The challenge
A high, exposed alpine start takes no prisoners. A heavy-framed structure is hard to haul uphill and won't sit flush to the irregular geometry of a steep slope; a blower-fed inflatable that needs constant power isn't an option in a remote mountain spot. The shelter had to wrap the existing gate and protect athletes and timing electronics from wind and snow.
The setup
The answer was an X460 air-beam inflatable, customised to the start gate. Its welded, multi-chamber air-beam construction stays rigid once inflated — no continuous blower or mains power needed on the mountain. The canopy was shaped to wrap the gate uprights, creating a sealed pocket around the timing equipment and the athletes. Remote power for inflation comes from Instagrid units — the whole package weighs under 50kg.
The outcome
A wind-free enclosure for athletes to focus before their run, and a dry, protected space for sensitive timing electronics in sub-zero conditions — silent and stationary through the competition, because there was no blower running. Where a standard tent can't fit, a made-to-measure inflatable can.