So I tested the board without me standing on it uphill and it goes up. I estimate around 35lbs+ for my configuration for a slight incline.

you could also add a seat for when you get tired of standing, and maybe a steering mechanism as well, and a cowling to cut down on wind resistance.

I think this idea could disrupt the powered snowboard industry.

I like the idea. If you have a surface to react against, why not use it? It doesn't change the functionality, so it isn't just becoming a snowmobile as others claim, you just have to set it up so it maintains ability to slide.

I think a pair of small tracks on the back with some kind of speed sensors to make it coast without drag is ideal (think bike coasting system with drag compensation).

He would either need to cut a space for the track into the board (there goes an expensive board if the results are poor) or put two tracks on either side of the board like training wheels. I don't think either makes sense as the first is too destructive and risky and the second will severely limit turning even more and most likely add unneeded weight.

Then he would just be making a snowmobile.

I've never understood this brand of 3D printing detraction - yes, I could absolutely make 80+% of the "glue" parts I make with my 3D printer using crap from the hardware store.

But then I would have to know what crap I needed in advance, and go to the hardware store. I like getting to be extra lazy, and 3D printing facilitates that nicely. The end result also usually functions well and looks great.

I personally wouldn't have designed that EDF mount the way it was designed, but it works and I can't argue with the totally cool end result.

On a side note I'm super glad the author of this blog post used LiPo fire bags. I thought the hype about LiPos as bombs was overblown until one in my homemade electric bike caught fire on the charger once. I was very lucky that I always kept the bike outdoors on my porch, but never again! Always on concrete, in a bag from now on.

Depending on the fuel, gas turbines can be much safer. The current and voltage he's working with is fairly dangerous for close contact, where it takes a great deal of effort to ignite kerosene or diesel fuel in an open air environment.

It wouldn't, and it would suck fuel like crazy. Fans aren't optimal for low speed thrust.. turbojets even less so :) 2 fans would be much better than 1 jet.

not safer, though with [bigger] gas turbine you can get something like this :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJARrc40imk

or with bigger propeller : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_UtPmb3Z-o (in the San Carlos museum btw)

Jude is a part-time comedian. :) He was just kidding.