Enoki mushroom JFDRYSKI mat

The role of dry slope in skiing

1. Simulation Reality

People often wish for a dry ski slope that mimics real snow in both appearance and functionality, hoping it will provide the same glide and aesthetic. However, this expectation is somewhat unrealistic. Dry slopes, by their nature, are solid surfaces, and the lubrication properties of solids differ significantly from those of liquids. To achieve the sensation of sliding, a solid must transition to a liquid state, as seen when rocks become magma. This analogy highlights the challenge in replicating the sliding sensation of snow, given that snow, in its various states (ice, water, and vapor), offers unique lubrication benefits unparalleled by other materials. Therefore, the goal of matching a plastic surface's lubrication to that of water remains an elusive dream.

The Illusion of Lubrication: Focusing solely on enhancing the lubrication of dry ski mats overlooks the comprehensive demands of skiing, which includes speed, deceleration, turning, and the ability to stop promptly. Examination of snow's structure reveals its diverse composition, with more than 60 types of snow textures, including foam snow, powder snow, machine-pressed snow(Piste), and icy snow, among others.

Enoki mushroom JFDRYSKI mat

Machine-pressed snow(Piste), popular for its blend of compacted snowflakes and a base of half-ice, half-snow, provides an ideal surface for skiing, facilitating slide, turn, and stop maneuvers. Inspired by this, the design of dry ski slopes like the Enoki mushroom dry ski incorporates these principles, aiming for a balanced simulation of skiing's physical demands rather than merely focusing on high lubrication.

2. Tool for Learning and Practice

Despite their differences from real snow slopes, dry slopes serve as invaluable tools for beginners and enthusiasts alike. They offer a convenient, year-round option for learning and practice, situated close to communities, thereby fostering a culture of skiing and preparing novices for the challenges of alpine slopes. Dry ski facilities, including snowboard parks and bag jump slopes, also provide excellent off-season training grounds for freestyle skiing.

3. A Sustainable Alternative

While indoor snow domes offer an ideal setting for summer skiing activities, their high operational costs and environmental impact limit their scalability. Dry ski slopes, in contrast, require no roofing or temperature control, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option. With advancements in surface materials that closely simulate real snow, dry slopes can offer a safer and equally effective training platform, particularly for beginners, ensuring their long-term viability and appeal as the most ideal ski training environment.

Enoki mushroom JFDRYSKI mat

4. A Sustainable Alternative

While indoor snow domes offer an ideal setting for summer skiing activities, their high operational costs and environmental impact limit their scalability. Dry ski slopes, in contrast, require no roofing or temperature control, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option. With advancements in surface materials that closely simulate real snow, dry slopes can offer a safer and equally effective training platform, particularly for beginners, ensuring their long-term viability and appeal as the most ideal ski training environment.