Ski resorts typically use turnstiles or flap gates to admit customers. These incumbent designs can be awkward for snowboarders, mountain bikers (in the summer seasons) and family members in wheelchairs to pass through. Austrian company Skidata, which produces access and ticketing solutions, designed an update to address this.
Their design team, led by industrial designer Danijela Tolanov-Vogl, created the sMove Wave. Unlike traditional turnstiles, it uses a soft, flexible (and unspecified) material for the arm, which flattens out of the way to provide entry and avoid snagging.
Units can be doubled up into an “X” to provide a wider option for wheelchair users, mountain bike handlebars and strollers.
“Constructed from durable materials, the gates require minimal maintenance and perform reliably in harsh weather conditions,” Skidata writes. “The energy-efficient operation reduces costs and emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection in mountain tourism.” Furthermore, the flexible arms can be “pushed aside with minimal effort by a child during power outages, serving as emergency exits for rapid evacuation without additional escape routes.”
The sMove Wave has been adopted by ski resorts, sports stadiums and amusement parks in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
