Pasargad Company, designer, builder, and executor of artificial ski slopes (in unique recreational experiences)
Skiing is a recreational activity, sport, and mode of transportation where an individual uses long, flat skis attached to their boots to slide on snow. Skiing, in a broader sense, also refers to sliding on other surfaces, such as water and grass, with similar equipment.
While skiing as a mode of travel has been around since ancient times, as a sport, it is relatively new, with its origins in Northern Europe around 300 years ago.
There are three main types of ski slopes, which we’ll explore below:
1. Natural Ski Slope
We’ve all seen skiing or snowboarding on snowy peaks, whether up close or from afar.
Iran, a vast country, experiences diverse climates. Some regions are dry and desert-like, some are humid and temperate, and others are mountainous. The high mountains of the Alborz and Zagros ranges are snow-covered for much of the year, allowing for the creation of natural ski slopes for those passionate about this exhilarating sport.
Examples of natural ski slopes in Iran include Tochal, Abali, and Shemshak.
However, natural ski slopes have three major challenges when compared to artificial ones:
I. Many cities lack snow-covered mountains due to their climate, limiting natural ski slopes to colder regions.
II. Natural ski slopes are seasonal and can’t be used in warmer months.
III. Natural ski slopes are often far from urban areas and difficult to access.
2. Artificial Ski Slope (using snow machines)
An indoor artificial ski slope can vary in size and uses powerful cooling systems to maintain low temperatures. Artificial snow is produced by releasing tiny ice particles along with water droplets from the ceiling, which combine to form snowflakes.
In these enclosed spaces, several tons of artificial snow may fall each day. Since there’s no wind, the snow is groomed daily to prepare the surface for skiing.
Underneath the snow are cooling pipes to prevent the snow from melting due to visitors’ body heat and activity. The roof is insulated with layers of aluminum, sponge, and a strong insulator, ensuring that even if the cooling system fails, the snow will not melt for several days.
The biggest drawback of these ski halls is their high construction and maintenance costs, making them economically unfeasible in many cases.
Dubai Ski Resort is an example of an artificial slope created with snow machines. It opened in November 2005, covering 22,500 square meters. This artificial slope was built at a cost of $272 million, and about 30 tons of artificial snow falls on it daily.
Dubai artificial ski slope (using snow machines)
3. Artificial Ski Slope (using polymer composite coverings)
Thanks to artificial ski slopes, you no longer need winter to enjoy thrilling snow sports! You can now practice skiing year-round on artificial slopes and enhance your skills.
A dry or artificial ski slope is built using materials that mimic the properties of snow at room temperature, allowing people to ski and snowboard in areas without natural snow-covered slopes.
The main advantages of these artificial slopes compared to natural ski slopes and artificial slopes using snow machines are:
I. Many cities can benefit from artificial ski slopes, with no dependence on weather conditions.
II. These slopes are operational year-round, even in summer!
III. They can be built in urban areas or parks, eliminating the need for hard-to-reach mountainous locations, making access much easier.
IV. They have much lower construction, repair, and maintenance costs compared to indoor ski slopes with snow machines.
Examples of artificial ski slopes (polymer composite coverings)
Dry ski slopes are typically built with coarse-grained or fine-grained coverings.
Coarse-grained slopes have visible surface textures, and the skiing experience is of lower quality, with reduced grip and turning capability, making them less popular.
However, fine-grained slopes made from polymer materials offer a much better skiing experience, similar to ice skiing. Pasargad Company, a leading provider of these ski slopes in Iran, has mastered the technology of producing high-quality polymer composite coverings, thanks to the expertise of Iranian engineers.
To build an artificial ski slope, the first step is to find suitable land. The land should have a slight slope to minimize excavation work.
The length of the land must be at least 50 meters, with the ideal length ranging from 200 to 400 meters.
Once the land is identified, excavation begins to level the surface, and necessary slopes and obstacles for professional skiing are built.
After the construction is complete, the polymer composite coverings are installed, and the slope is ready for use.
Additional attractions can be added to these slopes, which will be covered in the following sections.
Artificial ski slope with coarse-grained covering
Foundation for artificial ski slope (polymer composite)
Fortunately, over the past decade, skiing has rapidly grown in many countries. However, in recent years, due to decreased snowfall, the ski season has become much shorter. As a result, developing artificial ski slopes and indoor ski halls to meet the demands of enthusiasts year-round—not just in winter—has become increasingly important.
Investing in this field can elevate your brand, positioning it prominently in both the sports and tourism sectors.
Pasargad Company’s ski slope is the most comprehensive artificial ski slope (polymer composite) and features top-of-the-line tourist attractions, equipment, and facilities, outlined briefly below:
• Slope preparation with built-in obstacles and variations for skiing
• Polymer composite surface layer for adults and children
• Direct tubing lanes
• Toboggan runs
• Game balls
• Access staircases
• Lifts and pulleys for athlete transport to the top
• Café and restaurant
• Spectator stands
• Lighting fixtures
• Walls and advertising spaces
• Fencing, barriers, and flag installations
• Shock-absorbing barriers
Sample ski slope designed by Pasargad Company
Pasargad Company stands at the forefront of the industry, specializing in the design, structural calculations, construction, and implementation of artificial ski slopes. Our approach hinges on engineering expertise and adherence to global standards.
Below is a video of the Dubai artificial ski slope (created with snow machines).
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