If indeed, the world is a stage, then Snowflex was cast in a prominent supporting role on the biggest stage and in front of the largest audience in the world...the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.
When Toronto snowboarder Johnny Lyall made his unforgettable entrance into the Stadium and spectacular jump through the Olympic Rings marking the official start of the Opening Ceremonies, he did it on Snowflex®!!!!
Last spring (2009) Briton Engineering Developments Ltd. was contacted by David Atkins Enterprises (DAE), the Australia-based company contracted to create and produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. DAE was in the preliminary planning period and considering a creative component which would require an artificial snowsports surface. What was clear was that given that this was the Winter Olympics and the expectations and magnitude which went with them, they only wanted and required the 'absolute best.'
After signing the mandatory 'Agreement of Confidentiality' with Briton, a few hand-picked Canadian snowboarders were sent by DAE to try out and test Snowflex at The Barn at Woodward Camp, Copper Mountain, Colorado. Following a rigorous series of test runs and a 'thumbs-up' from the snowboarders, DAE chose Briton Engineering Ltd and Snowflex® for the Games.
Last fall (2009) Johnny Lyall, along with fellow snowboarders Shin Campos and Kevin Sansalon, all started intense practising in preparation for the February 12th Opening Ceremonies. A replica of the actual Snowflex jump to be used at the Stadium was built on a secret site for the trio to train on, which they did for the weeks leading up to opening night.
When it came time to select which one of them would have the honour of 'jumping through the rings' at the Opening Ceremonies, it came down to Lyall and Campos. DAE couldn't decide, and so they flipped a coin. Lyall won and the rest is history.
With a crowd of more than 50,000 in the stadium itself and another billion people watching live on television, the 'jump seen around the world' was as flawless as it was breathtaking. Johnny Lyall soaring through the air and landing on Snowflex® made the front page of newspapers and websites everywhere.
To be a part of such a significantly memorable moment, to be chosen for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, was the ultimate gold-medal endorsement of Snowflex as the undisputable 'absolute best.' And a truly proud day for Briton Engineering Ltd.
Well, here we have it; Sheffield Ski Villalge's new airbag. There's some demo sessions over the weekend and SCUKers Dave "pocket" Oldacre and Charlie "charliebuoy" Eddington will be there to test the new permanent fixture at SSV and report back.
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.
The elderly Midlothian ski centre above Edinburgh is facing closure as the local council in the area struggles to fund the dry ski slope, which opened in 1965.
Originally known as Hillend, the slope is one of Europe’s largest and longest at more than 400m. It is one of the few artificial surface slopes to have its own chairlift. Many of the UK’s top skiers in the 1970s, 80s and 90s can trace their racing roots back to Hillend training and more recently the slope has hosted British snowboard championships and many University championships.
However, it is still predominantly a Dendix slope, although it does have a Snowflex jump run. It is reported to be making a £500,000 loss each year at present, which Midlothian council say is unsustainable.
Green Member of the Scottish Parliament Robin Harper wants the Scottish government to match council spending in the short term to help keep the centre open.
Chatham reports that their new boxes are ready. They've been busy building smaller obstacles than their normal 40 foot beasts and now have a flat down box and a butter box. Both are a great size for the first timer learning new tech tricks or getting new super tech tricks down on, and both boxes are so light they can be whipped out for a quick session!
Both will be out this Thursday 7 - 10pm and as always, don't forget SCUK Members get a discount at Chatham.
With the long-hoped for plans of an impressive indoor slope on the SSV site in tatters, it seems Sheffield has at long last started getting some of the attention it so richly needed. With the only permanent halfpipe in the UK, the Snowflex / Dendix slope has been home to many of the UK's top riders and has spawned the likes of Dom Harington to name just one.
Firstly, the slope have purchased at airbag, which is on its way. Delivery is in two weeks with some staff training for a week and then grand opening on the weekend of March 21st/22nd. Initially the Bag will be sited at the base of the main Dendix slope less than 10m from the bar and balcony so some great photo opportunities. Groundworks are underway to give the airbag its own run in. Eventual plans are for it to be usable on the same run in for boards, skis, blades, bikes and skateboards.
Robin EdwardsManagement at SSV now include Robin Edwards, a local rider with some cool tricks in his back pocket. He has taken it on board to catch up on the slope maintenance and is replacing worn pieces of Snowflex on an almost daily basis. The quarter pipe has been 50% re-covered and the run out at the base of the Snowflex park has all been replaced, plus some small patches on the nursery slope.
Coaching
There is also now free coaching in place, Monday evenings for general riding and beginner progression 7 - 9. There will be three instructors on the slope to be approached, friendly faces to help out if needed and no extra cost over slope time.
On Sunday afternoons Robin will be running freestyle coaching sessions.
