While other UK dry slopes struggle with changing times, Sheffield Ski Village are developing their facilities and looking forward to a bright 2010. From being selected as one of 10 Snowsport England priority facilities, to purchasing the only permanent airbag in the UK and showcasing home grown talent such as Katie Summerhayes and Andy Longley in International freestyle competitions Sheffield promises great things for the future.

The Ski Village Airbag project was born from an increased interest in freestlye skiing and snowboarding which has gathered momentum over the past year and exploded with new interest following the winter Olympics. Sheffield has always been at the forefront of the freestyle scene and is still home of the only halfpipe in the UK along with a long reputation for breeding budding freestyle riders, such as Dom Harington.

The airbag arrives at the Ski Village in just over a week with a launch party on Friday 19th March alongside afternoon sessions from 2pm on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st. The airbag has been built by www.theairbag.net and when completed will be a massive 15m x 10m semi-collapsible sack of air with a Snowflex run up and a large whippy kicker allowing riders to practice tricks like double backfips and big spins in safety.

One airbag currently tours the UK taking centre stage at various events along with several on the continent and in the US. Sheffield’s will be the first to have a fixed site and will generate great interest throughout the British snowsports scene plus the BMX and skateboard industries. The permanent airbag will allow Sheffield Ski Village to host larger National freestlye events and increase the training potential for many up and coming skiers and snowboarders. There is now a great progression for riders at the Ski Village and young riders will be inspired when watching the pro’s use the new facilities.

The Ski Village also have the potential to transport their air bag to other events and promote the slope and relevant sponsors around the UK.

Here are some images of the airbag previously visiting Ski Village using a Dendix ramp.

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