Skis, as you know, appeared almost at the same time as the wheel and since then have firmly established themselves in our lives - today almost every inhabitant of Russia has them. For many years, skiing has been one of the most popular in our country. Modern winter activities, whether skiing or snowboarding, thrive in major cities, however, they should not even compete with the popularity of cross-country skiing. We start skiing at the age of 7, or even earlier, and every winter our parks, squares, birch groves cross double parallel tracks. At Russian man winter is associated with skiing! In any provincial town of our country there are ski races, and ski tracks of Russia gather amateurs from all over the country. Almost every school, technical school, higher educational institution has its own mini-stadiums or ski tracks in the nearest forest, where cross-country skiing among students takes place in winter. Many enterprises with well-developed infrastructure also have sports facilities where competitions among employees are held.
However, most amateur skiers prefer walking in the wild and not only because the air is cleaner and the routes are more interesting. The fact is that the quality of the tracks of most domestic stadiums and "cultivated" skiing places is at an extremely low level. A strange situation is developing in our skiing, both in mass and professional: with a colossal number of skiers, with the highest level sports achievements in Russia, the number of special ski stadiums, well-prepared, constantly operating modern tracks for mass skiing is negligible.
It is obvious that here Russia has an ever-increasing serious lag behind the rest of the "ski" world: the vast majority of our slopes do not have the necessary infrastructure and necessary equipment and exist thanks to the enthusiasm of devotees, are serviced by "antediluvian" or homemade appliances, and this clearly does not correspond to the level of popularity of mass skiing and the growth of professionalism of the elite.
According to the requirements of international organizations, the width of a professional ski run should be at least 8-10 m, the surface should be flat, and the snow should be dense. On unprepared tracks, all these requirements are practically not met. What does this lead to? To "kilometer" traffic jams in marathon races, to the fact that even on the smallest climbs skiers break up a loose track, and it turns into a snowy mess, along which the skis begin to slip, to the fact that the track does not resemble a snowy, even canvas, but " washboard with ruts and bumps, to what hundreds of thousands of ski fans in our country see and ride on every year.
In addition, unprofessionally prepared tracks are a big cross on the ability to train world-class professional skiers, and precisely because we have very few prepared tracks, elite athletes from Russia are often forced to travel abroad for regular training simply because there are practically no full training opportunities. And the price of such trips is many tens of thousands of euros, which could remain on the "native" land.
At the same time, it should be recognized that the matter of arranging ski stadiums and tracks is not hopeless - there are already precedents for the creation of modern ski stadiums and special training centers, whose experience can be used to develop our favorite sport in Russia, in all its qualities - both to increase the mass character and to improve the quality of the training process for professionals.
By by and large, only two sports complexes can boast of being equipped in Russia - a ski center in Rybinsk and a biathlon complex in Khanty-Mansiysk. Only they have certified tracks and are accredited by FIS (International Ski Federation) and IBU (International Biathlon Union) and have the necessary equipment, which means that their organization corresponds to the international level, i.e. is competitive compared to the world's best ski centers.
For modern tracks it is necessary modern technology And modern look for its use. The first, most important and necessary equipment for the preparation of a modern ski track or a biathlon stadium is a snow compactor or, in common people, a snowcat. Many organizers of ski centers will ask: "Why do we need a snowcat? We have three Burans and they do an excellent job, and it's several times cheaper!" However, it should be recognized that it is impossible to prepare a modern ski track with any "Buran", and here's why.
The most significant advantages of a snowmobile over a snowmobile, such as "Buran":
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The presence of a cutter. This complex mechanism performs three main functions at once - it cuts off the dense snow crust formed from thousands of ski passes, mixes the snow to a homogeneous structure and smoothes the surface, cutting off the bumps and filling the depressions with snow. "Buran" can best case ONLY compact the existing snow surface, however, it cannot cut off snow mounds or level potholes. The articulated suspension of the snowcat cutter perfectly smoothes even the tracks with sharp drops vertically.
Weight. A snowcat, even the lightest one, has much more weight than a snowmobile, in addition, it is specially selected for the specific work of a snowcat, which means that it packs snow incomparably better. If "Buran" has to pass along the track several times a day, then after processing with a snowcat, the track retains "excellent shape" for three days, subject to numerous daily trainings, and if the ski track is not used too often, then all five days! In conditions heavy snow, a sharp change in temperature, a thaw, not a single "Buran" can cope with the amount of work that the snowcat is able to do quickly and efficiently.
