{"id":442,"date":"2025-05-15T21:02:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/?p=442"},"modified":"2025-05-15T21:02:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:02:36","slug":"the-perfect-ice-inside-the-technology-of-bob-skeleton-and-luge-tracks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/the-perfect-ice-inside-the-technology-of-bob-skeleton-and-luge-tracks\/","title":{"rendered":"The Perfect Ice: Inside Slope Technology for Bobsleigh, Skeleton and Luge"},"content":{"rendered":"<script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"1033\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"1034\">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<\/script>\n<p>It's not just speed. It is not just courage. In the Olympic competitions of <strong>bobsledding, sledding and skeleton<\/strong>, every thousandth of a second can make a difference, and it all starts with an invisible but decisive element: <strong>the ice<\/strong>.<\/p><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"1037\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"726\">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<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind the breathtaking curves, the 80-plus mph straightaways and the tenths of a second that separate a medal from anonymity, there is technical work of absolute precision. A work of engineering, science and daily maintenance. But how do you prepare a bobsled track? Who takes care of it? And what technologies are being used today-especially in the U.S. and ahead of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics?<\/p><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"1033\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"985\">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<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A track made of steel and ice: how a toboggan sports track is created<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bobsled, skeleton and toboggan runs are impressive structures. They can exceed 1,500 meters in length, with slopes as steep as 15% and elevated curves to put roller coasters to shame. But their soul is not just architectural: it is thermal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>La <strong>basic structure<\/strong> is made of reinforced concrete, often covered with a surface of steel or insulating polymer. Above this surface, the <strong>ice cover<\/strong>, which must be <strong>uniform to the millimeter<\/strong>, with constant thickness and a temperature between the <strong>-7 and the -12\u00b0C<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The heart of the system: the cooling machines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern slopes are equipped with <strong>underground refrigeration systems<\/strong>, similar to ice skating rinks, but on a much larger scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ammonia or glycol pipes<\/strong> pass under the runway, cooling the surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The plant is operated by <strong>refrigeration plants<\/strong> working around the clock, with automated systems that adjust the temperature according to the outdoor climate and the type of race.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The whole thing is controlled by <strong>advanced software<\/strong> that monitor each section of the track: curves, straights, changes in slope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <strong>United States<\/strong>, tracks such as that of the <strong>Lake Placid Sliding Center<\/strong> or that of <strong>Park City, Utah<\/strong>, are equipped with the most advanced technologies, some developed in collaboration with NASA and thermal engineering companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The finish: handmade ice...with Olympic precision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the technical preparation, comes the most delicate work: the <strong>ice finishing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the \"<strong>ice makers<\/strong>\", skilled technicians who use steel blades, hand scrapers and pressurized water to smooth, adjust and perfect every inch of the track. In certain places, even <strong>an air bubble in the ice<\/strong> Can affect the sliding of toboggans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the competitions, this team works <strong>between descents<\/strong>, intervening with portable machinery to ensure a fair track for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is being used in the U.S.: innovation and sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>American trails are often <strong>cutting edge<\/strong> also from the environmental point of view:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Energy recovery systems<\/strong> To reuse the heat produced by the plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solar panels to power the controllers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ice treatments that use <strong>demineralized water<\/strong> For greater transparency and strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Artificial intelligence to adjust energy consumption based on weather forecast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These solutions are also already being implemented for Milan Cortina 2026, particularly on the runway of <strong>Cortina d'Ampezzo<\/strong>, which will be renovated with an eye to the <strong>energy sustainability<\/strong> and to the <strong>technical precision<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Curiosity: how much does it cost to maintain a track?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of maintaining an Olympic bobsled track can exceed <strong>the 500,000 euros per season<\/strong>, including electricity, skilled labor, facilities maintenance, and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is an expensive sport, but also a spectacular one. And thanks to increasingly advanced technologies, it is now possible to keep the slopes in perfect condition even in relatively high outside temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion: ice making a difference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In bobsledding and luge, the ice <strong>is not just surface<\/strong>: is speed, control, safety. Every curve is a work of engineering art, every straight a rectangle of absolute precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind that ice is a world that works quietly, night after night, to transform matter into adrenaline. A world made up of <strong>science, sweat and passion<\/strong>, ready to shine again in Milan Cortina 2026.<\/p>\n<div class=\"amc-dopo-il-contenuto\" id=\"amc-1540408693\"><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"1033\" data-bid=\"1\">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<\/script><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Non \u00e8 solo velocit\u00e0. Non \u00e8 solo coraggio. Nelle gare olimpiche di bob, slittino e skeleton, ogni millesimo di secondo pu\u00f2 fare la differenza, e tutto parte da un elemento invisibile ma decisivo: il ghiaccio. Dietro le curve mozzafiato, i rettilinei a oltre 130 km\/h e i decimi di secondo che separano una medaglia dall\u2019anonimato, [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dietro-le-quinte"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=442"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/442\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":443,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/442\/revisions\/443"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aspettandomilanocortina2026.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}