SCUK members can get a free half day pass at SSV and also save up to 20% on slope time. Discount details here.
Some excellent news, first of our many changes for 2010, due to the massive popularity of the Tap 'N' Spin sessions last summer we now have music every week on slope! So let us know what music gets you guys and girls pumped to ride through our Facebook page and we'll get it on the playlist! Facebook Group and whilst you're there become a fan, and let us know what you want to see out on the slope each week, or what new toys you want us to build!
Next bit of news is we've just ordered from Dave Parkyn a brand new butter box, it'll be 50 cm wide, about 13 foot long and not very high, so great for first time jibbers or trying out that new tech trick! We're gettin a box similar to the one at Bromley ski slope, just had Dave make a few tweaks to the dimensions so it fits our slope nicely! Should be with us in a few weeks!
Last bit of news for now is we are slowly working on a new big kicker for our slope. If you know our slope it'll make the whole of third exit a table with the steep section after a nice steep landing. We're working on a nice smooth transition that'll give plenty of air time and a nice clean arch, rather than getting kicked up like so many dryslope ramps do. This is a long term project as we want to get the transition spot on!
Gloucester Ski Slope and the adjoining Gloucester Golf Club have been put on the market.
The ski and snowboard centre, which currently forms part of the Ramada Gloucester Hotel and Country Club, is being sold by Kayterm Limited through Humberts Leisure.
Established in 1973 the Matson centre is expected to fetch up to £1.5 million.
This is a reminder to everyone that the 3 nights of freestyle promotion runs out at the end of this month at Bracknell. Just £20 gets you 3 sessions of freestyle on the Monday 7pm -10pm night or/and the Sunday morning 9am-11am session with members discount available as well.
Thanks for everyone that showed up to '3 nights of freestyle launch party' Monday just gone, thanks to Sputnik, Carters Reading, Mountain High, and Altimus Reading for generously donating prizes. Also cheers to the DJ and the Red Bull girls for helping to make it a fun evening for all those that attended. Don't forget the '3 nights' promotion continues for freestyle right up to 31st Jan 2010.
Three freestyle sessions for just 20 quid - a massive discount compared to the usual £18.50 adult Monday night price.
To be honest, we thought this slope had closed some time ago, but after the recent flooding in and around Carlisle we had an email to say the slope was open for business again! Good news.
It is one of the smallest Dendix slope we know about in the UK, but the recent creation of a freestyle slope has put this slope very much back on the map. There's regular freestyle sessions with some rails and boxes, plus tuition from a fully qualified ski and snowboard team.
Four firms have expressed an interest in buying Ski Rossendale, it has been revealed.
The news comes after the council was advised by a leading business consultant to sell it off.
Now councillors will decide whether to go ahead with plans to offload the Rawtenstall attraction at a meeting on December 17.
Council chiefs have not named the interested companies but have revealed their intentions for the site.
One firm would consider several redevelopment options including a retail unit, changes in the design and layout of the ski slope, investment in new attractions and a new restaurant.
They would refurbish the reception, changing areas, snack bar and ski surfaces.
The second company is described as having an “excellent track record of delivering this type of development worldwide.”
Their proposal includes the complete redesign and refit of the slope, new lodge facilities including a bar, restaurant and shops and improved car parking.
The third option is from a firm “which includes highly experienced snow sports and sports consultants”.
They plan to convert the attraction into an outdoor sports leisure facility, combining holiday chalet properties, a bar, restaurant and club house.
They would also develop a small indoor snow facility for teaching and children’s parties along with an outdoor artificial snow slope and fun park.
An existing ski village that took on a similar failing facility and made it profitable have also shown an interest in taking over the site.
A council spokesman said: “Ski Rossendale remains a key leisure facility while requiring significant financial investment.
“Cabinet agreed to explore options within the private sector to provide investment for Ski Rossendale in order to find a long-term solution.”
A new artificial snow sports park has been proposed for Moprgan Hill in California incorportating a Snowflex slope along with additional facilities including cricket fields, a sports shop and a Catholic high school. The slope would be located next to an existing Aquatics Center and Institute Golf Course and located east of the U.S. 101 road and Tennant Avenue interchange.
The project is backed by local property owners who want to switch the land use from farming to recreation in partnership with local government.
The Snowflex slope would be part of a 10-acre outdoor snow park for snowboarders and skiers. It would be located on the easternmost part of the development and is likely to be initially subject to an approximately $100,000 environmental review to see if it meets standards required. This will take about a year to complete.
