the structure of the snow is uniform and the surface is dense, the skis do not crash into the snow and there is no additional braking, the glide is better and the speed is correspondingly higher. I can tell you with absolute certainty that all the "top" skis of the world's leading manufacturers: Rossignol, Fischer, Madshus, Atomic are made with the expectation of their use on professional tracks, on others they simply do not show their best qualities ".
What is the best choice? The very first snow compacting machine in the world was produced by the Prinoth company (Italy, official website - www.prinoth.com) - it happened in 1962. The company was originally established only for the production of snow compacting machines. Since then until today, Prinoth has been at the forefront of its industry for the following reasons:
Prinoth has the widest range of snow groomers: Husky, T4S, EVEREST Power, LEITWOLF, differing in power and in the ability to work with special attachments.
All Prinoth machines meet a high level of safety both for people working on the snow groomer and for people outside the machine (automatic lifting and shutdown of the cutter when moving backward, stopping the machine when trying to open the door when moving) These machines have a very important feature, designed for use on tracks with no artificial snowmaking system: the depth of snow milling in these machines is tracked and set automatically from the cab, and not empirically, according to the operator.
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All Prinoth machines have ergonomic cabinsDesigned by renowned Italian agency Pininfarina. The driver's seat is equipped with anatomical Recaro seats. In addition, Prinoth machines have reduced vibration load on the cab in comparison with machines of other companies due to the removal of the engine outside the cab, which allows the machine's center of gravity to be located in the middle of its base and ensures high stability on slopes of any difficulty.
Prinoth machines are champions in serviceability. They all have a convenient approach to the main units of machines, easy assembly and disassembly of units and assemblies, if necessary, replacement.
Prinoth machines have the lowest operating costs.
Costs for maintenance and the factory cost of spare parts is lower than other companies.
Prinoth rattracks have super-caterpillars.
There is a warehouse of branded spare parts, and in the event of malfunctions during the warranty and after the warranty period, service employees go to the site to eliminate them within 2-3 days.
And now in more detail about the Prinoth snow groomers themselves:
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Prinoth HUSKY Machine with Mercedes-Benz engine (177 hp) Best use: for servicing ski centers, transporting passengers, for work in the summer season. The powerful engine makes it possible to quickly cut snow surfaces with low power and fuel consumption. The hydraulic motor drive ensures the highest reliability and makes possible movement with increased speed when laying routes. The "start plus" electromagnetic system of the snow groomer decouples the engine and transmission and makes it easier to start the engine at low temperatures, which is very important for smooth operation in the conditions of the Russian North. The operator is comfortable working on the Husky in any weather - the cab is equipped with a powerful heating system. Incidentally, Husky machines operate in Svalbard and at polar stations in Antarctica, proving their reliability and adaptability to harsh polar conditions. The machine is steered by the steering wheel, equipped with a panel with controls necessary to start the engine, as well as adjust the depth of the snow milling cutter and the work of the ski pads. The driver's cab is spacious and perfectly soundproofed. The use of light alloys in the manufacture of the cabin makes it extremely durable, safe and lightweight. The view is unobstructed, the working area is perfectly illuminated by four halogen lamps with parabolic reflectors. When working on slopes, the driver's safety is guaranteed by ROPS - the cab rollover protection system. More details about the Husky car - http://www.gorimpex.ru/husky/.
Prinoth EVEREST Power models (mercedes-Benz engine (430 hp) and Prinoth LEITWOLF (mAN engine (435 hp) are intended mainly for work at large and important competitions - the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup stages, in severe bad weather conditions - heavy snow, a sharp thaw, as well as for work on the processing of routes of mass marathon races ...
More details about the Prinoth EVEREST Power machine - http://www.gorimpex.ru/everest_power/.
More details about the Prinoth Leitwolf car - http://www.gorimpex.ru/leitwolf/
According to most experts, one or two snow machines are sufficient for the daily maintenance of a ski stadium. Husky... To prepare the complexes for mass competitions of a professional level, it is recommended to use at least two snow groomers - Husky and T4S... At the same time, all cars must have special attachments that allow you to prepare tracks in accordance with international requirements.
Where are Prinoth snow groomers already used in Russia? What is the opinion of people about them?
