The state approvals as to whether and how a ski area may be built differ significantly around the world. For this reason, we advise our customers, as one of the first steps, to contact the local building authority directly. Because here a new building or possibly an extension of an existing system is pending, which may require a building permit. We would be happy to help you with this approval process. Especially in EU Europe, great importance is attached to environmental compatibility. There are EU regulations that state that existing lawns cannot be built on without planning permission or used in a way that destroys the lawn. In many places it is therefore not permitted to roll out a continuous plastic carpet for skiing, which simply covers thousands of m/2 and destroys the vegetation. Because our mats have a diamond design, the turf can grow through the gaps and will not destroy the turf. Environmental protection organizations have already allowed the installation of our mats for ski areas in "UNESCO protected landscape areas"!
Green skiing with our sliding mats stands for environmental compatibility and environmental friendliness. In addition, the mats are of course recyclable. We can put a special fleece (DSDF) on the floor that keeps dirt and stones out. Our SlopeTrax mats are then laid out on top of this and attached to the floor. The lawn is allowed to grow through and fixes the mats well to the ground. The skiers cut the grass with the edges of their skis every day, thus mulching the lawn. This creates an optimal symbiosis. Nature is left intact and skiers and boarders can still do their sport. The plastic mats are normally recyclable. If the intended site is already a building site, the area can be completely covered with our DSDF fleece. Our SlopeTrax are then attached to it and skiing can begin.
The mats measure 22x22cm and are plugged together with our PIOS plug-in system. We have 2-3mm leeway between the mats for the expansion of the mats. Plastic expands in hot temperatures and contracts in cold temperatures. With this construction we can put larger areas together without the large mat area becoming wavy. Other mat constructions on the market that don't have this 2-3mm clearance will ripple the tightly mated mats at high temperatures, resulting in an unsafe ride.
In principle, our mats also work without water. For outdoor use in warm to hot areas, however, it is advisable to install a water sprinkler system underneath the mats. This systematic sprinkling of water has the advantage that the friction between the ski and the mat is significantly reduced. The water significantly reduces abrasion and thus contributes significantly to a very long service life for skis and mats. The water effect can also be achieved by using our environmentally friendly lubricant "Slide Liquid". Once applied to the mats, the lubricating liquid acts like ski wax on the ski bases and thus contributes to a significant reduction in friction and leads to a faster ride. If a fleece is laid out at the start of the piste, where the skier or boarder rides over it at every start, the lubricant is automatically additionally distributed on the piste. The ecological lubricant is biodegradable and therefore very environmentally friendly. It is also particularly well suited for indoor use where the use of water is not possible.
Yes. If the mat ski surface is installed properly, it can be operated for many years. The further expansion of the various service facilities is done in writing. The most important thing is the early installation of the ascent aid (lift or conveyor belt) back to the start. The mats can also be ordered later if further expansion is to be carried out. The additional installation happens like that with the same steps as the initial installation.
Yes. The mats can be left in the areas of lift entrances, lift exits, transfer zones, bridges or tunnels all year round. The mats do not rot and due to the high UV pigmentation, the mats only become slightly pale after many years. After long use on the ground, the mats can be recycled normally.
Yes. The mountain railways can choose between two types. The LiftTrax FA are preferably used by mountain railways to allow skiers to move slowly from the start gate to the lift entrance. The LiftTrax SP are hardened and have the advantage that skiers can quickly glide to the lift entrance. Even when exiting the lift, it is therefore possible to slide down the slope particularly quickly.
Many chairlifts have their mountain station at summit stations, where the wind blows strongly in bad weather. These winds sweep the exit area clear of snow. This creates an area without snow from the lift exit area (usually made of smooth wood) to the beginning of the slope. After the storm, the service personnel usually have to use shovels to secure the exit area with snow again. If the LiftTrax mats are laid out, the snow stays between the rhombuses and the skier can easily slide onto the piste area.
Most trails are installed for a long distance to run back and forth. Thus, a width of approx. 4m is sufficient for two outward and return lanes. The length can be designed according to your needs.
Since the NordicTrax mats can be laid out flexibly, the cross-country track can be installed at any location for running. They can be fixed to the ground in several places with ground screws, so that a secure hold and non-slip impression can take place with the cross-country skis.
Yes. The NordicTrax sliding mats are as fast as the mats from the landing area of the ski jumps. This ensures a smooth transition from the landing area to the run-out area. The ski jumper can land upright like in winter with the telemark and continue straight on the mats and, if necessary, come to a standstill in the flight position.