Cool as ice – Porsche Snow Force 2016

Racing ultimate sports cars across stretches of ice and snow may seem like a fleeting dream, but each year this becomes reality at Porsche Snow Force. Combining extreme thrill, adrenaline and a stunning location, this exclusive Porsche driving event is filled with unlimited appeal.

Getting behind the wheel of Porsche sports cars whilst racing around tracks of snow and ice is an adrenaline-fueled experience that would be on anyone’s bucket list. Atop the frozen waters of Yunlong Lake, Yakeshi, in Inner Mongolia, enthusiasts and thrill seekers can live this experience and master extreme driving skills in high performance Porsche vehicles. The attraction of Porsche Snow Force knows no bounds, combining spectacular scenery, unadulterated driving fun, and five-star Porsche hospitality in a hidden escape far from the tourist trails.

As you arrive on the icy plains of Yakeshi, the first thing you will notice is the sheer scale of the Porsche Snow Force man-made tracks. Specially designed by professional winter track teams, the ice and snow circuits stretch as far as the eye can see. Each has been specially designed and developed to test a broad range of driving techniques and challenges, with Porsche certified instructors constantly on hand to guide you through the different sections. Their expertise and commitment will see you master the key manoeuvres and circuits during your winter escape.

As your two-day adventure begins, you will first learn the theory of driving on ice and snow, helping you become familiar with the complexities of driving in this extreme environment. Soon after comes the time to face the elements behind the wheel. Able to break free from the rules of everyday driving, the practice drills and exercises will have you relishing the challenge and exhilaration of driving the world’s most advanced sports cars on circuits of packed snow and ice. Feeling the crunch of white powder under your tyres, you will quickly realise you must adapt your driving technique to master the extreme conditions.

Each circuit is unique, demanding different speeds, acceleration and steering techniques. What they have in common is the challenge they present, and the icy drift of snow left in your wake as you careen from corner to corner. Perhaps the most formidable circuit of all is the ice track. With minimal traction between the tyres and ground, the art of drifting around the track whilst staying in complete control of your Porsche is just as exhilarating as it is hair-raising, and the sense of accomplishment you feel as you slingshot around the bend rivals no other.

In addition to five completely different and challenging tracks to keep you on your toes, you also get the chance to drive different Porsche models throughout the two days. Just as you think you have mastered a technique in the mid-engine Boxster or Cayman, a quick switch to the rear wheel drive 911 will offer you a completely different driving experience and challenge to your maneuvers. You will also learn skills you can apply to every­day driving, from controlling oversteer and understeer to coming to a halt on slippery surfaces.

For those that master the fundamentals, the intensity of the programme never ends. Once you have mastered Snow Force, Snow Force S awaits you, where 2-mm stud tyres are used on the 911, Boxster and Cayman vehicles for even more traction on snow and ice. This two-day programme focuses on how to maintain a controlled drift and momentum around the tracks, where you will see your skills vastly improve over time. And if that is not enough to get your pulse racing through the roof, Snow Force RS is your next challenge once you have mastered Snow Force S. Here you can learn to accelerate, spin and even perform Figures of Eight in the extreme winter terrain, all from the seat of the 911 equipped with 4-mm stud tyres.

If you can bear to pull yourself away from the excitement of the circuits, there is plenty more to discover. Porsche packs as much adventure and pleasure into each day as possible, from go-karting on ice, to fully relaxing amid the warmth and five star hospitality overlooking breathtaking vistas over the whole track. You also have the chance to experience unique Mongolian culture and cuisine through specially organised banquet dinners and shows.

Whether you are an automotive enthusiast, thrill seeker, or someone looking for a venture on the wild side, Porsche Snow Force has it all. With extreme driving, Porsche VIP hospitality and a sense of adventure, Porsche Snow Force will leave you with an experience like no other.

Text: Kimberley Hobson

Porsche Snow Force 2016 Dates

Snow Force 6–24 January 2016

Snow Force S 25–28 January 2016

Snow Force RS 27–30 January 2016

If you are interested in the upcoming Porsche Snow Force 2016 programme, please scan the QR code or call us on our Driving Experience Hotline: 4008 205 911, or alternatively you can email us at drivingexperience@porsche.cn.