The Global Cutter reduces half pipe operating and maintenance costs.

It requires up to 30% less snow during the build than it's competitor.

Background

SHAPING TECHNOLOGY

The Global Cutter is a leading half pipe shaper produced by Development Snowparks, specialists in park and pipe design and construction. It was launched in May 2009 at the North American Ski Association Trade Show after 5 years of development that involved 3 prototype machines being built and modified to produce 18' and 22' demo models.

The 22' model was then hosted and demo-ed during the 09 Southern Hemisphere season at Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand where it was used to build and maintain the pipe for the Burton NZ Open, the Winter Games (FIS Snowboard World Cup) and the NZ Freeski Open. Cardrona Alpine Resort own a 22' Global Cutter which was also used for the 2008 FIS Snowboard World Cup.

September 09 saw the sale of a 22' Global Cutter to Erzurum Resort in Turkey and it was shipped in early November 09.  Erzurum will host the 2011 Winter Universiade and Development Snowparks is contracted to build and shape the half pipe for the event.

Inspiration

The idea behind the Global Cutter was to change the face of half pipe shaping.
Photo credit: Matt Haggart, ODT

John Melville, a highly experienced half pipe shaper and snow cat operator from New Zealand is the creator of the Global Cutter and he continues to be responsible for it's ongoing testing, research and development. His extensive experience as a snow cat operator combined with his engineering innovation has advanced half pipe shaping and riding.