The initial plans for the centre include a 600ft (nearly 200m) long main slope – one of the world’s longest to date, with three Jumps (a tabletop and kicker and a high rollers jumps), an 11-foot high elliptical quarter pipe with hip grind rails (flat box, down-flat-down, and up-flat-down), cornice drop off (possibly) and a bowl counter slope. There will be intermediate areas (blue/green/red runs), an extreme tube chute, a ski lodge and possibly other possible jibbing features, and a nursery slope.
According to local media reports, many farmers in the area feel that agriculture is no longer a viable use for the land, since suburbanites consider it an annoyance and rising fuel and water costs make it harder for smaller farms to make a profit. These farmers say a preserved farmland designation would limit their ability to get bank loans on their property, since agricultural land is worth less than land zoned for other purposes.
By now most of you will know that the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Lynchburg, VA opened its doors on the 1st August 2009 and had its the Grand Opening of the 29th August 09. Not only was the Grand Opening spectacular but it was heralded a huge success!
However, what some of you may not know is that Liberty University were so thrilled with the response they had from students and locals alike and the high repeat visitor rate to the Snowflex centre, that they immediately commissioned the second phase of the project, increasing the skiable area from 3766m2 to 6478m2 (40,538 sqft to 69,730 sqft). And so Briton began the expansion on the 31st August 09 - just two days after the Grand Opening!
The expansion of the slope increased the length of the slope further up the mountain by 40m (130ft) and also widened the intermediate areas by 13m (43ft) all the way down the mountain making it more user friendly to those of us that are mere mortals and not just ski and snowboard hotshots.
So 3 months after supplying and installing the additional Snowflex system, the slopes capacity has grown from approx 150 people to 250 people per hour, increasing the potential for revenue generation and profit opportunity, dramatically.
Briton also filled in the gap between the advanced area and the intermediate area, making it look just like a real ski resort, as you can see from the pictures!
The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre has definitely created a stir in North America and people are now seeing the huge potential as an urban leisure attraction. Traditional mountain resorts can also see the opportunity to offer year round skiing and snowboarding thereby making the most of their current resort infrastructure during traditional "off-peak" times!
During the expansion period the centre received many important independent commercial and press visitors to see what the Snowflex phenomenon was all about. One of those parties that visited were the guys from East Coast Snowboard Magazine (see page 102), a mag that reports on all things winter sports on the East Coast of America. One line that stands out is on p106 – "What we all witnessed down in Virginia may very well be a big part of snowboarding's future".
Bracknell want to let you know about a real recession beater they are about to introduce at the slope.
Bracknell Ski and Snowboard Centre is about to introduce "3 nights of freestyle" promotion for just £20 (or £18 for alpine members). This deal entitles you to 3 sessions of freestyle for the equivalent of just less than £7 a go when the normal price on a Monday is £18.50 for an adult. The deal also applies to the Sunday £12 afternoon sessions. The deal can be purchased by anyone of any age who has their own equipment and can ride at level f slope standard (or ski above a level 6). The deal can only be used from Sunday 6th December 2009 through to Sunday 31st January 2010. The deal cannot be used for events or squad selection days. Normal freestyle terms and condition apply and helmets must be used when riding freestyle terrain. Time to dust off your jib stick and get down to Bracknell Ski and Snowboard Centre!! for more information please call 01344 789002/003
UPDATE:
Please note that due to business reasons, we are launching the "3 nights of freestyle" promotion on the Monday 7th December instead of the Sunday. Watch this space for more details.
Please also note that the Sunday freestyle practise time has been rescheduled from 9am to 11am on Sunday from now on.
The 6th December session will be Southern Region Selection along with the normal training session.
A leading business consultant who was employed to review leisure facilities throughout the Valley has told the council to sell Ski Rossendale.
A detailed report was presented by KKP consultants at a council meeting which underlined the challenges facing the ski facility, Bacup Lesiure Hall and Haslingden Sports Centre.
Council bosses admitted that around £10million of outside investment would be needed to save the ski centre venue earlier this year.
But the report by KKP said there would be difficulty sustaining the facility in the future because of competition from the Chill Factor indoor snow facility in Manchester.
During his presentation, chief consultant Dave Mchendry, said: “Rossendale is known for Ski Rossendale.
“However, the facility is now a cost to the council and needs to draw custom from a wider catchment area, which it has not been doing.
“The members of the council have to consider issues of quality and competition in their decision making.”
Rossendale Leisure Trust, which runs Ski Rossendale at arms length from the council, was advised by KKP to consider surrendring the lease on Ski Rossendale altogether.
Members of the overview and scrutiny board were told that three parties had shown interest in taking over Ski Rossendale, but details of the potential investors could not be revealed due to data protection laws.
The KKP report also drew up options for the future of Haslingden Sports Centre and Bacup Leisure Hall.
A proposal to use Haslingden as the site for the soon to be built swimming pool was welcomed by the committee.
