In the biting cold of a winter weekend, hundreds of engineering students from across Canada gathered in London, Ontario, to compete in one of the most unconventional races imaginable: hurtling down a snowy hill on sleds made of concrete. The event, known as the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race, took place on Saturday at Boler Mountain, a ski resort located about two hours southwest of Toronto. Teams from roughly 20 universities designed, built, and raced their custom toboggans, showcasing ingenuity and teamwork in sub-zero temperatures.
The competition, an annual tradition in Canadian engineering circles, challenges students to create vehicles that combine the durability of concrete with the aerodynamics needed for speed and control. Each toboggan must feature concrete sliding surfaces, a safety roll cage, and a mechanical steering and braking system, all while weighing less than 160 kilograms. According to organizers, the race is divided into three main segments: a drag race to test speed, a slalom course to evaluate steering precision, and a final showdown among the top performers to crown the King of the Hill champion.
This year's event marked a return to Boler Mountain after more than a decade, adding a layer of nostalgia and excitement for participants who remembered past races there. The hill's steep incline and fresh powder provided the perfect backdrop for the high-stakes competition, where teams pushed their creations to the limit. Spectators bundled up against the wind as cheers echoed across the slopes, capturing the spirit of innovation that defines engineering education.
Owen Kirk, captain of the UBC Okanagan team, described the buildup to the race as months of intense anticipation. "I love the competition, I love this spirit," Kirk said. "It’s a lot of anticipation building up to it because, you know, you’ve spent the last 10 or 11 months designing and building this thing that you’re really hoping will make it down the hill." His 22-member team emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious King of the Hill award for the first time in UBC Okanagan's history.
For Kirk, a veteran of previous competitions, the moment of launch is always a highlight. He recounted the thrill of watching the toboggan accelerate after the initial push, gaining momentum as it navigates the course. "Winning King of the Hill for the first time at UBCO was such a joy and a great way to cap off my engineering degree," Kirk said, beaming with pride. The victory not only validated their hard work but also highlighted the practical skills gained through the project, from material science to mechanical engineering.
Not all teams reached the finals, but the camaraderie among competitors was a standout feature of the event. Abigail Young, captain of Western University's team, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the King of the Hill race, emphasized the supportive atmosphere. "When they won, it felt like you won, so overall everyone seemed like a winner, which was really fun," Young said. She noted instances of collaboration, such as when teams shared tools and even when one of Western's welders assisted another group to ensure their toboggan could complete the run.
The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race has roots dating back to the 1970s, originating as a fun way to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Over the years, it has grown into a cornerstone event for engineering programs, fostering skills in design, prototyping, and problem-solving under pressure. Universities like the University of British Columbia, Western University, and others from coast to coast participate, turning what could be a solitary academic pursuit into a vibrant community affair.
Boler Mountain's selection as the venue brought unique challenges and opportunities. The last time the race was held there was over 10 years ago, and returning to the site required adaptations to the terrain and weather conditions. Officials from the event reported smooth logistics despite the cold, with safety measures in place to protect both participants and sleds. The concrete construction, while heavy and unforgiving, is designed to withstand impacts, underscoring the emphasis on durability in the competition rules.
Beyond the races themselves, the weekend included technical inspections and presentations, where teams defended their designs to judges. These elements ensure that the toboggans meet stringent safety and performance standards, preparing students for professional engineering challenges. The GNCT rule book, as cited by participants, stipulates that prizes for various awards will be announced later by the corporate sponsor, adding an element of suspense to the outcomes.
Young's experience with Western's team illustrated the event's collaborative side. At one point, amid the flurry of activity, her group's welder stepped in to help a rival team fix a critical issue. This act of goodwill not only got the other toboggan down the hill but also reinforced the bonds between schools. "My favourite part about it all was the camaraderie among the different teams," Young said, highlighting how the shared passion for engineering transcends competition.
The race's structure allows for diverse strengths to shine. In the drag race, raw speed is key, with teams timing their starts to maximize velocity on the straight downhill. The slalom tests agility, requiring precise steering to weave through gates without losing control. Winners from these brackets then compete in the King of the Hill finale, where overall performance determines the top honor. UBC Okanagan's success in this culminating event set them apart, but every team that made it down the hill celebrated a personal victory.
Weather played a significant role, with bone-chilling temperatures testing the resolve of everyone involved. Students layered up in parkas and mittens, their breath visible in the crisp air as they hauled sleds to the starting line. Despite the discomfort, the event drew enthusiastic crowds, including alumni and local residents curious about the spectacle of concrete on snow. Boler Mountain's facilities, including warming huts, helped mitigate the cold, allowing focus on the races.
Looking ahead, the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and sustainability focuses in toboggan designs. For many participants like Kirk and Young, it's more than a competition—it's a rite of passage that builds lifelong networks and confidence in their abilities. As engineering fields advance rapidly, events like this remind students of the joy in creation and the importance of teamwork in innovation.
The prizes, yet to be detailed, will recognize excellence across categories, from fastest drag to best slalom. Organizers expect the announcements to inspire next year's entrants, with teams already brainstorming improvements. In London, Ontario, the echoes of cheers from Boler Mountain linger as a testament to the enduring spirit of young engineers braving the cold for a shot at glory.
This gathering not only celebrated technical prowess but also the human element of perseverance and mutual support. As one of Canada's quirkiest winter traditions, the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race bridges academia and adventure, preparing the next generation for a world that demands both brains and bravery.