In September 2001, an international-class biathlon complex was opened in Ufa on the banks of the Belaya River. The complex consists of a shooting range, a roller ski track, a ski track and a comfortable residential complex. It was here that the last selection of Russian athletes for the Salt Lake City Olympics took place. For most of the time of its existence, namely, for 4 years now, the track is processed with the help of a HUSKY snowcat. The staff of the complex did not have to choose a model - the snowcat was presented, but this wonderful gift does an excellent job with all the necessary work to maintain the track.
Sergey Fedulov, chief mechanical engineer of the biathlon complex, says: "Biathletes love the newly worked track very much - as soon as you drive a few meters on a snowcat, a crowd of satisfied athletes is already rushing behind you - after all, the skis glide perfectly, you don't need to make any special efforts!" According to Sergei, it is not difficult to master the snowcat - at the very first "lesson" Sergei Fedulov himself took up the control panel and ... confidently drove the complex car. The Husky snow compacting machine easily copes with both plains and small descents - this is the specificity of the complex.
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The sports and recreation complex "Melnichnaya" is somewhat older than the Ufimsky one - it was founded almost 8 years ago. There used to be a mill here (the remains of a dam still remain). Later on the Mill Mountain, 2 km from the city Verkhnyaya Salda (Sverdlovsk region) on the initiative general director Tetyukhin Vladimir Valentinovich (academician, 74 years old, is fond of alpine skiing) the complex of the same name was built, now belonging to the united corporation "VSMPO-Avisma". Mill - a universal recreation area with certified tracks: roller ski (2 km); walking jogging track (5 km); 3 ski slopes (the longest is 250 m). Millnaya is actively developing: by the new year it will open its own snowboard park, and by next summer - a mountain bike trail. The hotel is small, with a capacity of 40 people, but expansion is planned. Initially, the Melnichnaya base was planned as a recreation area and a sports ground for VSMPO-Avisma employees. Here, by the way, competitions between workshops are still regularly held. Currently SOK is preparing for more serious competitions, such as "Ski Track of Russia", a competition for people with visual impairments. Families come to SOK on weekends. Before, when there was no snowcat, the trails were processed by "Buran" with sleds attached. It took a lot of time, cases of frostbite were very frequent.
"The impressions are positive, we have long dreamed of such a machine," Viktor Vasilyevich Odinokikh, Director for Social and Household Issues of VSMPO-Avisma, told us by phone when it came to the HUSKY snowcat. , all control is based on hydraulics, the main thing is that there is heating. Operators are not yet accustomed - only one front knife has a 12-position blade, plus "aircraft" control of the machine! Technical specialists of "Gorimpex" (the company is the official representative of Prinoth in Russia and other countries CIS) within two days taught the operators the basics of management and provided them with the necessary documentation. We bought the car in early October, a week later the operators left for the first time on their own. "
Snow compactors manufactured by the Italian company Prinoth proved their professionalism at the last Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006. It is clear that at such competitions as the Olympics, there are no, and there can be no questions about the quality of the preparation of the tracks - and, no matter what the weather is at this time: snow, thaw, wind, rain ... the organizers need to hold the Olympics at the highest level - and dot! And the Prinoth snow groomers coped with their task superbly: 40 Prinoth machines + 23 permanent highly qualified drivers, seconded by the company itself, worked on the biathlon and ski Olympic tracks. Now remember - what was the weather like on the Olympic ski slopes? The cyclone crashed into the competition venue, bringing wind and sleet with it. The weather was thrown from one extreme to another: rain, frost 3-5 degrees, dry snow, high humidity ... The bad weather subsided only when the Olympic Games approached their end. In conclusion of the story about the "Olympic" epic Prinoth, it is worth saying that it was the impeccable work of these snow groomers that allowed twelve hours-long competitions and training sessions for nine days in a row, in which hundreds of athletes participated every day, and the whole world followed the races! And Prinoth snow groomers did not disappoint: all the ski tracks of the Olympics were hard, dense and wide.
Snow compacting machines, or as they are often called snow groomers, are special equipment for caterpillar, which is able to move on slopes with a serious slope, while working on snow, preparing a trail for skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing.
The name "ratrak" comes from the trade mark "Ratrac", under which the first special vehicles from the American firms LMC and Thiokol were delivered in the 60s. As often happens, the brand name has actually become a household name - and everywhere this technique is called "snow groomers", regardless of the manufacturer.
