Jessica P - Oct 10, 2024

RECREATIONAL SKIING LIGHTING

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A GUIDE TO RECREATIONAL LIGHTING FOR SKIING

Every bluebird day must turn into night.

With the twinkling cosmos above and usually less crowded lines, recreational activities at night such as skiing and snowboarding are a truly memorable and unique experience for all to enjoy.

More people are hitting the slopes to play in the dark, be it for downhill alpine, cross-country, snowshoeing, tubing or gnarly tik tok tricks in the park - for all of this to be enjoyable and happen safely - well designed lighting is needed.

LuxLogic has the products and expertise to provide lighting solutions for all aspects of your recreational operation. This guide is designed to provide information to those considering or upgrading their recreational sports lighting for night skiing and year round resorts.

“As a family, we love hitting the slopes after dark, and the LED lighting has made such a difference. The kids can see better, and I feel more at ease knowing that the lighting is top-notch, which means a safer and more fun experience for everyone.”

— Linda J., Family Snow Sports Enthusiast

A REASON FOR OPTIMIZED LIGHTING

In the 1930’s night skiing was first officially illuminated at a US ski resort using flood lights commonly used at highway gas stations. Before this, it was moonlight, headlamps and courage.

The installation of lighting optimized for night skiing by LuxLogic is designed to meet safety, environmental and energy standards while enhancing programming flexibility that can adapt as your property transforms for year round activities such as hiking and mountain biking as well for other special events and private rentals that you may host.

With well over a thousand ski resort and ski hill operations in the USA and Canada combined, the trend for optimized lighting systems for night applications is in demand especially with the increase in special events and programming year round.

Aside from those into night skiing for the thrill of it, it’s particularly popular among beginners, athletes in training, date nights and a blessing for those that can’t get to play in the pow during regular 9-5 day time hours.

Advancements in lighting applications at night continue to revolutionize the recreation and sports industries.

IMPROVED SAFETY & VISIBILITY

With extreme sports such as skiing and snowboarding, safety always comes first.

Aiming fixtures correctly to prevent glare and render the slope contours and snow accurately in all weather conditions are what your guests need to be able to rely on.

Categorized as a unidirectional sport, horizontal and vertical surfaces being lit properly is crucial to skiers making those split second decisions and counting on the built terrain to guide them in the right direction.

The unpredictable weather systems and skiers of various skill levels add to the risk factor for collisions and injuries. We’ve all been cut off suddenly by a toddler fearlessly gliding downhill at top speed.

Most injuries are not collisions but occur at boarding and dismounting the chairlifts, sometimes falling them at height. Sadly, there are occasional fatalities on the slopes that have affected even the most elite athletes so it shows how vulnerable one can be when engaging in extreme sports. A thorough, holistic lighting solution that prioritizes safety is key for accident prevention.

LuxLogic can help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for your guests and staff by providing the right amount of illumination and quality of light in all the right places.

LIGHTING CHARACTERISTICS

There are several characteristics for lighting slopes at night to provide visibility and safety. Understanding snow reflectivity is also a main component of planning the lighting design and for snow venues and ski resorts.

Some say that it’s safer to ski at night compared to an overcast day due to the “sludge” effect of light refracting from all angles which can be very disorienting and make the terrain look flat. With controlled lighting this can be mitigated.

LIGHT UNIFORMITY & CONTRAST

Light uniformity and the right levels of brightness for skiers and snowboarders is needed so that their sight is not further strained by having to adjust their vision constantly while clearly identifying boundary markers, tree lines and other skiers at high speeds.

Highlighting contours and turns by creating contrast with light and shadow intentionally are used to aid with depth perception.

SNOW REFLECTIVITY

From champagne powder to corduroy, there is an extensive list of snow types coined by the quirky skiing and winter sports culture. Even the Eskimos have 50 different names for different forms of snow. Snow when on the ground is highly reflective as are the moisture particles in the air both during the day and at night.

The weather can change drastically without warning many times in one day. This also results in the human visual system perceiving light and its reflectance differently. The right lights will penetrate a variety of air and snowpack conditions to help us adapt our eyes. For this reason, lights are used even during daylight hours at times for increased visibility.

GLARE CONTROL

Glare can be seriously dangerous in situations like extreme sports.

The light sources should never be aimed uphill. In addition to glare reduction strategies.

LuxLogic LEDs offer beam control and accessories that are designed to direct light to where it is needed.

MOUNTING HEIGHTS, AIMING AND SPACING OF LIGHTS

The mounting, aiming and spacing of fixtures correctly is a critical phase during planning and installation.

Slope gradients, snow depth and snow reflectance data are needed to determine the best layout without under or overlighting your slope.

