Sheffield may get a new dry slope as part of redevelopment plans announced by the city council.
The original Sheffield Ski Village, which opened in 1988, was once the largest year-round dry-slope snowsports facility in Europe and had state-of-the-art freestyle facilities which helped lift some of Britain’s current snowsports stars, such as Team GB Olympians James ‘Woodsy’ Woods, James Machon and Katie Summerhayes, to their current status among the very best in the world in their disciplines.
However, the 30-acre Ski Village site has lain derelict since it was destroyed by a fire nearly five years ago, in 2012, and has suffered more than 50 arson attacks since then.
The city council says it wants to bring in a private developer to turn the site into a “nationally significant attraction”, although it is vague on the detail, only wishing the attraction to be a significant outdoor sports facility with mountain biking trails, bike park and “national snow sports centre” being possible options.
Sheffield City Council say they will seek expressions of interest over the coming months.
Indoor Boarding Events Raise £41,000 For Cancer Charity
An annual Freestyle Event staged at Manchester’s Chill Factore indoor snow slope raised nearly £14,000 for a local cancer charity.
Hosted by the Subvert Boardstore, the event was just the latest in a series that has so far raised a total of £41,000 donated to the Christie charity, based in Manchester, an internationally recognised cancer treatment centre.
The event featured freestyle sessions courtesy of The Booby Trap, with riders treated to a live DJ set and Van’s Waffles as they enjoyed the unique SUBJAM session.
A private demo village was set up on the slope, allowing customers an exclusive trial of the latest season’s boards and apparel. Guests on the night were also invited to take part in the event raffle, where sponsors and local businesses generously donated prizes and gifts.
“We are thrilled with the success of the event. It was great to see so many riders enjoying the Freestyle Park at Chill Factore and testing out the new season’s collections before anyone else,” said Lorraine and Darren of Subvert, adding, “We couldn’t be happier with the total raised; it is incredible, and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and support.”