Our company is the official representative in Russia and the CIS of the manufacturer of snow groomers - PRINOTH. We sell, carry out technical and warranty service snow compacting machines.
RATRAK - # 1 NEED FOR A RESORT
Today, snow compaction equipment is the number one need for any ski resort. In Russia, there is a practice - when skating is generally carried out without cable car, and people are moved precisely on a snowcat. This can be found everywhere in Sheregesh, in the Caucasus, as well as in the Murmansk region. Even resorts with completely small slides and small slopes need daily preparation of the trail for skiers.
Snow compactors are used to build freestyle, cross-country skiing and biathlon fun parks.
Only a well-trained specialist should operate the snow packer. Unlike a conventional bulldozer, the snowcat is fully computerized and equipped with a lot of electronics. All information about the operation of the machine and its components, as well as characteristics and current indicators are displayed on the display in the operator's cab. The snowcat is controlled with a steering wheel and a joystick. In many ways, the quality of the built freestyle park or the prepared track depends on the skill of the driver.
Our round-the-clock customer support is a guarantee of a quick solution to your problem of equipping the resort.
We wanted to tell you here about Krasnaya Polyana in persons and professions. Delicious and detailed. What for? So that you (and we ourselves) can understand what kind of work, for example, is invested in the ski slope at night, so that we can enjoy skiing in the morning.
When I was offered to take a shift and observe the work of snow groomers at the Rosa Khutor resort, I did not hesitate for a long time. No sooner said than done. We take 1 person, 1 car and 1 work shift.
The shift starts at 5:00 pm, followed by a lunch break at midnight and continues until 7:00 am. We go to the garage, in the immediate vicinity of which is the house of the service itself. It was collected according to tradition from what was going to be sent to a landfill, and other services of the resort did not have time.
Nearby is an impressive hangar-garage, inside which we are heading for now. There are charming "toothy" monsters at the service. We get to know each other, examine the half-disassembled snow groomers and walk around the garage as if it were a museum.
An old-timer Rosa stands next to the house - the very first snowcat that appeared here. This is a Husky, a rather small car when compared to the rest.
Alexander, my guide and guide to the world of "snow cats", tells:
- On this car I drove designers, surveyors and directors - this is Rosa's first snowcat, we learned a lot on it. It has a passenger cabin, and then we hung up the mill and changed the tracks for winter ones. He does not prepare the tracks, and the cutter only allows you to remove your own trail, if, for example, guests were taken along them.
Ratrak is a rather heavy machine, but its pressure on the snow surface is small - about 0.05 kg / cm2. The fact is that the machine is equipped with wide tracks, consisting of parallel reinforced rubber bands, to which are attached powerful transverse strips - lugs and spikes - for working in icy areas. The openwork design is a classic caterpillar propeller with rollers, the role of which is played by pneumatic wheels.
Alexander, on whose snowcat shines either his nickname or the quality mark he received during his hobby for SUVs and jeeping (by the way, he is not cured of this, by the way, he is still fond of in full), starts the engine, conducts a mandatory inspection and begins to tell and show.
Duralumin lugs protect their steel "blades", which are simply replaced in case of damage. We remove the damaged ones and install new ones, all the rest are carefully checked: it happens that the lug seems to be new, but in fact it is bent and therefore tears the tape.
The teeth are victorious (for moving on ice), but the stones do not spare them either - these are the traces of a large boulder.
But these blades protect against side sliding. The number of such blades depends on the driving style of the operator and the tracks where he mainly works.
If there are comments on the work of the snowcat, then we write them in the logbook and on the wall - for mechanics. They eliminate everything described in a day, the chief mechanic bypasses all the operating cars in the evening - there are 24 of them at the resort (4 of them are now being serviced in the garage), and puts his signature.
Interestingly, each of the operators works on his own machine, monitors it in the off-season and outside the shift, and tries not to trust anyone.
Now you can leave the car to warm up and go get the task for today's shift. We ignore the usual debriefing about something yesterday, get our task and go to the track.
