Snow machine ski

Abstract

A ski for a snowmobile or other snow machine is provided with a central channel for increasing the flow of snow under a gliding surface at the bottom of the ski. The increased flow of snow enhances flotation of the ski. The channel may be formed by two keels, one disposed to either side of a gliding surface of the ski. A series of longitudinal grooves may also be formed within the contoured gliding surface, alternately interspersed with lands. The grooves and lands increase a shear force exerted against the snow over which the ski travels, when the orientation of the ski is altered out of the line of travel. The increased shear force causes the snowmobile to consistently follow the course of the ski, improving tracking and handling of the ski. The grooves are preferably of a uniform depth and width and may be disposed within the entire gliding surface or only a portion thereof The grooves preferably follow the contours of the gliding surface, and as such, may be disposed at different vertical locations on the gliding surface. A method of improving the steering control of a snow machine includes in one aspect cutting a series of grooves such as those discussed above into a gliding surface of a preexisting snow machine ski.