Pole heights should be at least 25 ft above the average snow surface.

Effective pole height is used to determine longitudinal pole spacing. On slopes, the effective pole height is determined as illustrated in Figure 6-42. This includes pole height above snow, snow depth, and vertical differential between poles

ILLUMINATION LEVELS

Providing light for recreational skiing and fun at night year round comes with its challenges which are providing the right amount and balance of reliable light in extreme weather to maintain safety and visual comfort for enjoyment.

The slopes, ground surface and vertical markers need to be adequately illuminated for depth perception and wayfinding in these areas:

• Slopes, trail and pathways
• Chair lifts/ gondolas
• Buildings: lodges, offices, change rooms, rentals, guest suites
• Auxiliary zones for storage, power and maintenance
• Parking lots

People of all ages and skill levels that include the lodge staff, snowcat drivers grooming snow, lift operators and other maintenance workers around the clock have different visual needs so these are suggested target illuminance levels as recommended by authorities on lighting in conjunction with recognized ski associations.

RECOMMENDED LIGHTING LEVELS

SLOPE AND TRAIL LIGHTING

10-20 lux for general slopes and up to 30-50 lux for more advanced or popular runs.

LIFT AND LOADING AREA LIGHTING

50-100 lux. Bright, focused lighting in lift loading and unloading areas for clear visibility and safety. LuxLogic fixtures cast ample light to minimize shadows positioned to eliminate glare to ensure skiers can safely board and dismount from lifts.

WALKWAYS AND COMMON AREAS

10-20 lux, to ensure safety and ease of movement.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Trails: 30-50 lux for general trails.
Competitive Trails: 100-200 lux.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SKI SLOPES

OTHER BENEFITS TO
OPTIMIZING YOUR LIGHTING

DURABILITY IN ALL WEATHER

Weather resistant design is crucial. Fog, blizzards, hail, rain, extreme cold, the list goes on. Constantly changing factors that affect visibility and the terrain are what our products are designed for with durability in mind to withstand the most challenging of weather conditions year round.

COLOUR TEMPERATURE & COLOUR RENDERING

The suggested colour temperature of 3000K- 5000K tends to be the preferred range for visual comfort and colour rendering which LEDs are great for.

Legacy high pressure sodium lights have limited colour rendering and create sharp beam spread geometries on surface areas, causing confusion about the actual terrain. LED lights are recommended for their performance and optical control.

Accurate colour rendering is important to both competitive and leisurely athletes so that they can interpret signs correctly which is a feature in competitive skiing.

COST & ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Switching to LEDs provides significant energy savings, immediate start up times, longer life spans and superior performance compared to most legacy lights such as HIDs that are known for excessive brightness and light pollution. While these types of lamps are suitable in some environments, the great outdoors is not one.

In terms of cost reduction, LEDs are known to result in an average of 85% energy savings annually. The initial investment of upgrading your lighting will also reduce the need for maintenance and relamping significantly.

FLEXIBILITY WITH AUTOMATED CONTROLS

The integration of automated controls will save time and money by allowing remote access and implementing immediate programming changes from standard to dynamic lighting scenes for special events.

Operations that are open to the public often start as early as 7am until 11pm. This can be a 24 hour operation during peak season. Using lighting controls to simplify managing your facility is an efficient way to boost your toolkit.

With IOT, lighting usage and performance can be monitored and provide you with useful data throughout the year and even help with preventative measures such as malfunctions.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Light pollution is known to negatively impact wildlife and cause disturbance to surrounding communities. With correct fixture mounting, aiming and beam spreads we aim to reduce, if not eliminate this light trespass. LuxLogic can provide the photometric calculations and renderings to support planning and cooperation with your community and observation of DarkSky compliance.

EMERGENCY AND SAFETY LIGHTING

During any installation,don’t overlook emergency and egress lighting systems that will activate during power outages or unforeseen events. Guide both skiers and staff back to safety in such situations.

Exit signs should be easily visible and clearly illuminated. It’s important to not overlook emergency lighting as part of a lighting design plan.

SOCIAL MEDIA & BROADCASTING

Everyone is on the “gram these days and your guests are your best marketers so give them something to post about!

This added value for your guests will keep them coming back for more and provide the perfect backdrop for all those social media lovers promoting your business.

Broadcasters and videographers prefer working with the controlled light at night when shooting events. If you want to attract more hosting opportunities consider intelligent LED and RGB lighting.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY LIGHTING PLAN CONSULTATION

With the LuxLogic lighting approach we aim to integrate with the surrounding features and natural landscape. Through consultation with your team and performing calculation with industry standard tool and recognized lighting organization guidelines such.

