A ski centre is facing an uphill battle after it was revealed it needs a £10m cash injection to avoid closure.
Council bosses are searching for investors to help save Rawtenstall tourist attraction Ski Rossendale.
Some interest has already been expressed by private firms, the council said.
Since rival Chill Factore opened two years ago at the Trafford Centre 25 miles away, Ski Rossendale profits have dropped and it is estimated it requires up to £10m to avoid further decline and eventual closure.
Council spokesman Jason Gledhill said: "Ski Rossendale is a unique facility in the borough and we want it to have a long-term future, providing fun and enjoyment for future generations.
"However, the 30-year-old ski slope is not achieving its full potential and needs significant investment if it is to return to being a major attraction.
"The council can't meet the level of investment required but we believe a public and private sector partnership may be able to successfully revamp the slope.
"If we can find the right investor, the ski slope will have a very exciting future.
"We want a ski slope that will attract more visitors to the area and thus boost our local visitor economy. The council is setting up a ski slope user group to provide feedback on proposals and keep users involved and briefed about plans.
But Gary Hood, chief executive of Rossendale Leisure Trust which operate the slope, believes it can be transformed back into a viable business without such heavy investment.
He said: "For £10m Ski Rossendale could be transformed into the outdoor ski capital of Britain but other options need to be looked at.
"There are several other viable options for much less money."
A number of leisure facilities were threatened with closure this year. Following public outcry, council leader Tony Swain announced in February they would remain open for the next 12 months while a full review was carried out.
The refit of Chatham slope is coming along well. In fact too well! As you can see from the picture we will have to put out a reduced park tonight (18/06/2009), but it'll still be a blinder.
Chatham has always had one of the best dryslope scenes in the UK. Thanks to people such as Alex Spence, enthusiastic freestyle sessions are frequent and their selection of toys is extensive.
Of their newest play-thing, Alex says,
Just finished work on our newest toy, a mellow rainbow box, that can be extended into a rollercoaster box. We've been working on a load of smaller toys more suited to the less able riders, but still rad fun for the more advanced, and this is the first thing off the list of toys to build.
Chatham has just finished having their teaching slope re-laid with shiny new PermaSnow and now the matting to relay the main slope has arrived and work has already started.
Picture shows the main slope. The black area is the new underlay going down on top of the old padding, so the slope will be extra soft once it's finished.
Both slopes are open as usual and work will be carried out in such a way that they will remain open, so Rookie Nights on Wednesday and Freestyle Nights on Thurdsday will continue.
The main slope should be completely finished by the end of August!
More news, we are currently working on a few new boxes, so watch this space for more news!
If you have an iPod which can play video, you can now download some past videos from Aberdeen Snowsports Centre directly to your iPod.
Available now are all the G.O.A.T. videos, the grom trips to the Lecht and Cairngorm, and the most recent Freestyle Wednesday video. More will be available soon.
To get the videos, simply bring your iPod down to the slope and ask for Duthie. He’ll take care of it. The process takes just a couple of minutes. Each video is approximately 20MB in size, about the same as six songs, so can easily fit on most models.
Over the summer this year Chatham are running rookie freestyle sessions
on Wednesdays from 6.30 to 8.30.
There will be a small park set with just a few obstacles to keep a session atmosphere going, and ski and snowboard coaches on hand to give help and advice.
Theses sessions will be ideal for people trying ramps and rails for the first time, or those not confident to ride a full freestyle set up yet.
Adults £15 and juniors £10. Phone 01634 827979 for more details.
Innovative Leisure Systems Ltd (ILS Ltd) of Dundalk and Briton Engineering Developments Ltd of Scholes, West Yorkshire today announced their part in a major “flagship” development for Ireland, which promises to create more than 1500 long term jobs when fully operational, and will turn Co. Louth, Dundalk and it’s environs into a top leisure and tourist destination of international, national, and regional significance.
“Altitude” is a multi-million Euro resort development covering approximately 140 acres of land, situated strategically equidistant between the two major centres of population on the island, and will provide a unique blend of indoor and outdoor leisure, entertainment and adventure facilities together with a large range of top International retailing, fine dining, late night entertainment, and accommodation opportunities. A place truly to “stay and play”, all year round.
