Fat Face Night Ski

On	Saturday 17th May 2008 (105 days ago)
Location	Trafford Chill Factor E , United Kingdom
Website	www.fatface.com/nightseries

An evening for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Review

The Fat Face Night Ski, held at the Chill Factore in Manchester on Saturday (17th May) was described by many as ‘epic’ and the best British indoor ski event ever!

100 of the UK’s best skiers and boarders rocked up from across the country to take part and from the minute Natives set up registrations (about 2pm) the place was buzzing with a haze of excitement!

The massive freestyle jam session, consisting of kickers, rails and boxes, got underway at 3pm with competitors vying for the coveted 25 places in the Fat Face Night Ski 2008 finals. This is where the lights would be turned out, the spot lights would come on and the big comp would get underway!

The judges, headed up by legendary freestyler, Pat Sharpels included Fat Face Team Rider, Andy David and journalist Zack Wragg. It was their job to decide who was going through, made especially difficult by the exceptional level of competitors. Andy David explained: “It’s definitely the highest level of competing I’ve seen in British skiing.”

At about 10pm the finalists for the Fat Face Night Ski were announced and 25 skiers and boarders made their way onto the floodlit slope where individually they charged down, performing 720s, Inverts, 900s, Invert 270s and a variety of tricks and show stopping moves!

After some deliberation between the judges it was around midnight before the winners were finally announced.

Stoke-on-Trent’s Charlie Smith stole the show to take 1st place in the Male Ski division, with Sheffield’s James Woods in 2nd and Josh Fawcett from Stoke-on-Trent in 3rd. Tyler Harding from Halifax claimed 1st place in the Under 16s Ski.

Jamie Nicholls from Bradford claimed the 1st prize crown in the Male Boarders category as well as 1st in the U16s! Lancashire’s Kevin Edwards wowed the judges to take 2nd place and Tom Hunt from Leeds got a podium 3rd place finish.

The women also put on a phenomenal show with local talent, Lynsey Ashdown from Manchester boarding her way into Women’s 1st place, closely followed by Vicky McDonald from Salford. In the Women Ski category Sheffield’s Katie Summerhays claimed 1st place, followed by Becky Hammond in 2nd place, also from Sheffield.

There were also special awards presented to Best Newcomers, Cheshire’s Bethany Britton and Harry Tomlinson from Rossendale.

They all won their share of the £2,000 prize money, which will go on to help support them doing the sports they love. Fat Face is committed to promoting key sports through its Night Series events and individuals through the prizes.

Will Blair, Fat Face Marketing Manager comments: “It was the best UK Ski and Snowboard event that I’ve see, with the highest level of competitors.

“At Fat Face we wanted to create a unique and aspiration event, where the amateurs could ride alongside the Pros. Adding in the phenomenal atmosphere, which the event had throughout, led to an all round massive success.”

Pat Sharpels concluded: “Castleford stood out for me (where the Fat Face Night Ski was held in 2005) but this event at the Chill Factore has taken it to another level. The lighting was spot on, the snow perfect and with the best Pros it all worked out. It’s been incredible!”

Quotes from the winners:

Charlie Smith: “I’m speechless! I’m just so happy! I just didn’t think I’d do it but it came off in the end. It was dark and crazy out there but really exciting. It was such a brilliant event and I don’t think anything will ever top it!”

James Woods: “I’m so stoked just to be here. It’s not just about winning; it’s about being with your buddies! Everyone’s buzzing; it couldn’t be better! It’s weird skiing in the dark but really good! Thank you Fat Face!”

Jamie Nicholls: “I’m over the moon; it’s amazing! It was really good fun and an epic standard of competition. It feels so good and I really didn’t expect it!”

Kevin Edwards: “I’m super excited to come 2nd place as there were a lot of really good riders out there. I just tried to enjoy it and didn’t try and do anything too special. It was amazing to ride with the lights out and I just really hope the event happens again next year!

Katie Summerhays: “I can’t believe it; I’m stoked! I couldn’t wait to ski and compete and the atmosphere has been amazing. ”

Becky Hammond: “It just feels really really good. Skiing at night is unusual and it’s not been done before so is really cool. The atmosphere was great and really good fun. I’m really happy with the money which will help to support me.”

Lynsey Ashdown: “It’s amazing! I’m really stoked and it tops a great night! It was ace out there; the best indoor event I’ve seen with so many top riders.”

Vicky McDonald: “It makes it so much harder as you can’t see the bumps. It’s a real challenge but turning the light out adds to the whole atmosphere. I feel fantastic and am just buzzing. I’ve not been freestyling for long so am just so pleased.”

Harry Tomlinson: “I can’t believe it; I’m so stoked as I didn’t expect it. There was such a big turnout. Lots of people and lots of support. It was a really good set up and an amazing event.

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     22 May, 2008

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