Swix found that top athletes required stiffer, lighter and stronger poles with good pendulum. There was also a need for a system where the baskets could be easily changed for different snow conditions.

First on the track

This is the pole for those who are competing in cross-country skiing at the highest level. This top pole by Swix is distinctive and different from other products in this market. The triangular profile and choice of material are innovations that make the poles lighter and stronger and create less air resistance.

In terms of design, Swix has chosen to emphasise the triangular shape using graphics on the poles. Swix Triac® is reputed to be the best pole in the world and has the statistics to prove it. 70% of all Olympic medals in cross-country skiing and biathlon events were won with Swix Triac®. This is proof that this product is a great Norwegian success story.

Company: Swix Sport As

Project group company: Lars Karlöf i Swix Sport AS. Manager R&D, project manager and product developer in the project, Svein Pedersen, Product Chief(CPM) for poles in Swix Sport AS og product developer in the project, Elise Reiten, Industrial designer in Swix Sport AS and industrial designer in the project.

Design: Hugo Industridesign

Project group design company: Martin Fougner, Hugo industrial design, external industrial designer in the project, Jørgen Leirdal, Hugo Industridesign, external industrial designer in the project.

Award / year: Award for Design Excellence - 2011

Category: Industrial design