The consultants also revealed there had been three expressions of interest for Bacup Leisure Hall despite concerns about its financial future.
Coun Jason Gledhill, member for leisure, said: “The leisure report sets out the challenges that the council and its leisure trust partners face at a time when public sector finances are being squeezed and sources of income are down. There are no quick, easy or painless solutions.”
A full version of the presentation will be available online in the coming weeks.
Here's a wee vid advertising our ski & board workshop at the Aberdeen slope. Thought you might be up for putting it on your site. Granted, it won't have much impact on those living outside Aberdeen, but it might raise a smile...
Chatham slope is now almost completely relaid and should be completely finished by the start of the winter season. There is now enough room for a full freestyle setup on Thursdays 7 - 10pm again.
Unfortunately, if you're not a skier or snowboarder, the toboggan run hut at Chatham was recently burnt down so is not operating at present. It could be up and running again in as little as two weeks or not until next year. So keep your eyes open for news. However, there are still snowtubes to keep you entertained if wintersports are not your thing. You could always learn to ski or snowboard of course!
We've already posted some info and pictures on the opening of Liberty Mountain in the US, but when the UK's smallest uber-ripper asks, we jump, else he'll come round and eat our goldfish.
Woodward at Copper, the indoor snow sports centre, is offering weekly Autumn classes designed to help participants learn skills in specific areas, such as trampolines, tumbling, Snowflex indoor snow slope and skateboarding.
The event will be staged from September 9th to November 3rd. These one hour classes meet once or twice a week typically in the evenings for eight weeks.
A new slope surface called Innova-ski is currently being used at two ski centres in England - Norfolk and Snowtrax.
The new matting is made with a plastic base and the ski surface itself comprises PBT filaments.
The matting has been tested in Belgium and the UK by ski and snowboard instructors, novice skiers and children.
“They where very enthusiast about the new surface and said it looked like snow, provided great forward speed and excellent grip when turning and stopping,” said developer Marc Struyf.
The Belgium-based manufacturer reports that those who have skied on the new slopes, have said that the Innova-ski slope produces excellent grip for turns as well as ease of glide for snowboarders and skiers on the fall line.
Mr Struyf further reports that the surface is easy to install and replace when a part of the slope is damaged.
Tests have been done with mud and dirt to find out the best cleaning facility and the testers also said that it was easy to clean.
One of the testers even parked his car on one of the matting (one tyre), leaving it there over night. The next day on removing the car the filaments had been flattened by the car wheel, but 24 hours later it was not possible to see where the car had been parked.
Innova-ski is supplied in 600 x 900mm white-coloured section weighing 6.5kg each. The material can also be supplied in green, red, blue, yellow and there are several variants available.
Over 3,200 members of the Liberty and Lynchburg community, as well as local and national media, gathered on the slopes to witness the official launch of this unprecedented attraction. The dedication began with opening remarks from Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr., followed by Brian Thomas of Briton Engineering, the inventor of Snowflex®.
“We’re just proud to be the only university in the world with its own Snowflex® ski slope,” Falwell said. “When students are well-rounded, we believe they perform better academically if they have outlets like this for good clean fun and recreation. We’re happy not just for what it will do for Liberty University, but what it will do for the whole community.”
Brian Thomas called the accomplishment “the most exciting moment for [Briton Engineering]."
"Since the launch of Snowflex, we have been lucky enough to have worked on quite a few different projects around the world and I’ve been welcomed in places as varied as Hong Kong, Lebanon, Spain, France and Denmark. However, I have to say the reception here has been the best yet” he said.
During the ceremony, Falwell introduced two important donors: Jay Stein, an Arizona businessman who helped kick off the Snowflex project, and Dr. Al Barrick, a long-time Liberty supporter and friend of Dr. Jerry Falwell who donated his wildlife trophy collection to Liberty, now displayed in the new Barrick-Falwell Lodge at LMSC. State and city officials were also on hand, including Sen. Steve Newman, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Tamra Talmadge of the Virginia Tourism Department and Lynchburg mayor Joan Foster.
“This is a great day for Virginia and it’s a great day for Liberty,” Bolling said. “But I hope that in the midst of this day we will really remember in a very special way the guy who had the foresight so many years ago to begin this whole effort that ultimately brings us here today, and that is a good friend of mine, Dr. Jerry Falwell.”
As university officials and distinguished guests cut the ceremonial ribbon, skydiver Jim McCormick kicked off the snow sports action as he leapt from an airplane onto the main slope and skied downhill. Twenty-four pro skiers and snowboarders from the U.S. and U.K. put on an amazing aerial display, wowing the crowd with the big-air stunts and high-flying manoeuvres.
Following the freestyle action, the slopes opened to students and the public for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Club Membership 
