Looking for a different adrenaline-pumping activity for this year’s winter vacation? Look no further than the Snow Cycle, a bicycle-like contraption that you can slide down steep slopes with.
Designed in Oberndorf, Austria, this is supposedly the same equipment that was used to set the longest vertical drop recorded by the Guinness World Records. In case you’re wondering, it was 107,400 feet, accomplished in 11 hours at a top speed of 66 mph. Pffft…I’m sure you can do better, right? Riiiight?
The Snow Cycle is billed as the latest variant of the “sit-ski” — you know, skiing while sitting down. Bicycle-like frame is made out of powder-coated steel, attached to a pair of inline skis in place of wheels. The front ski is controlled through an adjustable t-bar steering column, with spring suspension assists to help you make easier turns, while the rear ski stays on course through a connection with the fork stem.
Seat is a bike-style padded saddle, which they fitted with leaf spring cushions to dampen the blow when you hit rocks (or mountain elves). You also get a pair of 22 x 3.25 inch skis (so you can put your feet on the ground) that are designed to wear with either alpine ski boots or snowboarding boots.
Measurements are 48 x 24 x 30.5 inches, so the Snow Cycle is not exactly something you can throw in a small bag. Still, if you’re looking for something different this year, the thing looks like a fun ride. You can get one from Hammacher Schlemmer, priced at $1,950.