Ratraks cannot boast high speeds - 20 km / h is enough to move around the resort. They do not have speedometers - the computer calculates the load, how much and in what mode it was worked out (with a winch, on idling etc.). I ask indelicately about the consumption of diesel fuel, I find out the numbers: at idle, the consumption is from 2 to 5 liters, just a stroke without the work of the blade costs 15-20, with a blade and a cutter - 50-60 liters / engine hour.
Arranged throughout the resort gas stations - there are 4. The top two are accessible only to winches. This allows you to minimize unnecessary rentals for refueling.
Meanwhile, we drive to the ski slope. Dusk has fallen, and the slope itself in the beams of searchlights looks like the terrain after the bombing. Well, or on lunar craters surrounded by working snow generators.
Snowmakers or snow cannons not only maintain the amount and quality of snow required for the operation of the slopes, but also act as a coordinate grid. Each of the guns is numbered and it is very convenient for operators to report their location, backing it up with a number from this grid.
During the operation of the snow generator, a pile of snow forms around it, which must be leveled along the track.
In addition to this, any flat slope in the evening, or even earlier, turns into the same lunar landscape, all the bumps and craters on which you need to either fill up with snow, or smooth out, or cut off.
If natural snow falls, then it must also be compacted and mixed with artificial snow, which by its nature has a completely different, not multibeam, but therefore more dense structure.
Why is it necessary - compacted snow can be used by skiers for much longer, so both fresh natural and artificial snow must be mixed with each other, breaking its structure and making it homogeneous and compact.
We arrived at the place of work. Alexander puts up a special sign, hooks the winch to the anchor, reports this by radio to the operational duty officer at the resort (who will immediately transmit the information to the rest of the services) along with the coordinates of the place of work, and his "snow cat" easily dives onto a steep slope. On a very steep slope, I tell you.
Warning sign "Ratrak on a winch"
The technology is quite complicated, - explains Alexander, who can be called Sasha in our completely informal conversation under the noise of the engine. - It just seems like working with snow is easy. It is enough to ride on the slope several times, as half of the freshly fallen snow will be at its foot, so we compact it. This is done in several stages: first, you just need to level it over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe slope, the main tool for this is the blade.
In the light of the headlights of the snowcat, all the irregularities on the track are clearly visible; in addition, you can highlight the desired area with a powerful searchlight, which is turned by the handle at the top of the cab.
Then the slope must be finally leveled, compacted and the snow must be milled, after which it must be allowed to settle.
Today we are preparing the slope for commercial, not sports skiing. What is the difference? In the load that prepared snow can withstand, because much more stringent requirements are imposed on sports slopes. In order not to complicate things, I will say this: each of the 100 athletes must receive the same conditions during the competition. Therefore, instead of several hours of work, such a slope will take a whole night of work, associated with colossal responsibility.
The main problem of all those who constantly shoot and describe everything that flies, mows, plows and so on is that their sensitivity to the miraculous decreases. Well, a harvester and a harvester (the first comparison that came to my mind, with all due respect to agricultural and other equipment). On the slopes of what steepness can he move with you? Then you somehow get lost, having got the answer.
The permeability of the snowcat is simply incredible - the caterpillars practically do not slip, and the snowcat can climb the slope with a steepness of 45-50 degrees (not percent!). I won't be able to walk up this slope even on all fours - it's checked! However, to conquer such steep slopes, you will have to use a hydraulic winch, which pulls the cable in synchronization with the movement of the tracks. And think what you want, but the winch here is a true work of art, you can endlessly watch its work. When you hang with a 12-ton machine on one cable, the question immediately arises:
- Do the cables break and does it often happen?
Anything happens, even though the winch is equipped with a special sensor that warns of burrs and tears on the cable, but force majeure still occurs. No one teaches the operator to cope with the operator's machine, which has lost its solid ground underfoot and is sliding down, even in courses from officials. Therefore, all experience comes with time. The problematic section of the cable is simply cut off, and by the end of the season, about 700-800 meters of cable is usually left in the winch of 1100 meters.
And will the cockpit frame protect us if we make "ears", i.e. roll over?
All foreign equipment has completely different reserves of strength, so I am not surprised at the answer: the frame is designed for 14 tons, the weight of this model in the standard version is 12 tons, plus a winch. Has to endure. The seats for the operator and the passenger are practically racing buckets; for the operator, the parameters of his workplace can be adjusted with anatomical precision. Buckled up and went to work. A huge panoramic glass with a colossal margin of safety (they didn't save here) protects people inside in the event that a hook with a cable or a cable breaks, bursts and flies into the cabin.
