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Courtesy of Snooc

The SNOOC is a sled-type, one-ski device that’s popular in Europe and may soon gain traction in the US.
is a stretch but believes his device may be practical for ski US dollars. The company’s website (https://snooc.ski) touts that
patrol and search and rescue use, and as an add-on ski resort the activity doesn’t demand any special infrastructure, is a low
experience similar to snowmobile tours. investment that provides an activity during periods of uncer-
Maidment and the company’s co-founder, Donna tain snowfall, and offers an alternative activity for a wide range
Paddon, would like to develop a power sport program for of skiers, including occasional skiers and non-skiers.
mountain resorts and tour operators to provide the oppor-
tunity for machine rentals. Paddon has been working with
Canadian resorts to develop the program and hopes to All these sliding devices are
bring the Skizee to US ski areas in the near future.
“We want to help the resorts create an additional experi- conduits for engaging new
ence for their guests off the mountain that would allow them
to rent out our equipment in the same manner they would parti cipants all over the moun­
conduct snowmobile tours,” she says. “This has the potential tains in winter . . . regardless of
to attract people to mountain resorts for a new opportunity.”
Which brings us to yet another new opportunity for age, fitness level, or skiing and
something fun to do on snow. Everyone loves snow sledding,
right? That’s the premise behind the SNOOC, a device that’s boarding proficiency.
popular in Europe and may soon gain traction in the US—
even if it’s just in the backcountry. Perfect for cross-country
skiers, snow-shoers, families with kids, and anyone else who That seems to be a huge selling point for all these
likes a fun ride down a snowy slope, the device combines sliding devices—the fact that they are conduits for engag-
elements of cross-country skiing with sledding. ing new participants all over the mountains in winter, giving
The SNOOC comprises a handful of lightweight parts, them something novel to try, and helping them have a
including bindings, so you can climb up the mountain and good time, regardless of age, fitness level, or skiing and
then make a few simple adjustments to transform the setup boarding proficiency. If the manufacturers and fans of these
into a sled-type, one-ski device with a telescopic handle for products have their way, these devices won’t be considered
control and a suspension seat for a fun ride back down the hill. alternative for long—just like the “renegade” snowboarders
A downhill version of the device retails for just under $700 in of yesteryear.

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