A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

Traction systems for snowmobile skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system . And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.

A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow. A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow.

A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

Traction systems for snowmobile skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system . And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.

Traction systems for skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; the skis selected from a group consisting a pair of Back Country skis each are mounted with an apparatus; having DC powered controls, tilt switch, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) gas powered pneumatic actuators operating gripping parts; controlled by a servo unit. And further consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system. And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.