The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race at Big White Ski Resort is heating up as university engineering students from all corners of the country come together to compete. During the multi-day event, teams are tasked with designing and building a toboggan that seats five people and has a metal roll cage, a steering and braking system, and must weigh less than 350 pounds — all on concrete skis.
Judges look for innovation, level of ingenuity and speed when assessing the toboggans. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., got creative with their entry. Taking inspiration from Scooby Doo cartoons, they built a mini mystery machine replica. Meanwhile, U of T’s team chose to draw on IKEA’s aesthetic in designing their toboggan. And UBC Okanagan is looking to take home the trophy by going for maximum speed down the mountain.
Competition or not, this event is really about having fun and connecting with fellow engineering students. Even if your team doesn’t win you can still go home with amazing stories to tell!