The ambitious project will include building 13,500m2 Snowflex® ski slope facility, indoor events arenas, indoor and outdoor adventure park with climbing, caving, ropes courses, children’s play areas, white water rafting and canoe slalom course. The project will also include a major family entertainment centre offering the latest attractions, and Ireland's first interactive golf driving range. Accommodation will include a family hotel, 5* resort hotel, “state of the art” casino, spa facilities, quality self catering holiday lodges, all with the benefit of adjacency to the first all weather racetrack in Ireland, and other more traditional tourist activities in this major “gateway”.
The resort will encompass all the latest technologies to improve sustainability, energy exchange/recovery. It is designed to minimise the carbon footprint and will provide a significant test-bed for the emerging technologies. It is expected that a “combined heat and power” solution will be developed jointly with Bord Gáis, and Sustainable Energy Ireland.
The new Snowflex® ski slope which would be the largest in Europe to date will have a main slope approx 210m long x 60m wide and a beginner’s area approx 40m long x 60m wide. The slopes combined will have capacity for approx 500 customers.
Snowflex which has been recognised as one of the most exciting innovations in the snow sports market was chosen for the ski surface after much market research and was found to be the only credible alternative to “real” snow, designed to replicate all the properties that skiers and snowboarders experience with real snow. It is low maintenance, requires no grooming as with real snow, and is softer to fall on than hard packed snow.
The slope design for “Altitude” will take into account:
The local ski / snowboarder experience and skill level
Trends / appetite for particular features
and will incorporate features such as:
Quarter Pipes
Half Pipes
Spines
Fun Boxes
Table Tops
Jumps
Hips
Bowls
Cornice
Snowflex® offers snowsporters:
Maximum forward speed
Extra edge control for turning & control
Shock absorption layer providing ultra cushioning for falls
No holes or voids in the surface to get caught in
No sharp edges/surface metal to cause abrasions or cuts
Formability with the capability to create adventurous and interesting terrain and stunt formations
“The ‘Altitude’ resort, with such impressive facilities as a Snowflex® slope, will undoubtedly transform the economy of Dundalk, Co Louth and the whole area. It will generate thousands of permanent and seasonal jobs for the area when fully operational” said Sam Curran of ILS Ltd.
Terry Di Stasi, Briton’s Director of Business Development, added that Briton were delighted to be part of such important and prestigious resort development.
Starting from Sunday 7th June Halifax Ski and Snowboard Centre will be holding freestyle days at discounted prices.
Every SUNDAY everyone, including skiers, can ride/ski from £20 for Adults and £15 for Children ALL DAY.
Every SUNDAY all the rails will be out, including;
Yellow Gas Pipe,
Flat Box (identical to Castleford's)
Flat Down (identical to British Snow Tour's)
And as always, the best kicker in the country will be available.
The slope will be open from 10am until 7pm, and food and drinks will be available throughout the day!
For those who are looking to improve their freestyle, whether it be on kickers or rails there will be enough people around to give tips and help. Just ask.
Mal’s new box is fun to slide. So much fun, in fact, that no-one takes time out from the session to film it. Footage of the box is hard to come across, but the Goat Post dug out the clips of the first ever test session. Nicol, Pete and Duthie took time out from their working day to have a shot on the new feature, for the sake of ‘health and safety’. Check out the vid below, which doubles as a showcase for the ‘uber slo-mo’ feature on the slope’s new camcorder. If you haven’t hit the box yet, it’s out every Wednesday from 5pm til 10pm. What are you waiting for?!
For more info on Aberdeen's SnowFlex check out The Goat Post.
First Snowflex™ slope in South Africa to be constructed at Cedar Square, Johannesburg.
Briton Engineering Developments are pleased to announce the first Snowflex® slope to be built in South Africa. The 50 x 9m “taster slope” will be built at Cedar Square Shopping Mall in Johannesburg.
