Ötzi

5800 years of evolution

Ötzi snowshoes incorporate the latest technologies to improve one of the least changed products in 5800 years of history. Going back to its roots, using fewer parts and taking advantage of the material properties and its geometry to improve its behaviour and performance.

MATERIAL

An asymmetric shape that imitates our feet provides a more natural way of walking and prevents the snowshoe heels from colliding.

INTEGRATED ASYMMETRY

MAXIMIZED SURFACE AT THE NOSE

40°

180°

MAXIMUM TAIL SEPARATION

These holes redistribute the frame top surface, providing greater rigidity to the snowshoe and creating grip surfaces with snow.

15°

30°

22°

225°

Boot binding

Heel Raiser

Riveted Threats

M5 Allen Screw

Cross-Pivot

Hinge

Frame

Crampon

Specifications

Key features:

LIGHTWEIGHT. The shape, the materials and the reduction of parts; all contribute to minimize the weight of the snowshoes making them more comfortable for long excursions.

ASYMMETRIC. The asymmetric imitates the shape of our feet, giving us more separation between the heels.

GRIP. The shape of the holes and its arrow-like disposition, plus the Stainless-Steel front crampon and its Cross-Pivot system provides maximum grip in all circumstances. even Walking across a steep slope.

NATURAL WALK. The TPU front hinge mechanism provides excellent mobility for our feet and allows it to pivot in all directions while walking across different kind of terrains. And the cross pivot that connects the crampon to the hinge, can pivot, maintaining the crampon always in contact with the snow.

DESIGN. The combination of technology, ergonomics, and design; give these snowshoes an astonishing look.

270 mm

679 mm

30 mm

85 mm

43 mm

Download data sheet

Design

Engineering

Ötzi snowshoes incorporate a very innovative system of adaptation to the terrain that allows a more natural walk. Giving a sensation never felt before with snowshoes.

This mechanism allows us to have the foot in a horizontal plane while walking through a slope, at the same time the crampon attached to the tip of our foot remains parallel with the plane of the slope. This allows the crampon to work well digging into the snow and providing maximum grip in any situation.

This system is made up of 3 parts that complement each other to achieve the desired behaviour of the snowshoe. Each of these parts has been thought designed and tested using 3d modelling and simulation software to ensure its proper functioning in any condition.

Cross-Pivot

Based on the Cross-Pivot Systems, this compliant mechanism allows the crampon to pivot, and adapt to the surface no matter what the position of the foot is on.

This mechanism was designed and validated using Creo Parametric and Inspire. A 15º pivoting angle while applying 800N of force in one edge of the crampon was achieved with the latest design and simulation. While maintaining low accumulated stress, having a Safety Factor of 1,8.

Engineering

Design

This part is made out of ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A which is a Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) specifically made to be 3D printed with the Multi Jet Fusion technology. This material is made for applications that require elasticity, increased elongation at break, resistance to abrasion and compression. Due to the shape of this part, and additive fabrications process is going go be the best at achieving the desired result.

Properties of TPU include:

High abrasion resistance.
Low-temperature performance.
High shear strength.
High elasticity.
Oil and grease resistance.

+3°

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-0°

-3°

Hinge

This part works as an axis of rotation for the foot on the snowshoe and allows an oscillating movement of the foot with the heel without restrictions, so that our feet can move in a natural way while walking. This makes the snowshoe slide on the ground and there is no need to lift the full weight of the snowshoe as we walk.

This mechanism was designed and validated using Creo Parametric and Inspire. A 30º pivoting angle while applying 800N of force on one edge of the crampon was achieved with the latest design and simulation. While maintaining low accumulated stress, having a Safety Factor of 2.

This part is also going to be made from TPU but in this case its going to be injected. The shape of the Hinge is specifically designed do it can be produced by injection moulding, as seen on the picture.

The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) provides many physical and chemical property combinations for the most demanding applications and it’s going to bring to this mechanism a series of properties such as:

Excellent tensile strength.
High elongation at break.
Good load bearing capacity.
Comfort and abrasion resistance.
UV and weather resistance.

Frame

The frame is the main part of the snowshoe. Its asymmetric design allows a more natural walk without loosing any contact surface. The tail holes are not made to reduce weight, what they do is redistribute the surface by providing greater rigidity to the snowshoe and creating grip surfaces with snow.

The simulations software has been used to decide the position and dimensions of the ribs that bring rigidity to the frame. With the appropriate ribs the frame is rigid enough to support a 100Kg person with very low Von Misses stress accumulated in the critical parts. The SF for the frame in a three-point simulation is more than 3.

The frame is made from Polypropylene (PP) which is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of propylene monomers. It is used in a variety of industries such as the automotive due to its interesting properties. These properties make de PP the best choice for the Ötzi snowshoes frame.

Polypropylene:

High stress crack resistance and low temperature toughness
High processability
Good impact resistance
High toughness
Water-repellent
High Fatigue Resistance

The shape of the Frame is specifically designed so it can be produced by injection moulding, as seen on the picture.

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-0°

-3°

Unions

The frame and the hinge is assembled using a structural adhesive. Taking one step further the reduction of parts involved, simplifying the assembly process and giving it a cleaner look.

Structural Adhesive Benefits

Elimination or significant reduction of costly mechanical fastening methods
Improved aesthetics compared to mechanical fasteners
Fast processing speeds
Reduction in labour costs
Filling of large gaps between parts

The Macroplast UK 1366 B10 is a is a 2-part, multi-purpose, sag-resistant polyurethane adhesive with and outstanding adhesion to metals and plastics. This product has some elasticity that provides a very good shock absorption making it high impact resistant. Its working temperature offers a very large range; between -40 to +100 ºC. That will provide optimal performance in the most extreme weather conditions.

The other parts of the mechanism are assembled using M5 Allen screws, screwed into riveted threats previously put into the holes applying pressure. This kind of union is going to allow the user to change de crampon, the cross-pivot mechanism or the shoe binding system in case of breakage.

Ötzi ID

Ötzi ID

The oldest snowshoes date back to 3700 B.C. found near the ice man mummy, Ötzi.

Ötzi Snowshoes took that as a reference and inspiration, bringing that design to our time; incorporating technology without losing its essence.