Despite the external resemblance to a bulldozer, the snowcat is controlled in a completely different way. Its dump has many degrees of freedom, which allows not only leveling snow, but also building complex structures for parks. The rear milling cutter is also quite flexible tool, its device is different for different models and manufacturers. The force, penetration, direction and rotation speed of the cutter are regulated by the operator depending on the external conditions (type of snow, temperature) and the requirements for the track.
Are you familiar with diesel technology, spin the steering wheel perfectly and love off-roading? Are you sure that life lacks some great accomplishments and are sure that driving a snowcat is no more difficult than a banal bulldozer? Regardless of the power, modification and manufacturer, this intelligent technique works as efficiently as possible only in skilled hands and requires not just certain skills, but also intelligence.
The ratrack is commanded by digital electronics, with the help of which the drive is controlled and monitored, as well as the consistency of the control modes and operation of the chassis of the machine. All information, characteristics and actual processes are reflected on the display, the operator has the ability to constantly monitor the equipment and performance indicators of the machine, and the control is carried out using the steering wheel and joystick, very similar to a computer. So if you approach the management of this technique from the standpoint of "scrap and sledgehammer", then the repair will be required very, very quickly.
In general, for a couple of seasons, the one who took a risk and accepted into the "apprentice" will have to learn and comprehend the basics of management, understand the relief of slopes, understand the snow and navigate blindly in snowfalls. All this is real only if there is a special desire and talent for working with technology. And love for snowboard or skiing, and mountains.
Then you will make the slope not for that uncle, but for yourself, and the result will not be just a quality product. Much more.
After countless up and down passes, we are finally done. The neighboring slope still has to be finished and it is possible for lunch, which comes at about one in the morning. And that's not always the case.
It is not snowing today, otherwise I would have had to go to rework all the work, and the Gazex systems did not fire, otherwise it would be necessary to clean up the avalanches that they released.
What are the resorts guided by when choosing snow groomers? Do not assume that some company produces cars worse, but some better: each model has its own characteristics, its own strengths, and in each case, the decision must be made taking into account all the details, and even the possibility of summer operation.
Many winter cars are also applicable in summer, being essentially all-season tractors capable of leveling tracks, tennis and football grounds.
Each snow groomer manufacturer has a line of three basic models, differing in engine power, dimensions and performance. The engine power, in turn, determines not only the steepness of the slopes being worked, but also the amount of equipment that can be simultaneously used on the machine. After all, both the winch and the milling cutter also require their share of engine power, as does the blade for moving snow. And also cars with installed passenger cabins lift off-piste lovers and tourists. In general, the snowcat is more than versatile in any conditions and circumstances.
Well, my part of the shift is over, the steepest slopes have been worked and are waiting for the morning. Now you can drink tea and sleep for three hours.
The morning greets with a beautiful sunrise and a couple of hours of blue sky, which will later be replaced by low, unpleasant clouds. The cable car and the way home, down, from a small professional and specific, but therefore no less comfortable, world. There are different laws here, since the mountains of any profession dictate certain rules, tough, serious and very honest. Mountains teach responsibility.
If at night you made a mistake on the slope, did something unfinished, missed something, then, while riding during the day, you yourself can become a victim of this mistake. When you are a Krasnopolyan in the 5th (!) Generation, you have a completely different attitude to your native land, the history of which was made and built by your ancestors.
Alexander "Spider" Naeltok, a special thank you for a wonderful excursion into your world, for your professionalism. And for your attitude to work - this is the best example of how to love and do your job.
Maria Spiridonova
Few of us know that the technical equipment of modern ski resorts, as well as stadiums for ski sports, must include a machine called a snowcat. it technical means is nothing more than a snow compacting unit that moves with the help of tracks.
To make it clearer for the reader, the snowcat is an adapted model of a bulldozer designed for work in harsh winter conditions. Such a tractor is capable of moving along mountain slopes, which have a rather steep angle of inclination.