Special mechanisms- ski-layers, which are attached to the rear of the snowcat and which extrude perfect shape and ski density. Ski shoes can be moved along the width of the cutter to change the distance between adjacent tracks, which is necessary, for example, to organize a mass start and finish. However, only Prinoth snowcats have such an opportunity.
"On a track treated by a snowcat, - shares his impressions Igor Tyrnov, the winner of the Russian Ski Marathons Cup in 2000, and in the 2001-2002 season, the second place winner at the European Ski Marathons, now the brand manager of ROSSIGNOL cross-country skis, - you can continue to walk in classic style even uphill with a slope of 13 degrees.On a good track, where the snow structure is uniform and the surface is dense, the skis do not cut into the snow and additional braking missing, the glide is better and the speed is correspondingly higher. If the track is good, the skier does not need to change his technique to adapt to it. I can tell you with absolute certainty that all the "top" skis of the world's leading manufacturers: Rossignol, Fischer, Madshus, Atomic are made precisely with the expectation of their use on professional tracks, on others they simply do not show their best qualities.
What is better to choose? The very first snow compactor in the world was produced by Prinoth (Italy, official website - www.prinoth.com) - this happened in 1962. The company was initially created only for the production of snow-compacting machines. Since then and to this day, Prinoth has been a leader in its industry and this happens for the following reasons:
Prinoth has the widest range of snow groomers: Husky, T4S, EVEREST Power, LEITWOLF, differing in power and ability to work with special attachments.
All Prinoth machines meet a high level of safety both for people working on the snowcat and for people outside the machine (automatic lifting and turning off the cutter when moving backwards, stopping the machine when trying to open the door while moving). Very important feature these machines have, designed for use on tracks with no artificial snow system: the depth of snow milling in these machines is monitored and set automatically from the cab, and not empirically, according to the operator.
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All Prinoth machines have ergonomic cabs, designed by renowned Italian agency Pininfarina. The driver's seat is equipped with anatomical Recaro seats. In addition, Prinoth machines have reduced vibration load on the cab compared to machines from other manufacturers due to the removal of the engine outside the cab, which allows the center of gravity of the machine to be located in the middle of its base and ensure high stability on a slope of any complexity.
Prinoth machines are serviceability champions. All of them have a convenient approach to the main units of machines, easy assembly and dismantling of units and assemblies if replacement is necessary.
Prinoth machines have the lowest operating costs.
Costs for Maintenance and the factory cost of spare parts is lower than other companies.
Prinoth snowcats have super tracks.
There is a warehouse of branded spare parts, and in case of detection of malfunctions during the warranty period and after the warranty period, service employees go to the facility to eliminate them within 2-3 days.
And now in more detail about the models of Prinoth snowcats themselves:
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Prinoth HUSKY machine with Mercedes-Benz engine (177 hp) Best use: maintenance of ski centers, transportation of passengers, for work in the summer season. The powerful engine makes it possible to quickly mill the snow surface with low power and fuel consumption. The hydraulic drive of the engine guarantees the highest reliability and makes it possible to move at increased speed when laying tracks. The "start plus" electromagnetic system of the snowcat disengages the engine and transmission and makes it easier to start the engine at low temperatures, which is very important for uninterrupted operation in the conditions of the Russian North. The operator is comfortable working on the Husky in any weather - the cabin is equipped with a powerful heating system. By the way, Husky machines operate in Svalbard and at polar stations in Antarctica, proving their reliability and adaptability to harsh polar conditions. The machine is controlled by a steering wheel, equipped with a panel with the controls necessary to start the engine, as well as adjust the depth of snow processing with a cutter and the work of ski layers. The driver's cab is spacious and perfectly soundproofed. The use of light alloys in the manufacture of the cabin makes it extremely durable, safe and light. The view is not obstructed work zone beautifully illuminated by four halogen lamps with parabolic reflectors. When working on slopes, the driver's safety is guaranteed by ROPS - cab rollover protection system. More details about the Husky car - http://www.gorimpex.ru/husky/.
Models Prinoth EVEREST Power (Mercedes-Benz engine(430 hp) and Prinoth LEITWOLF (MAN engine(435 hp) are mainly designed to work at major and responsible competitions - the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup stages, in severe weather conditions - heavy snow, a sharp thaw, as well as for working on the processing of routes for mass marathon races .
More details about the Prinoth EVEREST Power machine - http://www.gorimpex.ru/everest_power/.
