New University of Utah Program Will Explore The Science of Skiing and Snowboarding

The University of Utah will be hosting a new program that will explore the science of skiing and snowboarding. The program called “Physics of Freeride” is geared toward K-12 students in the Park City School District but is free and open to the public. The 90-minute program explores backcountry and avalanche safety, ski racing, aerials and slopestyle skiing.

“We hope that exposing students to science in this way will encourage them to become engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines,” said Abby McNulty, executive director of the Park City Education Foundation.

Scott Marland, chairman of the National Ski Patrol, will be presenting the avalanche safety portion of the event wich will explore the forces that cause avalanches, safety basics and demonstrations using rescue equipment

Also presenting at the event will be former Olympian and coach for the U.S. Ski Team, Erik Schlopy and Trace Worthington, a two-time Olympian, member of the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame   will present Ski Racing, which investigates the role of friction in achieving speed.

The “Greatest Snow on Earth” will be a backdrop for the greatest physics lesson on Earth as the University of Utah explores the science behind skiing and snowboarding.