�鶹ֱ�� students design groundbreaking ski technology in ARC Skis and Boards collaboration

Skiers on the slopes of Simcoe County and beyond could soon have skis with new, innovative designs meant to enhance performance and durability, thanks to a project between �鶹ֱ�� and ARC Skis and Boards.

A student-led team from �鶹ֱ��’s Midland and Barrie campuses created a high-quality ski press for ARC through this collaboration, which combines the college’s innovative research capabilities with ARC’s industry expertise. The groundbreaking ski technology aims to set new standards in the ski and snowboard industry.

Five people stand around a large green press in a workshop. — �鶹ֱ�� and ARC Skis and Boards are collaborating on a new project meant to enhance performance and durability, thanks to a project between �鶹ֱ�� and ARC Skis and Boards. Team members from �鶹ֱ��, from left to right: Mckenzie Thayer, Research Associate; Blake Riggs, student researcher; Mauricio Wunsch Rostirolla, student researcher; Andrew Cywink, Technologist; and Aristarkh Pashentsev, student researcher.

�鶹ֱ�� students ‘displayed remarkable technical skills and teamwork’

“From the outset, the students demonstrated exceptional dedication and creativity. Their innovative approach to design was impressive, incorporating engineering principles and ensuring practicality. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of their work,” says ARC’s CEO Curtis Genge.

“The students displayed remarkable technical skills and teamwork, and the final product is a testament to their hard work and talent — a ski press that meets all the specifications. I look forward to continuing our partnership with �鶹ֱ�� on future projects, and I’d like to thank the college for this opportunity to collaborate and innovate together.”

The project, initiated after the success of a student capstone project in 2022, has been progressing through collaborative efforts focused on researching advanced materials and employing innovative design techniques.

Collaboration gives students ‘unrivaled real-world experience’

Students from �鶹ֱ��’s Engineering and Environmental Technologies and Skilled Trades programs participated in the project. Along with the college’s Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship team of experts, they engineered and manufactured equipment for more efficient quality-controlled production to enhance performance and durability throughout the Arc Skis and Boards product line.

This collaboration has provided students with an unrivaled real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

“Working with ARC Skis and Boards has been an incredible experience for our team. This collaboration not only provided our students with many invaluable hands-on, experiential learning opportunities but also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in supporting small businesses through research and development of their innovative ideas,” says Laleh Khodaparast, Director of Research and Innovation at �鶹ֱ��.

The success of this project underscores the importance of industry-academia collaborations in driving innovation forward.

Learn more about Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at �鶹ֱ��.