More details about the car Prinoth Leitwolf - http://www.gorimpex.ru/leitwolf/
According to most experts, one or two snow groomers are enough for the daily maintenance of a ski stadium. Husky. To prepare complexes for mass competitions of a professional level, it is recommended to use at least two snow groomers - Husky And T4S. At the same time, all cars must have special attachments that allow you to prepare tracks in accordance with international requirements.
Where are Prinoth snowcats already used in Russia? What is the opinion of people about them?
In September 2001, a world-class biathlon complex was opened in Ufa on the banks of the Belaya River. The complex consists of a shooting range, a ski-roller track, a ski track and a comfortable residential complex. It was here that the last selection of Russian athletes for the Olympics in Salt Lake City took place. Most of the time of its existence, namely for 4 years now, the track has been processed using the HUSKY snowcat. The employees of the complex did not have to choose a model - the snowcat was presented, however, this wonderful gift does an excellent job with all necessary work track maintenance.
Sergey Fedulov, chief mechanical engineer of the biathlon complex, says: "Biathletes are very fond of a freshly processed track - as soon as you drive a few meters on a snowcat, a crowd of satisfied athletes is already rushing after you - after all, the skis glide perfectly, you don't need to make any special efforts!" According to Sergei, mastering the snowcat is not difficult - at the very first "lesson" Sergei Fedulov himself took up the control panel and ... confidently drove the complex machine. The Husky snow groomer easily copes with both flats and small slopes - this is the specificity of the complex.
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The sports and recreation complex "Melnichnaya" is somewhat older than the Ufimsky one - it was founded almost 8 years ago. There used to be a mill here (there are still remains of the dam). Later on the mountain "Melnichnaya, 2 km from the city of Verkhnyaya Salda (Sverdlovsk region) on the initiative CEO Tetyukhin Vladimir Valentinovich (academician, 74 years old, fond of skiing), a complex of the same name was built, now owned by the united corporation VSMPO-Avisma. Melnichnaya - a universal recreation area with certified tracks: ski-roller (2 km); walking track (5 km); 3 ski slopes (the longest 250 m). Melnichnaya is actively developing: by the new year, its own snowboard park will open, and by next summer, a mountain bike trail. The hotel is small, designed for 40 people, but expansion is planned. Initially, the Melnichnaya base was planned as a recreation area and sports ground for VSMPO-Avisma employees. Here, by the way, competitions between workshops are still regularly held. At present, the SOK is preparing for more serious competitions, such as the Ski Track of Russia, a competition for people with visual impairments. Families come to SOK on weekends. Before, when there was no snowcat, the tracks were processed by "Buran" with attached sleds. It took a lot of time, and cases of frostbite were very frequent.
"The impressions are positive, we have long dreamed of such a machine," the director for social and domestic issues"VSMPO-Avisma" Viktor Vasilyevich Odnokikh, when it came to the HUSKY snowcat. - Currently, the snowcat is in the development stage. The machine is simple, all control is based on hydraulics, the main thing is that it be heated. Operators are not used to it yet - only one front knife has 12 blade positions, plus "airplane" control of the machine! Technical specialists"Gorimpex" (the company - the official representative of Prinoth in Russia and the CIS countries) within two days trained the operators in the basics of management and provided the necessary documentation. We bought the car at the beginning of October, and a week later the operators drove out on their own for the first time."
Snow grooming machines production Italian company Prinoth proved their prowess at the last Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006. It is clear that at such competitions as the Olympics, there are no, and cannot be, questions about the quality of the preparation of the tracks - and it doesn’t matter what the weather is like at this time: snow, thaw, wind, rain ... the organizers need to hold the Olympics at the highest level - and dot! And the Prinoth snow groomers coped with their task perfectly: 40 Prinoth machines + 23 permanent high-qualified drivers seconded by the company itself worked on the biathlon and Olympic ski slopes. And now remember - what was the weather like at the Olympic ski slopes Oh? A cyclone hit the competition venue, bringing with it wind and wet snow. The weather was thrown from one extreme to another: rain, frost of 3-5 degrees, dry snow, high humidity ... The bad weather subsided only when the Olympic Games came to an end. In conclusion of the story about the "Olympic" epic of Prinoth, it is worth saying that it was the impeccable work of these snowcats that allowed twelve hours-long competitions and trainings to take place for nine days in a row, in which hundreds of athletes participated daily, and the whole world watched the races! And the Prinoth snow groomers did not disappoint: all the ski slopes of the Olympics were hard, dense and wide.
