UK Indoor Snow News

Here's the park plan for SNO!zone Scotland this week.

The Swindon Advertiser reports;

A major project to turn the run-down Oasis Leisure Centre into a regional leisure destination will bring about 1,700 jobs to Swindon’s economy.

Swindon Council has identified a preferred developer that would refurbish the old centre and later provide other leisure facilities at the site, including a snowdome and an arena.

And the council is also considering an option to build a £4m pedestrian bridge that would link the Oasis to the town centre over the railway line.

Coun Keith Williams, cabinet member for leisure and corporate services, revealed the initial information ahead of the full details, including the developer’s name, being announced by the council on Tuesday.

He said the aim of the project was to restore the faded centre to its former glory, when the facility drew people from far and wide.

He said: “This really is one of those great moments we will look back upon.

“We are putting every effort in. An awful lot of time has been put into this to make sure that the elements around this are correct.

“This is going to be really great for Swindon in the same way the Oasis was years ago.

“The people of Swindon will have something to look forward to and they will enjoy when it arrives.

“As councillors we live in Swindon, we raise our families in Swindon, and we want what’s best for Swindon. Everyone is supportive of this.

“This is a great opportunity. This is a real win-win-win opportunity: Win for the people of Swindon, win for the developer and win for the council.”

The Oasis, in North Star Avenue, has a lagoon swimming pool with water slides and a wave machine, a gym, a sports hall, indoor bowling, squash courts and outdoor pitches. It also hosts concerts.

Just over a year ago, the council announced it was inviting companies to redevelop the crumbling site. Developers were offered the chance to either refurbish the existing centre or build a new one altogether.

Out of the 22 companies which expressed an interest, three were shortlisted to give presentations on their proposals. These were assessed on a point-scoring exercise and a preferred developer was chosen.

Under the outline plans, the project would take place in phases. The developer would refurbish the existing facilities by the end of 2013.An arena and other facilities would then be built on the site, with the snowdome expected to be operational by 2015.

Plans for Swindon’s own snow dome were first mooted in 2004, but the project seemed to fizzle out until last year when the council invited businesses interested in redeveloping the site to come forward.

If the centre is completed, it will bring about 1,700 jobs to the local economy, and the council hopes two-thirds of the users would come from outside of Swindon.

Coun Williams said the developer would initially lease the land from the council, but after the project is completed, the freehold will be transferred to a trust, which would have tax benefits.

He added that the council would pay very little for the project and would also benefit because it would no longer have to subsidise the facility.

The report detailing the full plans will be officially presented to Cabinet on Wednesday, February 15. The full council will need to approve the project.

Here's the Tamworth SnowDome park for this Saturday evening.

Bucks Free Press reports;

Plans for a multi-million-pound indoor ski centre to replace the former fire-torn Wycombe Summit site appear to have been placed on ice.

The Abbey Barn Way plot has been put on the market with agents Edward Symmons which has been “instructed to seek offers for the remainder of the 99 year lease”.

The advert states the 76.76 acre site benefits from "detailed planning consent" for an indoor ski complex – which has the “potential for alternative uses, subject to planning”.

It is the latest twist in the saga - throwing the future of mooted plans for a 120m 'real snow' slope, ice rink, shop and restaurant faculty into doubt.

The applicant, Snowdome Ltd, took Wycombe District Council to appeal in 2010 over its decision to refuse a revised 2009 planning application, which included the widening of the building to make way for conference rooms.

The Planning Inspectorate was called but – at the 11th hour – the firm backtracked and said it would revert to a scaled-back application from 2007, which was originally given the thumbs up by WDC’s planning committee.

The original dry ski slope was decimated during a huge blaze which started in the kitchen of the wooden chalet building in 2005.

Snowdome Ltd and Edward Symmons have been unavailable for comment this morning.

Here are the park plans for The Hemel Hemsptead Snow Centre for Thursday and Friday.

Learn to ski or snowboard at Hemel on Valentine's Day.

SNO!zone Scotland are offering one lucky couple the chance to spend Valentine’s Day 14th February with time on the slope followed by a candlelit meal and Champagne served in your own purpose built, private snow den right on the slope itself!

The winning couple can choose from a ski/board lesson or a 2 hour slope pass before settling down into their own heart shaped den made of REAL SNOW for their romantic meal and fizz!

Simply click here and answer their love themed question...

The BBC reports that the winter sports complex in Cardiff Bay's landmark International Sports Village is to finally go ahead.



Work on a 150m ski slope, a nursery slope, skating arenas plus shops, bars, restaurants, a hotel and new homes will start immediately.

The project will be developed by Helium Miracle 113, a subsidiary of Wigan-based Greenbank Partnerships.