The idea of building a “taster” ski slope began a year ago when Avalanche Holdings (Pty) Ltd were approached by the Georgiou Group to investigate the potential of snowsports to attract more visitors to their shopping malls. Avalanche Holdings (Pty) Ltd, who will operate the slope, hope this to be the first of many to be built around Southern Africa and also hope to build a fully fledged Snowflex® slope at one of their resorts.
“We know real snow and snow making because of our experience and knowledge of Tiffindell Ski resort but we needed to research the market to understand the best synthetic solution for us” said David Taylor of Avalanche Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
“We have spent the past year looking at the alternatives and found that Snowflex® really has no competition. It offers us, and the Georgiou Group, a fantastic opportunity to attract customers to Cedar Square. We are also looking to install slopes at Loch Logan in Bloemfontein, as well as malls in Cape Town and Durban. We also see huge opportunities for the rest of Southern Africa” said Colin Robinson, CEO of Avalanche Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
The snowsports area at Cedar Square will consist of a single slope totalling 511m2 and is designed to offer sessions for beginners and experts alike. In addition to ski and snowboard instruction, the slope will also accommodate kids tubing. A removal big kicker is also being built by Briton for exhibition sessions.
Avalanche Holdings (Pty) Ltd will also be offering customers the opportunity to hold parties and other special events with their adjoining café, bar and restaurant. Construction is due to begin in May with an anticipated grand opening during June, 2009.
After his recent visit to Johannesburg and Bloemfontein Terry Di Stasi, Briton’s Director of Business Development, stated that Briton was delighted to be part of such an impressive roll out project and added that a Snowflex® slope would undoubtedly add to all the shopping mall’s appeal. Di Stasi added that this first project would be seen as a prominent showroom for Snowflex® throughout Southern Africa.
For more information about Snowflex® please visit www.snowflex.com
Briton Engineering Developments are delighted to announce the launch of the redesigned Snowflex® website at www.snowflex.com
With its unparalleled experience and knowledge in designing and building Snowflex® snowsports centres, Briton has further developed its website to be more investor and developer focused, without losing its grip on the grass roots of the business.
The traditional ski industry has grown and develops across the world, but it is still limited by the number of skiable days. The new Snowflex® website demonstrates how a new sustainable business can be built and existing snowsports businesses can capitalise on a year round activity that will increase “on slope” as well as “off slope” revenues and profits.
The development of a Snowflex® snowsports centre brings new ways to teach and educate new customers into the sport, which in turn will be future customers, developing new revenue and profit streams.
Offering advice and guidance, as well as pictures and video of what Snowflex® is all about, the website should undoubtedly prove to be helpful to all that have the desire to develop or expand to a year round snowsports business.
Take a look at look at www.snowflex.com – it could just have the answers to all your questions!
Briton Engineering Developments are pleased to announce that they have been chosen to supply Snowflex® to Copper Mountain’s new action sports camp, Woodward at Copper in, Colorado, USA.
Construction of the facility is well under way with the Grand Opening planned for February 28, 2009.
Briton’s Snowflex® surface will be used in the new Woodward at Copper facility – The Barn - designed by freestyle legend Nate Wessel and will offer budding Olympic stars the closest experience to snow to practice their freestyle tricks both in and out of season.
“Woodward at Copper is excited to bring Snowflex® into The Barn, our indoor action sports training facility,” says Ben Brown, Director of Woodward at Copper. “The Woodward crew searched the globe for the best artificial snow surface and found Snowflex®. We felt that Snowflex® provided the best riding experience and simulated real snow better than any other product on the market.”
"The Barn" view from the cliff drop-into-foam pit area.
The snowsports area will consist of a variety of Snowflex® ramps, foam pits, trampolines and stretching and tumbling floors.
Whether you’re all loved up with snowboarding, skiing or maybe just a bit of music, Chatham Ski Centre are hosting a Valentine’s Session on Thursday 12th February.There’ll be live music from the Tap n Tin to ride to or just party to from 7pm.
Regular freestyle night prices apply but it’s free for spectators so bring all your mates along!