Snow groomers, or as they are often called snow groomers, are special caterpillar vehicles that are able to move along slopes with a serious slope, while processing the snow cover, preparing the track for skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing.
The name "ratrak" comes from trademark"Ratrac", under which the first special vehicles from the American firms LMC and Thiokol were imported in the 60s. As it often happens, the brand name has actually become a household name - and everywhere such equipment is called "snow groomers" regardless of the manufacturer.
Our company is official representative in Russia and the CIS, the manufacturer of snow groomers - PRINOTH. We sell, carry out maintenance and warranty service of snow groomers.
RATRACK - THE #1 NEED FOR A RESORT
Today, snow grooming equipment is the number one need for any ski resort. In Russia, there is a practice - when skating is generally carried out without cable car, and people are moved precisely on a snowcat. This can be found everywhere in Sheregesh, in the Caucasus, as well as in the Murmansk region. Even resorts with very small slides and small slopes need daily preparation of the route for skiers.
Snow groomers are used to build freestyle fan parks, cross-country skiing and biathlon tracks.
Only a well-trained person should operate the snow groomer. Unlike a conventional bulldozer, the snowcat is fully computerized and equipped with big amount electronics. All information about the operation of the machine and its components, as well as characteristics and current indicators are displayed on the display in the operator's cab. The snowcat is controlled by a steering wheel and a joystick. In many ways, the quality of a built freestyle park or a prepared track depends on the skill of the driver.
Our 24/7 customer support is the key to a quick solution to your resort furnishing needs.
Which is able to move around mountainous terrain, climbing slopes with a sufficiently large angle of inclination (more than 20 degrees). The main purpose of snow groomers is to deliver people or goods to the top of the mountain. For this, the car is equipped with special cargo platforms or passenger cabins. The name "snowcat" was given to the technique by analogy with the first such machines, which were produced by the American companies Thiokol and LMC. The tractor was called "Ratrac" and was very popular in Europe in the 60s of the last century. In the 1990s, the last letter was replaced in the name and the technique was called "Ratrak".
Operation of snowcats
The snowcat is the most common technique used to prepare ski slopes, as it allows you to evenly compact the snow cover on the mountainside. With this technique, both natural and artificial snow produced by snow guns are leveled. It is rather problematic to do without snowcats on the ski slope, due to the fact that as a result of the operation of snow cannons, rather high snow piles are formed on the slopes, which must be evenly distributed over the mountain.
Although freshly fallen natural snow also causes a lot of problems for the track workers - if it is not compacted in time, then after a few hours of active descents, skiers turn the track into a bumpy space, which makes it difficult to move. Compacted snow, which is a smooth surface, "serves" much longer and allows you to actively exploit the ski slopes.
Ratraks are also used to build jumps and pipes, which snowboarders love so much. As a rule, during the operation of snow groomers, ski slopes are buried, since an accidental collision of riders with this technique can lead to sad consequences. To move along the mountain slopes, the snowcat is equipped with wide (more than 1 m) caterpillars with special lugs. It is special tracks that provide good stability cars on steep slopes and allow you to exert strong pressure on the snow cover.
Characteristics of snowcats
The equipment is excellent for operation even in harsh winter weather. For raking snow, the equipment is equipped with a bucket, and for compacting the snow cover, a cutter with projections is put on the bracket located at the rear of the machine. As a result of the work of this three-meter cylinder, the structure of the packed snow becomes ribbed, which greatly enhances the sliding of riders.
Additionally, it is possible to crush snow due to the installed rubber fins, which at the same time performs the function of protecting the cutter. For the production of snowcats, lightweight materials are used. Manufacturers take care of the insulation of the cabin, which offers a panoramic view. Some models of snowcats are equipped with special ski layers - these devices allow you to create an ideal track and adjust the distance between adjacent ski tracks.
The leading position in the market of snow-compacting equipment belongs to the Italian company Prinoth, which released its first snowcat model back in 1962. Huge variety models differing in power and additional equipment, gave this company worldwide recognition and the status of a leading manufacturer. Ergonomic design, high level of safety, low costs for operation - these undeniable advantages attract a huge number of users around the world, including in Russia.
A frequently encountered brand of snow groomers in Russia is Kassbohrer. The machines of each company have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is necessary to choose a specific model taking into account further operating conditions. Some snowcats can be used in summer time, for example, for creating mountain bike trails, leveling tennis and football fields. Recently, there are more and more lovers to conquer the untouched natural space. For the so-called freerider tours, snow groomers equipped with passenger cabins (with a capacity of up to 16 people) are used.
