But like any improvement to the existing system, the arrival of electrically assisted skis does not only leave people amazed. We could hear varied reactions here and there in the world of winter sports. Some enthusiasts consider this innovation as a betrayal of the traditional values of ski touring, which is based on physical effort and autonomy. 20 Minutes reports that social networks are full of comments from purists who do not miss E-Skimo while expressing their reluctance. We remember the same criticisms that generated the introduction of electrically assisted bicycles on the market, while the practice is today widely adopted by a varied public.
However, innovation still finds its aficionados. E-Skimo skis could open up the practice to people who did not have access to them before, particularly due to physical limitations. By reducing the effort required, they could encourage a greater number of people to take an interest in ski touring or cross-country skiing, which generally requires physical energy.
Certain technical and practical challenges remain for Swiss society to overcome. For example, the durability of modified skis can be an issue, since installing the motors requires two drillings near the bindings. Performance in difficult conditions, such as powder, also remains to be evaluated. Finally, the estimated cost of $1,500, or around 1,465 euros, could deter some consumers.
