The Physics in Powder
Floatation
When on the mountains, you will always be dealing with deep powder. Riding in powder is completely different than any other style of riding. The difference is due to the floatation that is provided by the snow. When snow builds up consistently, it becomes relatively dense. When there is a depth of several feet, it becomes very hard to traverse on foot. This is why snowshoes were invented. Snowshoes distribute the weight of the person across an even surface, allowing them to "float" on top of the snow. Snowmachines are in a sense, giant snowshoes. Mountain sleds are designed to have an even weight distribution between the skis and track. When you buy a mountain snowmachine, you can choose between different ski widths, and track lengths. One of the biggest reasons for this, is so that when you are riding in the mountains, there is more surface area upon which the normal force between the snow and the sled can act.
When on the mountains, you will always be dealing with deep powder. Riding in powder is completely different than any other style of riding. The difference is due to the floatation that is provided by the snow. When snow builds up consistently, it becomes relatively dense. When there is a depth of several feet, it becomes very hard to traverse on foot. This is why snowshoes were invented. Snowshoes distribute the weight of the person across an even surface, allowing them to "float" on top of the snow. Snowmachines are in a sense, giant snowshoes. Mountain sleds are designed to have an even weight distribution between the skis and track. When you buy a mountain snowmachine, you can choose between different ski widths, and track lengths. One of the biggest reasons for this, is so that when you are riding in the mountains, there is more surface area upon which the normal force between the snow and the sled can act.
Additional Weight
When riding in the mountains, the wet snow will pack into every crack and crevice of your sled. When snow compacts, it becomes very dense. This means that the weight of the sled increases significantly. This added weight is a crucial factor of riding. A good rider will recognize the disadvantage, and adapt his riding techniques to account for the addition weight. The floatation provided by the snow is directly related to the weight of the sled. As the snowmachine gets heavier, its ability to stay on top of the snow decreases. Hardcore riders plan in advance for this, by going through every inch of their snowmachine looking for ways to shave weight. Chris Burandt is arguably the world's best backcountry snowmachine rider. Every year he builds a new lightweight sled by replacing nearly every single part with a titanium or carbon fiber component. He knows every additional pound that is lost, will give him an added advantage on the snow. One of his builds is seen being weighed in the second photo.
When riding in the mountains, the wet snow will pack into every crack and crevice of your sled. When snow compacts, it becomes very dense. This means that the weight of the sled increases significantly. This added weight is a crucial factor of riding. A good rider will recognize the disadvantage, and adapt his riding techniques to account for the addition weight. The floatation provided by the snow is directly related to the weight of the sled. As the snowmachine gets heavier, its ability to stay on top of the snow decreases. Hardcore riders plan in advance for this, by going through every inch of their snowmachine looking for ways to shave weight. Chris Burandt is arguably the world's best backcountry snowmachine rider. Every year he builds a new lightweight sled by replacing nearly every single part with a titanium or carbon fiber component. He knows every additional pound that is lost, will give him an added advantage on the snow. One of his builds is seen being weighed in the second photo.
Photo credit: Jeff Dennis
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Photo credit: Chris Burandt
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