Last year, the council broke off its deal with Planet Ice, which won the initial tender, in a row over funds.

The council then re-opened the tender process.

Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman said the development would boost the city's international reputation.

The new ice arena is expected to be completed in time to accommodate all or most of the 2013/2014 ice hockey season.

The entire project should be finished within five years.

The sports village currently has a 50m pool, white water facility and temporary ice rink.
Continue reading the main story

Excellent reputation

"We said we would deliver a new ice rink for the city of Cardiff and I am extremely pleased that these plans are moving forward," said councillor Berman.

"The new twin pad rink with spectator seating, bars and cafeterias will be the new home for the Cardiff Devils.

"It will also be another cornerstone of the International Sports Village, which is key within the council's plans to further enhance Cardiff's reputation as an international capital and a major tourist destination."

Paul Ragan, owner of the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team, said the project was "fabulous" news.

"This news will put Cardiff on the ice sports map throughout Europe," he said.

Jonathan Smith, development director at Helium Miracle 113, said he was looking forward to building on Cardiff's excellent tourism and cultural reputation.

There's a great piece in ThisIsTamworth about the history of Tamworth SnowDome and the men behind it. It's a good read. SCUK have been covering the SnowDdome since back in 1995 (SCUK news item number 1) so we've followed the ups and ups of the business for a long time.

They've also just launched their Saturday Shred School, which begins tomorrow.

On a personal note, I've never had a bad night's riding at the SnowDome and enjoy it every time I go there. You know the management really care and they pretty much fund SCUK's Summer Bash too (a skip, Portaloo® and the goodwill of local farmers do not come cheap). All round good place, run by good people. We salute you SnowDome!

A report in North Yorkshire's The Advertiser reports,

A Yorkshire-based consortium interested in putting a snowdome on the site of the club’s stadium is due to hold talks with council officials today, and Sheffield venture capitalist Paul Wildes last night repeated that he remains in the running.

Here's the park plan for SNO!zone Milton Keynes for this Thursday and Friday.

The park plan for Park Strife on 3rd Feb should also be available soon.

Get back to school and get your shred on at the SnowDome with the brand new Saturday Shred School. The freestyle camp for snowboarders of all ages and abilities looking to master new tricks, meet new faces and get creative.

The 3 hour, camp format sessions will be accompanied by a dedicated team of SnowDome coaches, complete with a progressive full park set-up and a renowned upbeat and friendly atmosphere… plus a selection of guest coaches from the likes of Burton, Westbeach, Salomon & The Snowboard Asylum to boot!

Shredders will be divided into groups at the start of the evening, ranging from riders tackling their first ever rail to seasoned jibbers looking to fine tune their existing bag of tricks. Add in some filming of all the action, bags of tasty giveaways and you have yourself a night of shreducation and great times!

Saturday Shred School

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY / 10pm-1.30am
SATURDAY 31 MARCH / 10pm-1.30am
SATURDAY 26 MAY / 8.30pm-12midnight
SATURDAY 23 JUNE / 8.30pm-12midnight
SATURDAY 21 JULY / 8.30pm-12midnight
SATURDAY 11 AUGUST / 8.30pm-12midnight
SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER / 8.30pm-12midnight
SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER / 10pm-1.30am

ONLY £33 per person

Spaces strictly limited so pre-book to avoid disappointment, book online, call 08448 000011 or see reception.

The Tamworth SnowDome are getting ready for the ThirtyTwo International team to hit the slopes tonight. They are due to arrive at the TSA at about 6pm, where they will be doing some signings and generally saying hi to people. Then from 8pm they will be out on the hill, where a park will be out for everyone to enjoy.

The latest news on this long running development for Northumberland seems to imply the original plans for an indoor ski slope have been downgraded.

"It also includes a dry ski slope, a 4x4 driving experience, two lakes for watersports and recreation, equine facilities, an indoor leisure centre and the generation of renewable energy from a wind farm."

More at JournalLive.co.uk

Here's the park setup for tonight's visit from the ThirtyTwo international snowboard team at Chill Factore.


Top Set


Upper Set


Lower Set


Bottom Set

The ThirtyTwo international snowboard team are on their European Tour this month and they are starting off at Chill Factore (the only tour stop in the North)!

ThirtyTwo have joined forces with Subvert boardstore to host a special freestyle event on Monday 23rd January 2012!

This is your chance to meet and ride with some of the World's best snowboarders, so make sure you don't miss out!



Check out the riders list

• JP Walker
  
• Scott Stevens
  
• Joe Sexton
  
• Chris Grenier
  
• Danny Larsen
  
• Markku Koski
  
• As well as some of the finest AM riders!

