Natural Track Luge
Natural luge is visual, spectacular, and tension filled.
The modern natural luge track resembles a switch back mountain road covered in ice with none of the high banking corners that you see in bobsled or artificial track luge. Today's high performance natural luge tracks conform to strict international standards. They are configured with an average of15 curves and normally have lengths of 1000 to 1200 metres. The dimensions and configuration are defined so as to provide a challenging run within a reasonable safety margin for the athlete.
The sled is flexible and directed down the course only by the skill of the athlete in applying pressure to the runners on the bottom of the sled and a rein to provide added steering control. The runners have sharp blades to carve the ice, similar to a hockey skate, providing for a fast and exciting run down the track where advanced sliders may achieve speeds of up to 100 kms/hour. Sliders have spikes on their racing shoes to allow them to brake into a corner and after they cross the finish line.
Using the start handles the athlete thrusts themselves onto the track and aims to find the fastest line on the ice through the straights and curves of the winding downhill course. For onlookers and spectators luge athletes provide a unique and incredible display of skill, strength and speed.
The Track
A world-class luge facility located at Nitehawk Ski Area the Canadian Tire Track will be a new attraction for the ski area and an exciting new winter recreational option for Peace Region youth. An internationally certified track designed to host events such as the 2007 Natural Track Luge World Championships, the Canadian Tire Track will bring international luge action to the Peace Country. In preparation for the 2007 World Championships, Grande Prairie will be hosting two World Cup Natural Luge races this February which are expected to bring from 70 to 90 of the best international athletes and coaches to northern Alberta for exciting luge action.
The Peace Country Luge Association
….Putting the Peace Region on the World’s Stage
through the Sport of Natural Luge….
Peace Country Luge Association capitalizes on a willing community with inspired partners and sponsors to promote the sport of natural luge. We add value through facility development, by staging outstanding events & competitions and by creating unforgettable winter memories for all who participate. Our standards and reputation are second to none and others seek to emulate our successes.
Working with and through the community, the Peace Country Luge Association has built a natural luge track to host regional, national and international competitions that will generate countless tourism and economic spin-offs for the region. We will take pride in the quality and sustainability of this facility and our ability to grow this sport by providing access to this unique winter activity for everyone.
