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Institute of Snow Research
TRACS®
The Testing, Research, and Analysis Center for Snowmobiles
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Snowmobile Safety |
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One of TRACS' efforts is to keep snowmobiling, off-road mobility, and
personal watercraft use, a safe and exciting part of outdoor recreation.
Safety issues involve traffic studies, vehicle design, and operator safety.
TRACS' areas of safety research include: Vehicle Handling, Operator
Education, Trail Layout, Signing, Law Enforcement, and Trail Grooming.
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Snowmobile Design |
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Utilizing finite element and dynamic systems models, as well as field
testing using on-board data acquisition, the TRACS Team can upgrade
and problem-solve in all areas of snowmobile, ATV, an personal
watercraft transportation. The TRACS Team members have extensive
experience in Component Design, Vehicle Systems Design and Modelling,
Noise and Vibration Reduction, Mobility, and Snow Mechanics.
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Trail Design |
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TRACS considers proper trail design and route layout essential to safety
and tourism. Improper sight distances, corners, signing, etc., affect not
only operator safety, but are essential to the return of travellers.
TRACS' efforts include Trail Layout Studies, Route Planning - Rural and
Urban, and Directional/Informational Signing.
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Environmental |
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Vehicle Involved Sports must maintain a low impact on the environment
in order to insure the continued growth of this type of recreation.
Numerous aspects of this environmental awareness in need of study
with TRACS' expertise include Noise Reduction, Emissions, Wildlife,
Erosion, and Pavement Wear.
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Tourism |
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Snowmobiling has significantly affected tourism in rural areas during the
winter months. Taking advantage of the influx of snowmobilers can
bolster winter economies. Snowmobile Tourism can be optimized
through the following TRACS snowmobile specialites: Economic Studies,
Advertising, Urban Traffic Routing, and Impact on Local Residents.
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