The main purpose of such a snow plow is to prepare ski slopes, form ski tracks and perform rescue operations in case of emergencies in the mountains. Also, such a mountain tractor is a very convenient means of transporting people, in which it is equipped separately with a passenger cabin, and a reliable mechanism for transporting goods.
Its name - "ratrak" - the car received from the name of the first model of this mechanical device, which were sold in Europe back in the distant 60s. From the very beginning, the main manufacturers of the unit were the American firms Thiokol and LMC, which sold them under the Ratrac trademark. Since then, this machine has acquired its name, which is used to this day.
Today, brands for the production of snow groomers are such famous engineering companies as Prinoth (Italy), Bombardier (Canada), Kässbohrer (Germany). All these companies are engaged in the production of snow groomers, which are sold on the market for the sale of special equipment under the PistenBully trademark, and in America this type of snow compaction machine is sold under the name snow cat.
It is practically impossible to do without a snow-compacting tractor on the ski slopes. The cannons that pour snow onto future slopes and ski trails create snowdrifts that are large enough to be evenly distributed and compacted.
Technical Parameters of Snow Compactor
Ratracks have a wide range of models from different manufacturers. In Russia, the snowcat is widely used at ski resorts and on sports ski trails. japanese company OHARA, which is great for making trampolines and lines for snowboarders.
The OHARA model range includes the following series of snow compactors - DF 330, DF 357 and DF 430, they have very high reliability in operation, great power and high-quality execution of the technological process. Ratracks from a Japanese manufacturer have technical specificationsthat distinguish them from other brands of snow-sealing equipment. Such design characteristics allow OHARA to perform a whole range of tasks for the formation of ski tracks, both of a simple degree of difficulty, and complex ones with a steep ascent angle.
A snow compacting machine from the Japanese manufacturer OHARA for raking the snow mass is equipped with a special bucket, which is located in the front of it. To carry out compaction work, the snowcat of this model has a milling mechanism with protruding elements, designed on a metal bracket, in its rear part.
To perform the function of additional compaction of the snow mass, the snow-compacting tractor of this brand has a special rubber fin in its design. This device is also a protective shield for the milling mechanism.
The OHARA tractor has a very spacious and warm cabin, from which you can enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape. And most importantly, because of such a view of the cab, the driver has a full view of the area where the work is being done.
It should be noted that the Japanese snowcat can be equipped with special device, with the help of which the ideal ski track is arranged. Such an additional mechanical element is called a ski pad, with the help of which the distance to neighboring ski tracks is also adjusted.
For easy travel on steep mountain slopes and performing its functions, the OHARA tractor is made of very light, but durable material. For high stability and high maneuverability of movement when performing work of varying complexity snowcat japanese brand equipped with wide tracks, which in their design have lug elements. It is thanks to these mechanisms that the OHARA tractor is able to exert great pressure on the snow cover, as well as to have a steady state on very steep slopes.
This Japanese mountain tractor is also a great tool for setting up bike trails in the summer. This technical capability once again confirms its versatility.
Do-it-yourself ski slope is an exciting and time-consuming action. Implies compaction of snow in a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe terrain for walking or competition. A variety of models and brands of special equipment allows you to prepare the track efficiently and in a short time. The most common and easiest way is to put on and lay it yourself.
Ratrak is a self-propelled vehicle on caterpillar tracks, developed on the basis of the tractor design. It is used for pressing snow on ski tracks and ski slopes, transporting passengers and cargo, rescue operations in difficult-to-pass places.
It is believed that the car was designed by American Emmit Truck in 1930. The first transport was on two tracks and three and was intended to transport people through deep snow. In 1951, the same inventor patented an all-terrain vehicle with four tracks. It was only much later that the vehicle was adapted for ramming snow in the ski resorts of America.
On the European continent, snow groomers appeared as snow compacting equipment shortly before the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960. The first ski resortwho used the American technique of Emmit Truck to prepare his slopes was Courchevel. A little later, but still in the same 60s, the Austro-Swiss company "Ratrac" released the car "Ratrac-S", which gave the name vehiclesused for the maintenance of ski runs and slopes. In the 1980s, three types of snow groomers were created in the USSR on the basis of the Lviv SKB "Sportmash" under the leadership of Valery Dmitrievich Syrtsov. Until the 90s, 40 cars were produced, and then the projects were closed, the association ceased to exist.
