INTRODUCTION: Minimising ski-snow friction is essential for optimising performance in winter sports, especially under cold conditions, where resistive forces can significantly affect race outcomes. This study investigates how macro- and micro-scale parameters influence ski friction, offering new insights into ski design. METHODS: We utilised an RTK-GNSS-equipped sled to quantify the coefficient of friction (COF) across eight ski pairs [1], each with varying contact mechanical properties. Testing was conducted under controlled snow conditions at three temperatures: -3°C, -8.5°C, and -13°C. Multi-scale characterisation of the skis was conducted using advanced numerical simulations [2], and we focussed primarily on the relationship between the COF and the apparent contact length. This is on par with the length ski technicians would typically use a 0.05 mm feeler gauge to find [3]. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The results indicate that the apparent contact length is a significant factor in determining friction, particularly in colder temperatures. After excluding the ski pair considered an outlier (marked in black), the COF vs apparent contact length relationships, for each temperature condition, were approximated using least-square fits. The dashed red, blue and cyan-coloured lines indicate that longer contact lengths are more effective at the coldest condition, -13°C, while shorter lengths reduce friction at the conditions with higher temperatures, -8.5°C and -3°C. CONCLUSION: The present analysis highlights how temperature influences ski-snow friction, offering insights for optimising ski performance and provides practical guidelines for optimising ski performance in different environmental conditions. Future work should explore more conditions to validate the applicability of the findings.
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