This will replace February’s Tap ‘N’ Spin session.
The charitable trust which runs the Ski Rossendale artificial surface slope ski centre in north west England say the centre needs £10m ($16m UIS/19m Euros) to remain profitable in the face of competition from new indoor snow venues, particularly the Chill Factor centre near Manchester.
The local council says no public money is available to support Rossendale and suggested private investment was the only answer, however private funding was thought unlikely in the present economic climate and with Ski Rossendale’s small profits declining.
“Since the Chill Factor facility was built in Manchester, Ski Rossendale has found itself second best, and it will only win people back if a major investment is brought in. “ Councillor Jason Gledhill told a meeting.
Rossendale was the breeding ground for some of the UK's top riders, including Steve Bailey, Danny Wheeler and SCUK's own Stu Brass.
One of Kent’s hottest underground night clubs, Tap ‘N’ Tin has teamed up wit the guys at Chatham slope to bring you Tap ‘N’ Spin.
A monthly music and freestyle skiing/snowboard event. Featuring some of the areas hottest DJs. The music is free, slope time is at the normal rates and of course SCUK members get a discount.
First Tap ‘N’ Spin night will be 29th January, then the last Thursday of every month, 7 – 10pm.
As the new year begins, it is a time of reflection for Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. 2008 was the first calendar year that the slope had been run by a leisure trust rather than Aberdeen City Council, a move that was hoped to have secured the future of the facility and help to turn around its fortunes. Looking back, has this been achieved?
Garthdee Sports and Alpine Adventure Park, as it was then known, opened in October 2004 and expectations were immediately high. With two new Snowflex slopes added to the existing Dendix run, the centre was forecast to at least break even in its first year, though most predicted a profit. However, besides beginner and intermediate lessons, there were no other products in place to generate returning business. The lack of any progression program to inspire and motivate meant that public sessions were regularly deserted. Problems with slope maintenance escalated, resulting in an extended period where the button lift on the freestyle slope was unserviceable. Marketing for the slope had all but ground to a halt, and the crowds stayed away. The last straw came when a supposed one-month maintenance closedown in September 2006 dragged on into the new year, and it wasn’t until April 2007 that the two main slopes were up and running again.
It was then that management of the slope was handed over to Garthdee Alpine Sports, a leisure trust charged with getting the troubled facility back on track. Theirs was the monumental task of restoring the rebranded Aberdeen Snowsports Centre’s reputation, with an end to making the slope financially sustainable. Dave Jacobs, the slope’s new general manager, admits it was a big job to take on
The centre had numerous design and set-up faults which had to be changed in order for it to operate as a snowsports centre should. A new program of activities had to be put in place which met the customers’ expectations and, above all, the negative image of the facility had to be turned around. Yes, it was a big task, but luckily we have an experienced team and a hard core of local skiers and riders to get us there.
The experience of the new management team would come into play early on. Knowing that snow tubing had proved a hit at other slopes, Dave proposed a unique zig-zag run be dug out in the area next to the Dendix slope. It has since proved immensely popular, catering for children’s parties and youth groups as well as the general public. Other improvements were soon greenlit, all designed to improve the customer’s experience. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Aberdeen’s slopes are removed from the centre, with a short walk required to access it from reception. Before the trust took over, there was no option for spectators other than to brave the elements at the exposed base of the slope. An alpine-style hut was constructed on this site, followed by a larger log cabin at the foot of the tubing run. Both buildings are equipped with benches, vending machines and a sound system, and have dramatically improved the overall atmosphere out on the hill. Nicol Paton, who has worked at the centre since it opened, believes the turnaround has come as a result of the trusts’s emphasis on improving the customer experience
Every single employee has an interest in snowsports, and therefore everyone is passionate about the job”, he says. “From how we meet and greet customers at the front door to booking and delivering lessons, the impact of the new approach has been hugely successful. The managers have given each member of staff objectives in their specific field, leading to constant new ideas and improvements throughout the centre.