Modern production
The leading companies in the production of snow groomers in the world market are:
- Italian Prinoth. Founder - Ernst Prinot, invented the first snow compacting machine P-20 in the early 60s. The company produces 7 different models.
- German Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG. Most famous cars PistenBully brands. It is noteworthy that one of the models is designed for leveling artificial snow cover indoors. The company produces 16 samples of snow groomers.
- Japanese Ohara. The company produces equipment for waste processing, equipment for oil and gas production. Therefore, the range of produced snow groomers is small, only 3 types.
- Another Italian company is Favero Lorenzo. Produced 2 models are compact and inexpensive.
- American Tucker Sno-Cat. Works mainly for the domestic market.
- Russian "SnezhMa". Practically the only domestic company. Located in Chelyabinsk. The company produces snow groomers CM-170, CM-210 and CM-320.
Operation of snow-pressing equipment
Besides sealing, modern cars perform the functions of cleaning, distributing snow, smoothing and leveling slopes, laying walking trails and ski tracks, erecting pipes and springboards, creating figures in snowparks, transporting passengers and goods.
Important! According to safety requirements, skiers are not allowed access to sports facilities during the operation of the equipment in order to avoid accidents.
Characteristics of snow groomers
- The equipment is designed to operate at any time of the year.
- The design principles are based on stability and power. The machines are equipped with ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and wide tracks with lugs for high flotation. A hydraulic winch allows the vehicle to climb steep inclines while pulling on the cable as the tracks move. Engine power, measured in horse power, enough to lay a track of 10,000 km in two hours.
- Cabins are installed on passenger transport models.
Cross-country ski trails
Transport for laying routes does not differ in variety:
- german car of the PistenBully Paana brand (117 hp) by Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG;
- Prinoth Husky (177 hp), manufacturer - Prinoth (Italy);
- Favero Snow Rabbit 3 (100 HP) by Snow Rabbit.
If you have technical knowledge and practice, then you can make a snowcat for skiing with your own hands, using parts from different brands.
The high cost of special equipment limits the widespread use of these machines for laying routes. A more acceptable option for equipment is a snowmobile with a wide and long track and two skis in front. For example, Russian: "Buran", "Taiga", imported: "Yamaha", "Artik KET", "Polaris".
DIY equipment for preparing ski slopes
Trailed devices are used in this category of equipment:
- Cutter - serves to create a classic track. The cutting and pressing principle is used depending on the quality of the snow surface. The XCSPORT of the SNOWPRO company is recognized as a universal cutter for preparing ski tracks. With a weight of 32 kg, the equipment will make a high-quality track in any condition of the snow mass.
- Harrow - removes, loosens crust, fills holes, levels, forms longitudinal stripes.
- Snow-paver roller. Designed for all types of surfaces. Consolidates the snow mass.
When preparing a new ski track, some rules must be taken into account:
Important! It is forbidden to lay a ski track through the banks of rivers, canals, gullies, ravines, road and railroad tracks, through poorly frozen water bodies.
- They study the landscape and determine the route.
- For normal skiing, they are laid in an open area, creating several tracks of various lengths and complexity. Combines ascents, straight sections and descents.
- On the slopes, obstacles in the form of vegetation, ditches, funnels are eliminated. Distributes low climbs and long and difficult descents.
- Snow is compacted from each track 1 m wide in both directions.
- Schemes of mass routes are placed on a separate board in a prominent, accessible place.
- Colored markings are applied along the entire track.
- The first third of the route is laid along flat terrain. The second part is the most difficult. The latter is formed from equal ascents and descents.
- On a straight track, the distance between turns is 50 m.
- Be sure to take care of the lighting of the routes. Lanterns are installed on supports, observing the uniformity between the oncoming tracks.
- At the end of the construction of the ski track, a kind of track passport is drawn up by drawing on a map of the area.
Important! During the ascents and descents, the track cannot go along the slope and include hills steeper than 20 °.
Professional routes are equipped based on the complexity of the races, territory, training of athletes. Mainly in the area overgrown with trees and bushes.
Preparing ski slopes with equipment takes a significant amount of time and effort. Financial investments are also important. But this work brings pleasure and joy when you see the happy eyes of people, you feel their appreciation and gratitude.
