PTERYX

Full System Redesign

The culture behind snow goes deep into the community of the people who love the outdoors. Recreation on snow is for people who live for the ritual sport of freedom.

Industrial Design

Apparel Design

Footwear Design

PTERYX

Programs

+

Solidworks

Gravity Sketch

CLO 3D

2026 | 14 Weeks

Objective

Reducing the barrier of entry for a growing popular sport by lowering maintenance and affordability while improving safety and fun.

REVELSTOKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

City of Winter Recreation

Revelstoke is a town in southeastern Canada, known for its dramatic alpine scenery and deep powder snow. Its home to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which offers some of Americas vertical drop for skiing and snowboarding. Surrounded by national parks and the Columbia River, Revelstoke blends backcountry adventure with a laid-back, outdoors-driven culture.

Recreation of Backcountry Snowmobiling

Backcountry snowmobiling is a winter recreation activity focused on exploring remote, ungroomed terrain using high-powered snowmobiles designed for deep powder and steep alpine environments. Riders navigate through open bowls, tree lines, and mountain passes, combining technical throttle control, balance, and terrain reading to climb, carve, and descend in untouched snow.

LIMITATIONS OF EQUIPMENT

Immersion With Nature

Backcountry are remote, undeveloped natural areas beyond maintained roads and resort boundaries, where terrain is ungroomed and unpatrolled. Recreation in the backcountry centers on exploration, self-reliance, and immersion in untouched landscapes, attracting individuals who seek solitude, challenge, and a deeper connection to nature through activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowbiking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering.

RECREATION OVER UTILITY

Snow Mobiles Vs Snow Bike

Snowbikes are often considered better than snowmobiles for certain backcountry riders because they are lighter, narrower, and more agile in technical terrain. Their single-track design allows for tighter turns, easier side-hilling, and more precise line choice through trees or steep, narrow chutes where a wider snowmobile may feel bulky.

THE PAINS OF SNOWBIKING

Accidents, Weaknesses, And Dangers

  • Reduced stability at low speeds compared to wider snowmobiles

  • Difficulty in extremely deep or heavy snow

  • Steep side-hill balance demands requiring advanced rider skill

  • Conversion kit cost and maintenance

  • Shorter riding season depending on snow depth

DEEP DIVE RESEARCH

Understanding How All Elements Work Together

Snowcross is a new sport that have to have a fully realized system, and three major issues across all products are adaptability, expenses, and barrier of entry.

OPPORTUNITES IN SNOWBIKE GEAR DESIGN

Properties Of

The Current Market

Accidents, Weaknesses, And Dangers

Reduced stability at low speeds compared to wider snowmobiles

Difficulty in extremely deep or heavy snow


EXPENSIVE ZOMBIES

OPTIMIZING FOR PROTECTION AND FLEXIBILITY

Suit Not Designed For Impacts

Majority of snow suits are generally designed for skiing or hiking, but the existing snowcross suits are stiff and do not provide much or any protective padding.


Major Issues By Importance

01

MOBILITY WITH PROTECTION

02

TWO PIECE ADAPTABILITY

03

SNOW SEAL

Studying Common Points Impacts

Outer extremities of the body require high protection. Collisions with obstacles including hard pack snow should be considered.

COMMON POINTS OF IMPACT

ENHANCING PERFORMANCE

Heel turns

Performance Metrics

ANKLE MOBILITY

CONTROL

PROTECTION

Heel turns

Performance Metrics

ANKLE MOBILITY

CONTROL

PROTECTION

CURRENT MARKET

Component

Research

SNOWBIKE

SNOW SUIT

FOOTWEAR

Snow Track | 2025 RIOT 3 Pro

Performance and Limitations

  • Improved traction and float in deep snow

  • Reduced top speed due to drag

  • Increased fuel consumption from added load

  • Less responsive handling in turns

  • Greater mechanical wear and maintenance needs

LI4.3 Battery | 4.3kWh (74V 58Ah)

Key Features and Drawbacks

  • High energy density and lightweight design

  • Stable voltage output during discharge

  • Long cycle life compared to other batteries

  • Higher upfront cost than alternatives

  • Strong thermal and chemical stability

PMSM Mid-Drive Motor | 70H 3000W V3

Accidents, Weaknesses, And Dangers

  • High torque output for strong acceleration and climbing power

  • Efficient power delivery with smooth, precise control

  • Compact mid-drive design improves bike balance and handling

  • High power draw can reduce battery runtime under load

  • Requires good cooling and careful tuning to avoid overheatin

THE SOLUTION

Complete System Redesign