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| Create a free SCUK account and get access to the forums and our regular newsletter. | Jul 04, 2009 |
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The Snow Centre, which will be Britain's premier indoor ski and snowboarding venue when it opens in April, announced this week that it is to be twinned with one of the most popular Alpine regions for British skiers in a partnership that will deliver substantial benefits to UK-based snow sport enthusiasts.  The latest development is another first for the Snow Centre which already promises many unique features that will make it an outstanding Centre of Excellence in snow sports, attracting top skiers at national and international level. Oskar Hinteregger, Director of the Austrian Tourism Office for Britain and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that the Snow Centre will be twinned with our Otztal region in the Tyrol. “By strengthening our links like this, we will be able to offer some very exciting opportunities for British skiers and youngsters interested in snow sports.” Stephen Jordan, Technical Director of the Snow Centre being built by leading construction company Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, said: "The Otztal region is one of the most popular areas with British skiers and we are delighted to be associated with such a wonderful Alpine destination. “Not only will we be operating a number of exchange schemes so Snow Centre visitors can benefit from the latest teaching techniques from the Alps, but we also hope to conclude some exclusive holiday deals to encourage even more travel between Britain and Austria.” The announcement comes shortly after the Snow Centre secured a major link-up with top sports company Head to provide a super-fast kitting out system for skiers and snowboarders using rented equipment , cutting the time it will take visitors to get on the indoor snow slopes. The topping-out ceremony marks completion of the main structure of the Snow Centre, the only indoor ski centre in the UK to be built on a natural hill. This will give the Centre the advantage of being able to offer large snow jumps essential for freestyle competitive events which are difficult to achieve in designs where tall steel supports are used. Building work began in April and Mr Jordan was pleased to report construction was on schedule with the focus now moving to creating the interior and installing four state-of-the-art ski lifts, two each for the 160m (560ft) main slope and 100m (330ft) nursery slope. The link-up with Otztal means the huge interior walls of the Snow Centre will be decorated with gigantic vinyl panoramic views of the region to add to the Alpine atmosphere which will continue with the stylish apres-ski bars, restaurants and conference facilities at the foot of the slopes. It is envisaged the Snow Centre will attract 250,000 visitors in the first year and already the venue has been endorsed by the leading snow sport governing bodies including the British Association for Snow Sport Instructors and UK Snow Sport which both intend to hold courses there in 2009 and beyond. Mr Jordan said: "We are keen to nurture and develop interest in snow sports at all levels, from newcomers to experienced skiers who want to improve their skills. "We will also be hosting a number of competitive events from the start and our aim is to become a regular fixture in the race calendar attracting top clubs from Britain and abroad." Snow Sports Director Peter Silver Gillespie has close ties with leading ski schools in Austria and the Snow Centre will have a team of 150 instructors to provide tuition at all levels including its own Snowsports School which will be geared up to provide the best in all-round coaching. The centre's 30m (98ft) wide main slope means 150 skiers will be able to enjoy the hill at the same time, again cutting any waiting times and leaving the nursery slope free for 100 people to take part in lessons at the same time. Fun is always high on the agenda and the Snow Centre will also have a large play area and activities such as tobogganing and tubing. While the interior will have a breathtaking decor depicting an Alpine scene, the exterior will be far more under-stated and in keeping with the surrounding area including a 72,000 sq ft "natural roof" planted with sedum which will form a "living crown" on the elegant building. For more information visit www.thesnowcentre.com or phone 01442 241 321.  |
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