We already knew about trains, cars, bicycles and even electric scooters. Skis, no. But the situation could soon change. The Swiss company E-Outdoor has been working on such an innovation for several years. She is now reaching the end. The SA in fact unveiled, a few days ago, its assisted touring ski project, called E-Skimo. And suffice to say that the promises are tempting: efforts reduced by 30% for a climbing speed boosted by up to 80%.
To do this, E-Outdoor has relied on treads, a bit like those on snowmobiles, which pass through the skis (see photo below). A system set in motion by two small motors powered by a lithium battery of up to 240 watt hours and up to three hours of autonomy. According to the manufacturer, the start-up would be assisted by artificial intelligence, “based on the position of the skis and the distribution of the user’s weight”.
As for the descent, the entire device, weighing 2.8 kilos, can “be quickly detached and stored in a backpack,” says E-Outdoor. Plugs are also provided to fill the void left by uninstalling the system. Note that the company based in San Bernardino (GR) claims to have partnered with “the main ski manufacturers” to make this innovation as accessible as possible.
However, we will still have to wait a little before marketing. E-Skimo has never yet been publicly tested. The future of the project could nevertheless be decided in January, during its presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, one of the most recognized exhibitions in the field of technological innovation.
Initial mixed feedback
On social networks, the E-Skimo project is not unanimous. “Is this an early April Fool’s joke?” notably commented by two users, under promotional publications on Instagram and YouTube. “We don’t always need to make everything electric. If you don’t want to go ski touring, then take a chairlift,” protested another Internet user. Several other people were unconvinced by the effectiveness of the installation, given the absence of images showing the system in action.