Details for the Chill Factore event are as follows:

• Signing in Subvert from 6pm
  
• Freestyle starts at 7pm, watch and learn from the World's best!

You can also take advantage of our current Lift Pass offer and double you time for £5!

So book your Lift Pass now and don't miss out on this once in a life time event, seriously, when was the last time JP Walker and Scott Stevens came to your local slope!

Visit www.chillfactore.com to book now.

Here's The Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre park plan for their leg of the ThirtyTwo European Tour next Wednesday.

The evening starts with a signing session in Snow and Rock and then a special freestyle park that opens at 6.30. Get the chance to meet and ride with the likes of JP Walker!

I don't think is a big surprise to anybody, but the Guardian reports that proposals by Acer Snowmec to turn the London Olympic press and media centre in to an indoor snow centre has not made it to the shortlist.

Here's the SNO!zone Milton Keynes park for this Thursday and Friday.

Here's the Tamworth SnowDome park for this Saturday.

Here are The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead park plans for this week. Two kickers on the Main Slope for Thursday and a triple barrel bonk for Friday.

Don't forget we also have the 32 Team coming to our centre on Wednesday 25th January, there will be a park plan for that coming soon!

We had a chat with Jamie Smith, the founder and Managing Director of Ice Factor International who recently purchased SNO!zone Scotland to see what their plans were for Scotland's only indoor slope.

SCUK What are your immediate plans?
Jamie We've made an immediate investment in replacing 23 Pomas and one new rope tow.

SCUK Do you think freestyle is important at the slope?
Jamie Yes, we've increased the budget for the Freestyle Park Team and they now have a budget for each quarter.

SCUK Are you happy with the snow at Braehead?
Jamie We've already tweaked the refrigerant to improve snow conditions and this will be an ongoing focus for us. We've installed new actuators to improve the quality of snow blowing.

SCUK Any changes off slope?
Jamie Two new tills have been installed at reception to speed up processing of customers. This is just the start of wide ranging improvement to customer flow through to the slope. We've removed the pocket money stealers from the corridor and ordered a new Barista Coffee Machine.

SCUK What's next for Braehead?
Jamie Our total focus just now, is in making the slope/park, snow/machinery as great as it can be. A major refurbishment will take place throughout the summer. We'll keep you updated as we make progress. The most important things to us are our customers, our team and our product.

SCUK Do you plan to continue the partnership with SCUK?
Jamie We spent a long time reading the comments about Braehead before the acquisition. You can happily let your readers know that we're reading/listening and genuinely acting on the info to try and make the place the incredible destination is can be. I'll keep reading the forums and responding in actions, but you can let your members know we genuinely appreciate their input.

SCUK We'll take that as a "yes". Best of luck.

Here's the Tamworth SnowDome park for this Saturday.

Here's the SNO!zone Milton Keynes park for this Thursday and Friday. This Friday is the first Park Strife event of 2012 and do note it's on a Friday, not MK's usual Saturday.

"I’ve never even been on a ski lift before," admitted Dame Kelly Holmes after enjoying her first proper experience on real snow at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.

Since retiring as a professional athlete the first British Olympian to win double gold has relished the freedom to have a go at a range of sports that might previously have interfered with her career on the track.

With plans to go skiing early this year she was keen to ensure a level of 'snow confidence' before hitting the slopes and booked lessons at The Snow Centre to help her feel more relaxed on skis.

Unsurprisingly Kelly proved a natural and progressed rapidly from the centre’s nursery slopes to taking the button lift to the top of the main 160m slope. As a ‘toe runner’ she found it easy to lean forward and adopt a positive skiing stance although she described skiing as "much more technical than running".

Head of Snowsports, Pete Gillespie said, "Kelly’s obvious natural athletic skills combined with her ability to listen and act on instruction made her a delight to teach."

And Kelly was full of praise for Pete’s skills in delivering the lessons, saying, ‘Pete’s a great instructor. Some people are good at what they do but simply can’t explain the technique to others.’

She added, "As a beginner learning the basics in a controlled and safe environment would be of real benefit before hitting the slopes for real. I have had a fantastic time learning a new sport and having never been to an indoor snow centre before I found it a great experience and it's definitely worth well doing. I would highly recommend it."

As a Centre of Excellence The Snow Centre prides itself on offering the 'best snowsports instruction this side of the Alps' with 120 qualified instructors providing group or private lessons on the closest real snow to the centre of London.

Currently The Snow Centre is offering Ski & Snowboard Days for adult beginners with six hours of tuition for £169 – or a course of four one and half hour lessons for the same price. For details and bookings call The Snow Centre on 0845 258 9000 or click on www.thesnowcentre.com