Few of us know that technical equipment modern ski resorts, as well as stadiums ski types sports in without fail a machine called a snowcat should enter. This technical means is nothing more than a snow compactor that moves with the help of caterpillars.
To make it clearer to the reader, the snowcat is an adapted model of a bulldozer designed to work in harsh winter conditions. Such a tractor is able to move on mountain slopes, which have a rather steep angle of inclination.
The main purpose of such a snow packer is the preparation of ski slopes, the formation of ski slopes and the performance of rescue operations in the event of emergencies in the mountains. Also, such a mountain tractor is a very convenient means for transporting people, in which it is equipped separately. passenger cabin, and a reliable mechanism for the transport of goods.
Its name - "snowcat" - the car received from the name of the first model of this mechanical means, which were sold in Europe back in the distant 60s. From the very beginning, the main manufacturers of the unit were the American firms Thiokol and LMC, which sold them under the Ratrac trademark. Since then, this car has acquired its name, which is still used today.
To date, the brands for the production of snow groomers are such famous engineering companies as Prinoth (Italy), Bombardier (Canada), Kässbohrer (Germany). All these firms are engaged in the production of snowcats, which are sold on the market for the sale special equipment under the brand name PistenBully, and in America this type of snow compacting machine is marketed under the name snow cat.
It is almost impossible to get by on the ski slopes without a snow-compacting tractor. The cannons that pour snow onto future slopes and ski runs create large enough snowdrifts that need to be evenly distributed and compacted.
Technical Parameters of Snowgroomer
Ratraks have a wide range of models from different manufacturing companies. In Russia, snowcats are widely used at ski resorts and on sports ski slopes. Japanese company OHARA, which is great for building ski jumps and lifelines for snowboarders.
The lineup OHARA includes the following series of snow groomers - DF 330, DF 357 and DF 430, they have very high reliability in operation, great power and quality performance technological process. Snowmobiles from Japanese manufacturer have technical specifications that distinguish them from other brands of snow grooming equipment. Such design characteristics allow OHARA to perform a whole range of tasks for the formation of ski slopes, both of a simple degree of complexity, and complex ones with a steep ascent angle.
The snow groomer from the Japanese manufacturer OHARA for raking snow mass is equipped with a special bucket, which is located in front of it. To carry out sealing work, the snowcat of this model in its rear part has a milling mechanism with protruding elements, designed on a metal bracket.
To perform the function of additional compaction of the snow mass, the snow-compacting tractor of this brand has a special rubber flipper in its design. This device is also a protective shield for the milling mechanism.
The OHARA tractor has a very spacious and warm cab, from which you can enjoy watching the beauties of the natural landscape. And most importantly, because of this view of the cab, the driver has a complete overview of the area where the work is being done.
It is worth noting that the Japanese snowcat can, according to its technical feasibility, be equipped with special device, with the help of which an ideal ski track is arranged. Such an additional mechanical element is called a ski-layer, with the help of which the distance to neighboring ski slopes is also adjusted.
The OHARA Tractor is built from a very lightweight yet durable material to easily move up and down steep mountain slopes. For high stability and high maneuverability of movement when performing work of varying complexity snowcat Japanese brand equipped wide tracks, which in their design have lugs. It is thanks to these mechanisms that the OHARA tractor is able to provide great pressure on snow cover, as well as to have a stable condition on very steep slopes.
This Japanese mountain tractor is also a great tool for setting up bike trails in the summer. Such technical possibility once again confirms its versatility.
Perhaps this question was asked by every beginner who first came to a ski resort. How does this happen and why is all this necessary? It would seem that there is a mountain, there is snow, what else do you need? Many years ago, I asked myself exactly the same questions. But today the situation is much better. Thanks to a trip to Himos ski resort and an amazing opportunity to experience the cuisine of the ski slopes directly from the inside.
2. A ski resort is not just a mountain and tracks laid on it. This is a real living organism that lives its own life, with its own special biorhythms. During the day, snow-white slopes meet visitors who catch the wind, rushing from top to bottom over a dense snow cushion, at night the resort is empty, but does not fall asleep. Just at night there is a lot of work, hidden from prying eyes. As soon as the lifts stop, they come into action special machines- snowcats, which, like tireless scarab beetles, plow the snow cover. Why do they do this and how, Anatoly will tell us - a pleasant young man who has been working on the slopes of Himos for several years.