Finally, the slope was catering for what the public wanted. Junior clubs, as well as adult improver sessions, race training, girls-only nights and designated freestyle sessions, have all contributed to a revitalised scene. The slope’s redemption was confirmed with the inaugural ‘Own It’ competition in June 2007. Riders from Glasgow and Edinburgh made the trip north to compete alongside the local riders and see for themselves how far things had come. Slope regulars John Barnes, Andy Wilson and Mhari Neyedli were among the prize-winners, and 15-year-old Kris Bell, who had learned to snowboard at the centre only a few weeks after the trust took the reins, demonstrated the slope’s ability to produce quality riders by comfortably winning the Rainbow Rail jam.
Another maintenance closedown followed, this time with phenomenal success. The Tubing slope was improved, the Snowflex cleaned, and the entire Dendix slope re-laid with new material. Once it re-opened a fortnight later, customers immediately praised the changes. Throughout the rest of the year, the improvements kept coming. New Salomon gear now fills the ski hire shelves, including twin-tip skis. The slope also offers ski and snowboard maintenance, with state-of-the-art tuning equipment and experienced technicians. A membership scheme has been established, providing regular slope users with benefits and discounts. Most importantly, the local press has taken to lauding the slope’s successes rather than lamenting its failures.
Thanks to the dedication of the team at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, it has seen a reversal of fortune that most thought would never be possible. Numbers of slope users are treble those of this time last year, and are still on the rise. Head of Snowsports School Malcolm Campbell, who has worked at the centre since 1986 and has long campaigned for development over the years says,
The changes are fantastic. The whole team, from instructors to booking staff and casual workers, are a motivated crew and it has become a brilliant place to work. As a result, it’s also a great place to ride!
For more information about Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, e-mail Jacobs.david@btconnect.com or visit www.skiaberdeen.com
No, this isn't an advert for keeping babies warm in the winter, but a more than kind offer from Swadlingcote dryslope in Derbyshire. To celebrate the re-matting of their Permasnow mainslope, they are offering Open Practice for just £5 on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November.
This includes hire of kit, but minimum ability levels apply, so all slope users must be able to control speed and direction as well as use lifts.
To get the discount, just print off this page and slide it under the noses of Swadlingcote reception.
Winter at The O2 Posted Thursday 27th November 2008, 10:47 am by Dunx
THE KISS100 SLOPES.
Following the success of The Beach and The Ice Disco, this winter The O2 invites you to hit ‘The Slopes’, London’s first ever indoor artificial twin ski slope. Running from 30th November to 25th January 09, visitors will be able to ski, snowboard or snow tube at The O2, making it THE London winter attraction.
The twin slopes, both 45 metres in length will bring the whole skiing experience even closer to the people of London. Not only will visitors be able to learn to ski or snowboard but The Slopes will be open to experienced skiers to warm up their ski/snowboard legs before heading to the mountains.
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the more adventurous mountain person will be able to try out the snow tubes. These inflatable sledges are perfect for everyone whether you like spinning, sliding or just sledging.
The Warren Smith Ski Academy, the leading British snow sport coaching school, will offer top level coaching in the form of private lessons for all levels at The Slopes. Ski and Snowboard manufacturers, K2 and Ride, will be supplying top of the range skis and snowboards. Visitors to The Slopes will need to make sure they are wearing appropriate clothing, i.e. long sleeves and trousers, for their session.
Niccy Hallifax, Head of Special Events at The O2, said: ‘The Slopes is a fun and safe way for both experienced skiers and snowboarders to gear themselves up for the real thing or as an introduction for complete beginners. The Slopes are designed for all abilities and the snow tubes are ideal for both small and big kids alike!’
With the whole of the London Piazza themed like a winter resort, The Slopes, along with real snow covered trees and chalet will help create the perfect day out this winter.
A trip to The Slopes could also be combined with a visit to one of The O2’s 26 bars and restaurants, a show in The O2 arena or indigO2, or to see a film at the 11 screen Vue cinema.
Prices start at £15.00 per hour (Ski/board rental £5) and snow tubes £8 per half hour (subject to booking fee).Tickets can be purchased via www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.