We want to understand your brand and your needs. The activities taking place in each area and your unique flow of traffic. Each operation and community is unique and we want to learn about your short term and long term business needs and goals so we can help you achieve them through well designed lighting.

OUR SOLUTIONS

CONTENDER

WATTAGE: 300W/600W/900W/1200W

CCT: 3000K/4000K/5000KVOLTAGE

VOLTAGE: 100-277V (UNV) / 277-480V (HV)

MOUNTING: YOKE (STD) / SLIP FITTER

150LM/W

170LM/W (155 LM/W FOR G4)
The Contender Sports Flood Light is the swiss army knife of sports lighting. Featuring a modular design that allows the connection of up to three separate modules, each rotatable 360°, the Contender is a versatile luminaire that can handle a huge variety of projects. IP66 and IK10 ratings make it ideal for outdoor use, and offering a variety of beam angles for multiple applications - 30°, 60°, 90° and Asymmetric-G4 Type.


• LED Type: Philips

• LED Type: Inventronics/Meanwell

• CRI: RA>70(Standard); RA>80(Optional)

• Power Factor: >0.95

• Operating Temperature: -40ºC to 60ºC / -40ºF to 140ºF

RANGER

WATTAGE: 250W/500W/750W/1000W/1250W

CCT: 3000K/4000K/5000K/5700K/6500K

VOLTAGE: 100-277V (UNV) / 200-480V (HV)

MOUNTING: TRUNNION (STD) / SLIP FITTER

125LM/W
The Ranger RGR features a unique modular designs that allows ease of installation and replacement. It also increases the fixture’s flexibility in light direction. Multiple mounting options and lumen output up to 156,250 lumens make the Ranger an ideal choice for a low cost sports or high mast application.

• LED Type: Meanwell

• LED Driver: Lumileds/Samsung

• Lumen Maintenance @L70: 50,000 hours

• CRI: >70  Ra

• THD: <15%

• Power Factor: >0.93

• Operating Temperature: -40ºC to 50ºC / -40ºF to 122ºF

CHAMPION 3

WATTAGE: 300W/400W/500W/600W/750W/1000W/1200W

CCT: 3000K/4000K/5000K/5700K

VOLTAGE: 100-277V (UNV) / 277-480V (HV)

MOUNTING: YOKE (STD) / SLIP FITTER

135 - 170LM/W

The Champion 3 LED Sports Flood Light is the ideal stadium light. This sports light packs a punch providing 135-170lm/W. It is available in multiple beam angles and color temperatures. This fixture is waterproof, (IP 66 rated), dust-proof, and provides superior thermal venting.
• LED Type: Lumileds/Osram

• LED Driver: Integral Inventronics

• Lumen Maintenance @L70: 65,000 hours

• CRI:  >70

• THD: <15%

• Power Factor: >0.95

• Operating Temperature: -40ºC to 50ºC / -40ºF to 122ºF

TRIMAX

WATTAGE: 100W/150W/200W/300W/450W

CCT: 3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K

VOLTAGE: 100-277V (UNV) / 277-480V (HV)

MOUNTING: YOKE (STD) (100-200W SINGLE, 300-450W DOUBLE) / LONG OR SHORT ARM / SURFACE MOUNT / EYE BOLT / LONG SLIP FITTER (300-450W) / SHORT SLIP FITTER (300-450W)

130LM/W

The multipurpose Trimax LED High Bay/Low Bay/Floodlight series can withstand very high temperatures with the option of a High Temperature Option that increases its operating temperature range to –30º to 80ºC / –22º to 176ºF

• LED Engine: Osram/Philips Lumileds

• Lumen Maintenance @L70: >100,000 hours

• CRI: 80+/90+

• Power Factor: >0.95

• Normal Operating Temperature: -30ºC to 60ºC / -22ºF to 140ºF

• High Temp Operating Temperature: -30ºC to 80ºC / -22ºF to 176ºF

Enhance the nighttime skiing experience with Lux Logic lighting…

Small ski hills to destination ski resorts around the world continue to upgrade their lighting to meet the increase of visitors participating in sports activities. Equally competitions and broadcasted events are seeking host venues to partner with. This is the time to make your slopes shine the right way.

With the correct lighting, your guests can ski with enjoyment while navigating those tricky spots with confidence while enjoying all the other amenities of your venue.

Ripping, shredding or sledding, contact us for a consultation so you can spend more time with your pals at the lodge for that aprés ski!

“The LED lighting on the mountain makes evening snowboarding a whole new experience. The colors pop, the shadows are minimized, and I feel much more in control. It’s like riding on a perfect bluebird day, even after the sun goes down.”

— Ryan P., Recreational Snowboarder

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