Anatoly moved to live in Finland 14 years ago with his parents. For the past few years, he has been working as a machinist for a unique powerful machine, in which I managed to ride with him and watch him work.
3. Ratrak is a special snow compactor, somewhat similar to a construction bulldozer, but structurally it is a completely different device. It is specially designed to work in difficult conditions associated with work on steep slopes covered with snow and ice. To ensure maximum grip on the slope, the snowcat moves on wide tracks like a swamp, made of dense reinforced rubber bands and metal strips with sharp teeth that can bite even into bare ice. In order to avoid overturning, all significant parts of the snowcat are underestimated, including the engine, which is located between the tracks under the cab. The cabin itself is made of light-alloy metals. In addition to the cab, only hydraulic winches rise above the tracks. All this made it possible to lower the center of gravity of the machine as much as possible, thanks to which the snowcat in combination with enhanced grip is able to work on slopes up to 50 degrees!
- And what if it is even steeper, for example, black slopes? - I have a reasonable question.
- For this we have a winch. We cling and go - Anatoly answers.
- Yes, where to cling to? What about trees?
Well, we have our own secrets. Anatoly smiles cunningly. - Here we have a whole system of hooks hidden under the snow. Everywhere there is an opportunity to catch on.
4. In the meantime, the car begins to crawl into a steep climb, along which I literally flew skiing during the day. From the cabin, the sensations are such that it seems we are climbing almost a sheer wall. I involuntarily grab the handle. But Anatoly is calm and only smiles at my fuss. Still would! His whole shift consists only of such steep climbs, and then no less extreme descents. Working on a snowcat is, in a sense, like working on a lawn mower, only huge. In the same way, strip after strip, it is necessary to put the coating in order. During the day of skiing, the snow breaks up and is literally pulled down by skis down to the foot, exposing the slope. If nothing is done, then in a couple of intensive days the slope will become unusable. Skiers will finally roll the snow to holes. To prevent this from happening, snow groomers work. The principle of its work is the following. The standard configuration of the snowcat is a blade in front and a cutter in the back. Moving up the slope, the snowcat collects with a crash blade, thus pulling up the slipped snow and at the same time passing it under itself. Then the collected snow falls under the cutter, which, thanks to a system of many cutters, reminiscent of an agricultural cultivator, crushes it into a homogeneous slurry, which is transferred under the finisher. The finisher is a multi-section compactor, which forms a slope from the resulting snow mass, cutting characteristic grooves in it - the same velveteen. As a result of such work, the slope is covered with a snow cover ideal for skiing.
5. But not only this is useful snowcat. These multifunctional machines do almost all the work on the slope. Another important task of them is the leveling of snow masses obtained as a result of the operation of the snowmaking system - snow guns. As you know, they work only pointwise and after several hours of work a snow hill forms next to them, which must be spread over the surface of the slope.
So beloved by snowboarders, kickers and halfpipes, freestyle tracks are also the work of a snowcat. It is he who, with his dumps, forms a special profile of the slope. True, to create a semicircular halfpipe profile, one blade is no longer enough. To do this, use special nozzles that resemble a huge crab paw.
And what, Anatoly, - I do not let up with questions, - how much do they pay for your work?
The boy smiles.
- Well, - he says, - of course you won’t become a millionaire, but it’s quite enough for a comfortable life.
According to him, he works in Himos only during the season. The money earned is more than enough to do nothing during the warm season and live for your own pleasure.
- Do you have to work a lot during the season? - I ask again.
- Enough work. It all depends on the weather and the condition of the slopes. Sometimes we manage for four hours, and there are days when we have to work in shifts for almost a day. This usually happens at the beginning of the season when the snow cannons are active.
- Are there many cars per shift?
- We have five snowcats here. All work.
6. For conversations, imperceptibly for me, we rise to the very top, from where Himos is visible at a glance. The time is getting late. The night is already completely black, only the dim lights of the street lights are visible. Finns don't like wasting their money on lighting. I take a picture for memory and we go down.
7. I wish good luck to Anatoly in his work, and he wished me to come to them again. I awkwardly jump out of the cab into the snow. There are no steps on the snowcat. They are the caterpillars themselves, the wide plates of which are quite suitable as steps. I wave goodbye and Anatolia's snowcat hides in the distance so that by morning all the slopes of Himos will be in perfect condition.
