REHAU Supplies Innovative Track Channels for New All-Weather Ski Jumping Ramp
(LEESBURG, Va.) December 5, 2007 — REHAU, the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems, announced today that it has played a vital role in the development of a major improvement to ski jumping ramp technology. SKI-LINE, a patented track system created by Peter Riedel®, was enhanced by the polymer expertise of REHAU.
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. A panel made of weatherproof plastic screwed to a steel frame forms the base of the system. The summer tracks exist in the interstice between the two winter tracks. REHAU plastic pipes supply energy-efficient cooling to the winter tracks, while high-quality plastic – along with glide studs made of particularly abrasion-resistant material developed by REHAU – replaces snow and ice in the summer track.
The system will make its international debut at the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup in Trondheim, Norway on December 8 and 9, where athletes from all over the world, including the United States and Canada, will use SKI-LINE for the first time.
“SKI-LINE’s revolutionary technology permits athletes to begin training earlier and continue training longer in constant winter competition conditions,” said inventor Peter Riedel. “This system permits training even in above-freezing conditions because the track is formed from a polymer material rather than snow. Soon after developing the system, I realized that polymer would be a necessary component. REHAU’s material competence and reputation as a polymer leader drew me to the company.”
SKI-LINE makes it unnecessary to transition from a summer to a winter track and back each season. In cases of extreme weather changes, the track can efficiently adapt to existing conditions. Instead of covering the entire width of the ramp with snow for jumping in winter conditions, only the two cooled winter track channels are filled with approximately seven centimeters of snow, a savings of over 90 percent. The track’s integrated cooling system, featuring cross-linked polyethylene pipes from REHAU, keeps it at an optimum temperature of 54 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 15 degrees Celsius), even if outdoor temperatures rise. When jumping is not in progress, an insulating tarpaulin prevents the snow track from melting, allowing skiers to train earlier and longer under constant conditions.
For summer jumping, skiers glide on a special polymer developed by REHAU. Previously, summer tracks were built using ceramic, glass or steel. Using this more durable, lighter weight, weather-resistant material makes the tracks easier to maintain, as individual pieces can be replaced.
“In addition to the training advantages, the system is very cost effective for ski jump operators. The track can be converted for summer and winter training with little effort and uses significantly less snow, making it more energy efficient,” said Wolfgang Kruegel, REHAU marketing manager for SKI-LINE. “SKI-LINE also makes a ski jumping facility more attractive for world-class competitions because it eliminates the need to cancel events due to unfavorable weather.”
A passion for the unlimited potential of polymers enables REHAU to regularly identify new products and systems for many industries. Customer-specific developments and innovative standard programs comprise a unique product portfolio. By combining innovative product development with decentralized sales and service excellence, REHAU has become a world-leading quality brand. The company’s long-term orientation makes it an independent and reliable partner.
Peter Riedel, an engineer and the inventor of SKI-LINE, comes from a well-known winter sports family. His father, Eberhard Riedel, was one of the most successful East German Alpine sportsmen of the sixties. Riedel has many years of experience in sports structures and has specific knowledge of snow, snow preservation systems and temperature-independent acceleration techniques in indoor and outdoor sports.
REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. More than 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.
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. A panel made of weatherproof plastic screwed to a steel frame forms the base of the system. The summer tracks exist in the interstice between the two winter tracks. REHAU plastic pipes supply energy-efficient cooling to the winter tracks, while high-quality plastic – along with glide studs made of particularly abrasion-resistant material developed by REHAU – replaces snow and ice in the summer track.
The system will make its international debut at the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup in Trondheim, Norway on December 8 and 9, where athletes from all over the world, including the United States and Canada, will use SKI-LINE for the first time.
“SKI-LINE’s revolutionary technology permits athletes to begin training earlier and continue training longer in constant winter competition conditions,” said inventor Peter Riedel. “This system permits training even in above-freezing conditions because the track is formed from a polymer material rather than snow. Soon after developing the system, I realized that polymer would be a necessary component. REHAU’s material competence and reputation as a polymer leader drew me to the company.”
SKI-LINE makes it unnecessary to transition from a summer to a winter track and back each season. In cases of extreme weather changes, the track can efficiently adapt to existing conditions. Instead of covering the entire width of the ramp with snow for jumping in winter conditions, only the two cooled winter track channels are filled with approximately seven centimeters of snow, a savings of over 90 percent. The track’s integrated cooling system, featuring cross-linked polyethylene pipes from REHAU, keeps it at an optimum temperature of 54 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 15 degrees Celsius), even if outdoor temperatures rise. When jumping is not in progress, an insulating tarpaulin prevents the snow track from melting, allowing skiers to train earlier and longer under constant conditions.
For summer jumping, skiers glide on a special polymer developed by REHAU. Previously, summer tracks were built using ceramic, glass or steel. Using this more durable, lighter weight, weather-resistant material makes the tracks easier to maintain, as individual pieces can be replaced.
“In addition to the training advantages, the system is very cost effective for ski jump operators. The track can be converted for summer and winter training with little effort and uses significantly less snow, making it more energy efficient,” said Wolfgang Kruegel, REHAU marketing manager for SKI-LINE. “SKI-LINE also makes a ski jumping facility more attractive for world-class competitions because it eliminates the need to cancel events due to unfavorable weather.”
A passion for the unlimited potential of polymers enables REHAU to regularly identify new products and systems for many industries. Customer-specific developments and innovative standard programs comprise a unique product portfolio. By combining innovative product development with decentralized sales and service excellence, REHAU has become a world-leading quality brand. The company’s long-term orientation makes it an independent and reliable partner.
Peter Riedel, an engineer and the inventor of SKI-LINE, comes from a well-known winter sports family. His father, Eberhard Riedel, was one of the most successful East German Alpine sportsmen of the sixties. Riedel has many years of experience in sports structures and has specific knowledge of snow, snow preservation systems and temperature-independent acceleration techniques in indoor and outdoor sports.
REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. More than 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.
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© REHAU Incorporated 2008
© REHAU Incorporated 2008