Editing Dry ski slope (section)

== Materials ==

=== Early materials ===

A variety of materials can be found on dry ski slopes.

Early efforts to mimic snow involved laying extruded [[plastic]] tiles with upward spikes in an attempt to provide grip. These were unpopular as they provided little grip and turning capability and the experience was similar to skiing across [[ice]].

However, in present day, many ski slopes (both indoor and outdoor) continue to use plastic, injection moulded tiles. Quality has improved and many dry ski slopes in the Netherlands use these tiles for training and championships.

=== Brush materials ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Dendix.jpg|thumb|Dendix mesh material]] -->

The next stage in dry ski slope development came with the brush industry. The most common material is Dendix<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.osborn.com/en-de/products/ski-mats.html |title=Dendix® - Ski Mats - Osborn |access-date=30 September 2019 |archive-date=30 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930225315/https://www.osborn.com/en-de/products/ski-mats.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> which is a by-product of brush manufacturing and is similar to a short-[[hair]]ed [[brush]] with the [[bristle]]s sticking upwards. Dendix is manufactured in [[Chepstow]], however it can be found on slopes throughout the world.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Western Mail |url=http://www.natives.co.uk/news/2002/1102/18mosc.htm |title=Dendix installing ski slope in Moscow |publisher=Natives.co.uk |date=18 November 2002 |access-date=10 May 2010 |archive-date=22 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922182337/http://www.natives.co.uk/news/2002/1102/18mosc.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is arranged in a [[hexagon]]al pattern of approximately {{convert|1|in|adj=on}} strips of bristles in a {{convert|4|in|adj=on|abbr=on}} hexagon. Although it was a significant advancement from previous surfaces, concern over damage to slope users (it provides little or no impact protection to a slope user when falling) and ski or [[snowboard]] damage due to friction meant litigation for slopes using it was a constant threat. Nowadays [[water]] is often sprayed onto the surface of the dendix to [[lubrication|lubricate]] it and increase speed; however, higher [[insurance]] premiums cause many slope operators to look for safer alternatives.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Shephard GJ, Saab M, Ali KH |title=Upper limb in injuries in dry ski slope skiing—a continuing problem |journal=Eur J Emerg Med |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=31–4 |date=March 2000 |pmid=10839376 |doi=10.1097/00063110-200003000-00006|s2cid=32265715 }}</ref>

Despite more recent materials, Dendix remains the most popular plastic slope material in use.

=== Recent materials ===
{{Promotional section|date=May 2025}}
[[File:Artificial ski slopes.JPG|thumb|left| Neveplast dry ski slope]]
The most recent development has seen a crop of materials providing both impact protection and slope lubrication as well as the ability to perform turns, erect jumps, rails and quarterpipes and provide a ride that is closer to the feel of real snow. [http://www.neveplast.it Neveplast] is one of these, a newer material whose use is becoming even more common. This new type of mat, which uses a concentric arrangement of conical stems, is marketed for downhill, snowboarding and cross country skiing. Neveplast claims to be certified as having the same coefficient of friction between the surface and the ski as snow,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neveplast.it/products/np30/| title=Neveplast NP30 product page |publisher=Neveplast Italia |access-date=18 April 2011}}</ref> allowing the skier a good side grip, with the same skis used on the snow, and without the need for water. The Neveplast cooling hole has a comparable diameter to the F.I.S. slalom pole standards used for training and competition in both slalom and giant slalom. Neveplast is also used for school camps. This surface is modular and flexible, used frequently also for Urban freestyle parks.

A further recent evolution is the Ecosnow product from the Italian company Newsnow [http://www.newsnowsrl.com] which, thanks to a mix resulting from research and development, guarantees great smoothness and the possibility of performing movements correctly, both for learning and for more expert skiers. Without neglecting environmental aspects, being a fully recyclable material and respectful of bio-ecological balances.

