A FACILITY FOR PRACTISING A SNOW SPORT

Abstract: A facility for practising a snow sport comprises an enclosed space provided with a floor on which a layer of snow can be formed, means for cooling the space and means for forming the layer of snow in the said space so as to make a predetermined course. The course comprises at least one continuous section.

Description: A facility for practising a snow sport The invention relates to a facility for practising a snow sport, comprising an enclosed space provided with a floor on which a layer of snow can be formed, means for cooling the space and means for forming the layer of snow in the said space so as to make a predetermined course. Facilities for practising skiing are known. By way of example, reference is made to the structure which is known from US-A-4,790,531, in which there is a sloping track which can be covered with a layer of snow. The users make their way to the top of the sloping track and can then ski down. They then have to be transported up by means of a lift. In itself, a facility of this nature is suitable for practising skiing. Nevertheless, there are a number of drawbacks which make it virtually impossible to use the facility for other snow sports. These restrictions are associated with the fact that the sloping track in fact only allows movement in one direction, downwards. Although it is possible, for example, for a snow scooter to move upwards along the sloping track, the risk of the scooter turning over when taking corners and the like is relatively high for the user. For this reason, the known facility is in fact relatively unsuitable for snow scooters, cross-country skiing and the like, for example. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a facility which does not have these restrictions. This object is achieved by the fact that the course comprises at least one continuous section. The continuous section of the course in the facility according to the invention makes it possible to move round on a snow scooter or cart or cross-country skis and also, for example, to hold a competition on such means. The course can be designed in all kinds of different ways, for example with or without crossing points. The crossing points may also be at different levels. It is also possible for slopes to be incorporated in the course. The course may also be in the shape of a ring. Furthermore, there may be parking places for, for example, snow scooters and, if appropriate, a clearly marked start and finish. The cooling means can be designed in all kinds of ways, for example by means of floor cooling and/or cooling of the space. In the case of floor cooling used on its own, the snow machines for producing snow have to have a sufficiently high capacity, so that the layer of snow can be maintained at a certain level. Reference is made to the track for practising roller-skating which is known from US-A-4, 172,593. This track, which is situated in the open air, is continuous and includes a crossing point at different levels. The track consists of concrete and is of permanent nature. It is not possible to apply any form of track made from snow. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure. The figure shows the plan of a facility according to the invention. This facility comprises an enclosed space 1, on the floor 2 of which a continuous first course 3 is formed. This course 3 is covered with a layer of snow and comprises a crossing point 4 at different levels, in which slopes 5 are incorporated. The course 3 comprises a start and finish 6, in such a manner that, for example, a competition can be held. Next to the course 3 there are a number of parking places or pits 7, at which the snow scooters can be parked, repaired and the like. A smaller course 8, for example an area for children, is likewise provided with a crossing point 4 at different levels, start and finish 6 and stopping places 7, may also be provided. In the course it is possible, for example, to incorporate auxiliary features such as a restaurant or bar 9 and the like. The layer of snow may comprise both snow crystals and/or ice crystals. The facility according to the invention may be permanent but may also be temporary and/or mobile.

Claims: Claims 1. Facility for practising a snow sport, comprising an enclosed space (1) provided with a floor (2) on which a layer of snow can be formed, means for cooling the space and means for forming the layer of snow in the said space so as to make a predetermined course (3), characterized in that the course (3) comprises at least one continuous section. 2. Facility according to Claim 1, in which the course (3) comprises a crossing point (4) at different levels. 3. Facility according to Claim 1 , in which the course is in the shape of a ring. 4. Facility according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the course (3) adjoins a parking place (7) for vehicles, such as snow scooters. 5. Facility according to one of the preceding claims, in which the course (3) comprises at least one slope (5). 6. Facility according to one of the preceding claims, in which the course (3) comprises a start and finish (6). 7. Facility according to one of the preceding claims, in which the means for cooling are incoφorated in the floor (2) of the space (1). 8. Facility according to one of the preceding claims, in which the layer of snow comprises snow crystals and/or ice crystals.

Inventors: ALBERS CORNELID JOHANNES PIETE, ALBERS, CORNELID, JOHANNES, PIETER
Applicants: ALBERS CORNELID JOHANNES PIETE, UNLTD SNOW INDOOR B V, ALBERS, CORNELID, JOHANNES, PIETER, UNLIMITED SNOW INDOOR B.V.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A63C19
IPC codes: A63C19