Inflatable Ski Tunnel

An inflatable ski tunnel enables skiing all year round because it removes the problems caused by variable weather conditions and guarantees a climate with a constant temperature and humidity. Cooling units are positioned at intervals and a sprinkler system in the ceiling is creating snow when necessary.

An inflatable ski tunnel provides safe conditions for skiing: if a skier was to collide with the fabric structure, the walls absorb the force and prevent serious injury. They have no environmental impact upon the surrounding area, and can be installed and removed in days.

Inflatable ski tunnels can be made to almost any geometry: either horizontal for Nordic style skiing, or on a slope for Alpine skiing. The design currently being proposed is of a tunnel constructed from 20 metre long sections (as such a section can be manhandled without lifting equipment). A flexible bellow joins the 20 metre sections making it possible for the tunnel to follow the contour of a slope, and also making it possible to create a winding slope if required.

The ski tunnel is secured to the ground using earth anchors at the contact edge. There are no guy wires or external bracing. It can be made in almost any colour but it is recommended that white - the colour, which would keep the structure coolest - should be used as standard. The interior of the tunnel can be lit as desired and also has good acoustics for background music.

The expected life of an inflatable ski tunnel in northern European conditions is 20 years.