Davos sledge
The Davos sledge is the most popular sledge in Switzerland . Like the toboggan , it is a piece of sports equipment for getting around in the snow .
history
The Davos sledge was further developed in the 19th century from light Norwegian sleds that were introduced to Switzerland at the time. The name comes from the first historically documented and official sled race that took place in Davos in 1883 and where this type of sled was used.
construction
In contrast to the toboggan, the two iron- shod runners on the Davos sledge are connected by a solid wooden structure and stand vertically on the ground. The seat is also made of wooden slats. The construction is additionally stabilized by the pull bar that connects the front ends of the runners. The sled cord for pulling the sports equipment is attached to the pull bar in a recess (to prevent slipping).
Traditionally, the Davos sledge is made of ash wood. There are cheaper models made of beech .
A Davos sledge is 80 to 130 cm long and can accommodate one to three people.
Other Swiss wooden sledge models are the Arosa sledge , the Grindelwald sledge, the Bergüner sledge, the Beckenried sledge and the Goldiwiler sledge.
The Bergüner sledge is essentially a Davos sledge with a round, wooden bumper at the front , which deflects it in the event of a collision.
On the Grindelwald sledge , the seat slats are attached under the cross yokes . With the seat recessed in this way, there is less risk of slipping off the slide.
On the Goldiwiler sledge , the seat slats are also under the transverse yokes. In addition, there are two raised side slats on both sides, which improves seating safety.
Aroser sledge
Grindelwald sledge
Goldiwiler sledge
use
The posture on a Davos sledge is more upright than on a toboggan. In contrast to the toboggan, the Davos sledge is steered with the feet, in that the foot is placed next to the inner edge in the snow in order to make a curve. The feet are also used for braking. Davos sledges are slower than toboggans and are therefore valued more by leisurely drivers than by sporty ones.
Individual evidence
- ↑ «Davoser» sledges - indestructible. In: NZZ Folio . 12/92 of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung
- ↑ Historical outline of Gloco Holzwaren GmbH, cited on January 11, 2009
Web links
- Article on the Davos sledge in the NZZ Folio magazine