Private Lessons available by contacting the ‘Groups’ department on 0844 844 2121.
1 on one lesson £35 per hour
2 person lesson £50 per hour
3 person lesson £65 per hour
4 person lesson £80 per hour
Family Lesson (2 adults and 2 children) £70 per hour
Garthdee ski centre in Aberdeen Scotland has added a tubing slope, the first of its kind in the UK, as part of a major upgrade.
A new slope surface has been installed and a local graffiti artist has decorated the terrain features including jumps and rails.
Now run by a charitable trust, rather than the local council, manager David Jacobs told local media
“Because of the success of our first year we wanted to put something back into the community to try to improve things to make it better for the regular users. The older ski-slope matting had been down for years so we have put down new matting. That has made a huge difference.
In its first full year under new management the centre has attracted nearly 40,000 visitors – up by 25–80% on previous years.
This winter The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome) will open London’s first ever indoor artificial twin ski slope. Running from late November to 25 January 09, visitors will be able to ski, snowboard or snow tube at The O2.
The twin slopes, both 45 metres in length will give Londoners the option to learn to ski or snowboard or for experienced skiers to warm up their ski/snowboard legs before heading to the mountains. Tubing will also be available.
The Warren Smith Ski Academy will offer top level coaching for all levels at The Slopes. Ski and Snowboard manufacturers, K2 and Ride, will be supplying the range of skis and snowboards to rent.
Niccy Hallifax, Head of Special Events at The O2, said: ‘The Slopes is a fun and safe way for both experienced skiers and snowboarders to gear themselves up for the real thing or as an introduction for complete beginners. The Slopes are designed for all abilities and the snow tubes are ideal for both small and big kids alike!’
With the whole of the London Piazza themed like a winter resort, The Slopes, along with real snow covered trees and chalet will help create the perfect day out this winter.
A trip to The Slopes could also be combined with a visit to one of The O2’s 26 bars and restaurants, a show in The O2 arena or indigO2, or to see a film at the 11 screen Vue cinema.
Tickets start at £15 per adult per hour (ski/board rental additional £5) and snow tubes £8 per half hour (subject to booking fee).
So far they’ve been christened in The Lowlander Scottish Freestyle Series and tested in the Scottish Universities Dry Slope Championships last weekend but it’s now time for the public debut while they’re still looking nice and shiny. This week Hillend are holding back-to-back freestyle sessions on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October from 6-9pm so why not be one of the first to try out the straight box, a-frame and c-box.
Users must:
be able to link turns competently
be an advanced skier/boarder (ie level 7 ski/level 6 board)
have confidence approaching the kickers, controlling speed & direction
wear long sleeves, gloves & helmet
have a valid uplift ticket
Freestyle Sessions will take place each Friday thereafter, except 7 Nov when the British Uni’s Dry Slope Champs are on.
The Euroboys are finally back in business at Gosling after their summer break. This coming Tuesday is the 1st night and it's already looking busy. The slope's running super fast and smooth so we will be flying!
Are you a snowboarder looking to get into Freestyle but would like some lessons first or would like to build your confidence on the dry ski slope? Bracknell have a new Snowboard Carvers Club for anyone above Level F who want to progress their snowboarding.
It is a club designed for people looking to get to a level where they can then join the freestyle club. Level F is advanced turns so the snowboarders need to be able to confidently link turns down the main slope. The carvers club is designed to then teach them more advanced turns, smooth carving turns and to ride switch in preparation for freestyle club.
Tuesday 7pm - 9pm
£21 adult £16 junior
Tuition with their top snowboard instructor.
Places must be booked in advance please call 01344 789002/003 for more information.
SCUK 
The resort will encompass all the latest technologies to improve sustainability, energy exchange/recovery. It is designed to minimise the carbon footprint and will provide a significant test-bed for the emerging technologies. It is expected that a “combined heat and power” solution will be developed jointly with Bord Gáis, and Sustainable Energy Ireland.
Over the summer this year Chatham are running rookie freestyle sessions 
As the new year begins, it is a time of reflection for 
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