How to Build a Natural Luge Track
The natural luge track is the venue where many amateur lugers are introduced to the sport. Nature luge tracks are built with ice and snow by dedicated luge enthusiasts who want to teach the sport to kids in their community. Before you build a natural luge track, you need to know the amount of work that goes into maintaining the track. Read on to learn more.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Topographical map
- Wooden stakes
- Colored string
- Shovel
- Compactor
- Winter sled
- Vehicle with snow plow
Instructions
-
Establish a Natural Luge Track
-
1
Plow excess snow from the construction area for your nature luge track. Leave a difference of at least 6 inches between the surrounding snow and your potential track. You should keep the resulting piles near your track as a source of packing snow while completing your natural track.
-
2
Outline your luge track path with wooden stakes and durable string while you build the track. You should measure out a path with a maximum length of 1 mile from the beginning point through the finish line.
-
-
3
Measure the amount of downward gradation that your luge track uses as you build each section. Traditional guidelines require no more than 2 degrees of decline per 150 feet of track, because greater angles would be dangerous for lugers. A good method for measuring gradation is consulting a topographical map for heights above sea level for both ends of your track.
-
4
Pack down the snow on your natural luge track to create a thick, uniform surface. Begin packing the snow by dragging the bucket on a backhoe across the track to smooth out the surface. Use a hand compactor or a motorized roller to avoid cracks and weaknesses in the track surface.
-
5
Clear off excess snow along the edge of the track with a shovel. After packing down the foundation layer of snow, there will be small snow piles along both sides of the track that need to be cleaned off.
-
6
Test each section of your track before applying the top layer of ice. You can test track speed by sliding a winter sled and checking for uneven spots or sideward drifts.
-
7
Gather your friends, family and staff together to apply water along the luge track. You should utilize water hoses at the top of every straightaway and the beginning of each curve to ensure even application.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid the use of artificial curvature and barriers when you build a natural luge track. Plastic walls, concrete corners and other man made devices are prohibited in professional natural luging around the world. The challenge of creating an all-natural track comes in modifying natural elements to challenge lugers.
