Press Release – Gloucester Ski & Snowboard centre
Exciting plans are afoot for Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre. At the end of July 2012 the centre will be taken over by C.E.O of OpalTec, Mark Hamilton-Davies, who has big plans for the place.
These plans will be fully revealed at the grand reopening party due to happen on August 11th in order to coincide with a local summer series. There will be live music from various different acts at the event, along with pro BMX riders jumping onto the newly installed BigAirBag imported from the Netherlands. Entry will be free for all racers, but varied in cost (concessions will be made for younger children and students) for all other spectators.
One of the more extensive changes happening at the centre is the extension of the main recreational slope making it 250m in length. Mark also plans to install CCTV and fence off the top 250 metres of the newly extended slope to ensure safety and prevent any damage to the area. This will all to be ready for visitors in September when the centre will celebrate with another launch day. The decision to extend the slope has been met with much approval, C.E.O of Snowsport England Tim Fawke has said that he’s very interested in this development: “It’s fantastic news, we will be able to run some exciting competitions with these proposed developments and hopefully get more people in Gloucestershire giving snowsports a go!”
The main slope isn’t the only area of the centre that will hosting a more exciting kind of competitive skiing. Mark has plans to turn the left hand side of the slope into a permanent big-air park, with the use of a BigAirBag. Mark has said this idea to fully separate the two slopes into different disciplines “will give every athlete the freedom and safety to really develop their skills and double the amount of visitors to the two slopes”.
Mark’s ambition is to turn the slope into a mini leisure dome, replicating the new trend for large and versatile snow domes, but outdoors and on Dendex, and as a racer himself he understands exactly what is needed to transform Gloucester Ski Centre into a haven for Alpine and Freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Other developments will include a complete change to the rental stock, making it possible for any ski slope users to hire brand new equipment to learn on. After deciding which discipline is best for you there will also be a discount equipment shop in the centre where Mark says parents and athletes will be able to get all the equipment they need for the winter and summer seasons at amazing prices (online equipment company my-race.com will be providing the stock). There will also be a new café and bar as well as a children’s party area on the first floor. More long-term goals for Gloucester Ski Slope include installing an Alpine roller coaster that will wind down in between to the two slopes. All this choice is bound to give every visitor to the new and improved Gloucester Ski Centre a summer of action filled with fun!
Jean White (Centre manager) and staff are all very excited about the future of the centre following the change of ownership. We are looking forward to working with the new owners to help improve the centre and restore it to its former glory. A fresh start is exactly what the centre needs, couple this alongside the great ideas that Mark & Co have, the centre has a bright successful future.
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre, August 11th, Tickets: kids under 5yrs go free, £5 under 16, £10 for students & NUS card holders, £10 early bird, £15 2nd release, £20 general admission.
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre will retain its name but trade under Gloucester Sport and Leisure Limited.
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For further information please contact Snowsport England on 01509 232323 or info@snowsportengland.org.uk
English Ski Council Ltd (T/A Snowsport England, SSE)is the National Governing Body for all English snowsport participants (whether they be in England or elsewhere) and for snowsports in England and has the recognition by the Sports Councils to receive public funds.
Snowsports can be divided into four core disciplines, which have a number of sub-disciplines:
- Alpine - Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, Speed Skiing, (Touring/Mountain)
- Nordic - Cross-country (Classical and Skating), Jumping, Telemarking/Nordic downhill (Biathlon, Ski Orienteering, Ski Mountaineering)
- Snowboarding - Freestyle - Big Air, Half Pipe and Slopestyle, Boardercross, Slalom (Touring/Mountain)
- Freestyle – Moguls, Aerials, Half-pipe, Slopestyle, Skiercross
