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Growing the Sport
Courtesy of SnoYak ©2018 accesso Technology Group, plc
Riders sit on the SnoYak in a kneeling position and “paddle” using a pole device.
“We don’t offer lift-serviced fat biking in the winter—
ANSI Considerations for yet—except for on the final day of the Fat Bike World
Alternative Sliding Devices Championships, when we’ve been allowing them on our
Gold Link [triple] chairlift,” Pickett says. “The Crested Butte
How do ANSI regulations factor into alternative Nordic Center also allows fat bikes on some of their trails, and
sliding devices being carried on ski lifts? fat bikes have become hugely popular on other trails between
the resort and the town of Crested Butte.”
Mike Lane, NSAA’s director of technical services, As ski area operators have gradually begun to accept
says the ANSI B77.1 Standard for Passenger new devices on the slopes, inventors have kept pace. New
Ropeways does not directly address alternative Hampshire-based inventor Rob Thompson’s device, the
sliding devices but simply distinguishes skiers and SNOYAK, is a kayak-inspired device mounted on an alpine
foot passengers. This distinction is necessary for snowboard. Riders sit on the SnoYak in a kneeling position
loading and unloading speeds—for example, get- and “paddle” (i.e., initiate turns) using a pole device with ski
ting to the load point and getting away from the pole-style baskets and tips (https://www.snoyak.com).
unload point, says Lane. A skier is defined, in short, “I started developing the SnoYak a couple years ago at
as any person utilizing a device that attaches to my home mountain—Pats Peak here in New Hampshire—
at least one foot or lower torso for the purpose of inspired by videos I saw of people paddling actual kayaks down
sliding on a slope. The device also slides on the the mountain on snow. I thought there has to be a better way,”
snow and can be controlled and directed by the Thompson says. “The SnoYak is fun because your relationship Your guests are unique. So is your business.
person using it. with the snow is a little different than when you’re standing
“The lift manufacturers are also not necessarily up, and while you can go just as fast as skiing, there’s a bit of That's why you should be with a partner who gets you.
restrictive but should be consulted in addition to a go-kart effect where it feels like you’re going faster than you
your local authority having jurisdiction,” Lane says. At accesso, we’re more than technology and innovation. We’re the powder day buddy
are. Also, because you’re low to the ground, it’s easy to balance, for your snow-obsessed sta , with experience and dedication to help you conquer the
easy to learn, and reduces the impact of falls.” steepest challenges.
To learn more visit accesso.com.
18 | NSAA JOURNAL | FALL 2018
