The Alpine Slide

Technical Description

The ROLBA RUN Alpine Slide was developed by the MANNESMANN DEMAG AG in 1974 and has been up to today one of the best selling slide system with 125,000 running meters, erected in 4 continents. This system was especially developed for ski areas and ski resorts, to be used in combination with T-bar Lifts and Chair Lifts. The reasons are the low weight of the sleds as well as the snow and ice resistance of all materials.

Description of Structure

The pre-shaped parts are produced from reinforced fiberglass (special laminated compound elements), and have an average length of 3.0 m and a thickness of 6 mm. Shock, heat and frost proofed they are especially designed for ski-areas with high snow pressure during winter time. They can be easily erected and handled even by customer's non-trained help. This means: very easy disassembly of sections for skiing purposes. (Not possible on welded steel slides)

Due to the availability of a great number of differing pre-shaped parts, the track may be adapted to all characteristics of the site on which it is built resulting in attractive, sporty curves. In addition to straight pieces, flat curves and steep curves (with extreme height) with radii from 10.0 m and 12.5 m are available. With the help of concave and convex hill-and-valley curves, step-type jumps (acceleration sections) may be planned.

The computer-designed hollow cross-section of the chute is shaped in such a manner that the glider is forced into the bottom of the hollow, taking into account the amplitude of vibrations in and following the curves. This feature makes the track accident-proof to a great degree, if the intended type of sledding behavior is kept to. The track complies with European safety standards, and has been tested and approved by the German Technician Überwachungsverein (TÜV, Technical Supervision Association).

The pre-shaped parts are bolted to a steel sub-construction whose core is a steel rail construction that is anchored to the ground using earth nails. This means that expensive conventional foundations may be dispensed with. The height of the supporting steel construction is adjustable, so that re-adjustments are possible. We refer to the drawings and views of the pre-shaped parts and the steel construction in the enclosure.

Description of Sleds

The sled's chassis is made from a special PE-plastic material which is shock resistant for a long time, as well as being elastic, to take up all loads and to transfer them to the surface of the elements. With a control handle the user is able to control and to regulate his speed on his personal wishes. Pushing the stick forward he can raise his speed up to 35 km/h. Tearing it back brake pads are pressed to the surface to stop the sled within short distance.

In general we are offering 2 different types of slides, one with a 20% slope, another with a 10% slope. The final choose of type depends of the slope of the hillside which should be between 12% and 30%.

Type of slide Inclination hill side Inclination slide Type of sled

Type 1 22 - 40 % 20 % 2-wheels-sled

Type 2 12 - 30 % 10 % 4-wheels-sled

Treatment of the Trackway

Following the installation, it is recommended that the trackway have a bed of sand placed beneath it and that mounds be put up on both sides of it. A grass strip at each side is essential to prevent the entry of sand into the trackway. In all cases, the entry of sand into the trackway must also be prevented in the starting section, since this greatly increases the wear on the pre-shaped parts and the gliders.

Technical Procedure

Following the placement of the order, an inspection on foot of the part of the mountain intended for the construction of the trackway will be carried out by a technician from ERBSCHLOE together with the contractor/person placing the orders. In the course of this, the intended course of the stretch will be marked out. The contractor is to produce a contour plan of this sector if such plans do not yet exist. Using this as a basis, the course of the trackway will be represented as a drawing. Following approval by the contractor, the contractor is to give orders for the layout of the line to be staked out by a suitable technician.

Using this stake layout, together with the required information as to heights, the contractor is to prepare the line to have an even slope of 10 %, and a slope width of approx. 3.0 m. Should the substructure of the ground contain clay or possess a similar consistency that is impenetrable to water, it will be necessary to install drainage or water-removal facilities in the area of the line of the trackway. After the trackway line and re-measurement have been finished, the installation work may begin.

A crane or forklift with extra-long forks will be required to unload the palettes with the pre-shaped parts. The weight of each palette will be approximately 1.2 tons. For the installation of these, a vehicle with cross-country capability should be available, preferably with loading equipment. As a further point, connections to a power source and sufficient cable material will be essential. If there are no technical difficulties, an experienced team of 4 - 6 fitters will be able to lay approximately 50 - 60 running meters of trackway daily.

To compare different slide systems it is necessary to calculate turnkey prices including complete delivery as well as planning charges, costs of erection and transport charges. For the Far East we are offering a turn key project excluding 4 fitters only (from customers side) and travel charges for our supervisors. On this basis the total time of erection work will be 3 - 4 weeks from arrival on the site.

Advantages of Alpine Slide system

• Very high impact strength of compound elements especially against snow pressure.

• Heat and frost resistant compound elements, hardened by Aluminum

• No effect of heat during sun shine (heating up to 80° Cels. on steel elements)

• Very simple erection work of elements even by customer's fitters

• Easy disassembly of elements to use parts of slope for skiing.

• No welding of steel elements on the site of track way works;

• Low weight (8,5 kgs) of ROLBA RUN sleds especially designed for use on chair lifts.
• Any color for slide elements at customer's disposal;

• Colorful sleds just to catch children's eyes and minds;

• In total: proofed system, tested in 22 years on 125.000 running meters of slides all around the world.