[[File:MRSNOW Speedski-Test-Tignes-2017-07 7.jpg|alt=Mr. Snow dry ski slopes on the Grande Motte glacier|thumb|Mr. Snow dry ski slopes on the Grande Motte glacier]]

A German provider that guarantees year round skiing is [http://mrsnow.de/ Mr. Snow]. The company does not only produce dry slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing but also provides [[Tubing (recreation)|tubing tracks]] and rental opportunities for events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mainzund.de/skifahren-bei-30-grad-aktion-im-binger-wald-noch-diese-woche/| title=Skiing while 30 degrees in the Bingen forest |publisher=Mainz& |access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> The material of Mr. Snow is claimed to have very good sliding capacities, is predictable in all climates and does not harm the ski or sliding surface. Mr. Snow works without the use of [[silicone]] which is not necessary to achieve good sliding characteristics. The snow carpet evidently has no negative environmental impact, so the mats can remain on the surface 365 days a year.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mr. Snow |url=http://mrsnow.de/allgemein/event-sommer-skiwoche-zum-200-geburtstag-rheinhessens/ |title=Ski school acitivies during a summer week with Mr. Snow modules |date=16 July 2016 |access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>
It is also possible to remove them very quickly if it is required.  Temporary using can be realized with the 20 sqm modules.

[[File:Snowflex.jpg|thumb|Snowflex|left]] 
Another very common mat is [[Snowflex]], manufactured near [[Huddersfield]], [[West Yorkshire]] in England by Briton Engineering Developments Limited. Others include Perma-snow by [[John Nike]] Leisure/ Techmat 2000, also in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and Astroride by NorCal Extreme Sports in the United States. [[Snowflex]] and Perma-snow are both white in colour, although the former has been produced in a darker green (such as in [[Kendal Ski Club]] in [[Cumbria]], England) to comply with planning requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/CIS/pdf/3616.pdf |title=Minutes of South Lakeland council meeting|access-date=10 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809121554/http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/CIS/pdf/3616.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Snowboard Club UK |url=http://www.snowboardclub.co.uk/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2182 |title=Discussion on synthetic surfaces |publisher=Snowboardclub.co.uk |access-date=10 May 2010}}</ref> There is no indication from NorCal Extreme Sports that AstroRide has been commercially tested to any great extent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astroride.com/news.asp |title=NorCal Extreme Sports news page |publisher=Astroride.com |access-date=10 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215010711/http://www.astroride.com/news.asp |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}</ref> 
[[File:Proslope surface.jpg|thumb|Proslope Artificial Snow Sports Matting.]]
The latest arrival is from UK company Proslope who produce a matting with variable filament lengths to emulate the gradual edge grip and release of snow. As with some other surfaces, the system is coloured white, is modular, and works both with and without a misting system.

[[File:JF dryski mat.jpg|thumb|left|Needle mushroom dry ski mat]]
A type of Enoki mushroom dry ski slope surface from China. Countless thin strips with round balls on the top, resembling a mushroom-like shape, make the surface of the run-in slopes of the Training Centre airbag<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.snow.org.au/news/jf-dry-ski-the-amazing-technology-behind-nstc-airbags/|title=News page from Snow Australia|access-date=30 Dec 2023 }} </ref> jumps differently from other dry slope surfaces in terms of sliding effect and safety. Its structure, friction, elasticity, safety protection, and simulation effect provide an ideal surface for airbag beginners and high-performance athletes. The surface allows the rider to either carve or skid to aid in speed control or line choice. It is possible to turn on the surface quite well, but the aim is to maintain a low edge angle and make small adjustments to create speed or set your line. This type of dry ski mat appeared for the first time at a FIS World Cup competition.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.fis-ski.com/en/freestyle-freeski/freeski/news-multimedia/news-multimedia/news/big-air-chur-world-cup-preview/|title=FIS BIG AIR 2023|access-date=30 Dec 2023 }} </ref>