Earlier on this year plans were unveiled to build an indoor revolving snow slope at Llanberis in North Wales.

Designed by Ski Trac International, an Australian company, the plans for the venture have recently been approved by Pricewaterhouse Coopers. They spent several months assessing the project and supported it because around 7.5 million people are within 2 hours of the proposed slope in Snowdonia.

The longest ski run in the world
The project will include a standard Ski Trac, but will have the added feature of an extension of Ski Trac's "Mountain Run" into a disused quarry, providing an indoor slope 870 metres in length. Not only will this site boast the longest ski run in the world - the rotating snowfield, but also the world's longest fixed slope. The 250 by 120 metre gully will be covered by an insulated roof for year-round snowboarding and skiing.

Overlooking a lake at the foot of Mount Snowdon, the picturesque site will feature an indoor tropical beach 7000 square metres in size, in addition to the other Ski Trac features. The project will bring over 700 permanent jobs to the area and will boost local attractions, businesses and hotels. Because of its unique year-round slopes, it is expected to attract snowboarders, skiers and holiday makers from throughout the UK.

What do Ski Trac say?
"Overlooking a lake at the foot of Mount Snowdon, the picturesque site will feature an indoor tropical beach 7000 square metres in size, in addition to the other Ski Trac features. The project has attracted much media attention since it's announcement, and locals are holding their breath that the project will become a reality. Considerable support has also been given by local politicians and community leaders. Work on a preliminary construction approval application has commenced."

So who are Ski Trac?
Ski Trac are purchasing land worldwide for the creation of their indoor ski slopes. Most of them are still in the planning stages, but promise to bring visitors and hence tourist money to the selected regions. The planning and environmental costs are harder to discover.

But why ski indoors?
Many people will be questioning the validity of such expense when there is perfectly good real mountains to ski or board on. Ski Trac, however, have the answer:

"Global climate warming will do the Ski Trac a great favour. Scientists have recently declared that the future of snow skiing will be indoors! Since indoor static slopes with their limited length will be totally unsatisfactory for experienced skiers, the market will be opting for Ski Trac's moving slope. This provides the unique capability of creating a run that extends way beyond the size of the building housing it. For this reason, the Ski Trac is set to become the standard method of indoor skiing throughout the world. "

What else are they planning?
Monday 19th August saw the official opening of a new Ski Trac office at Gimhae in the Southern peninsula of Korea. A choice site has been allocated by the City under Mayor Song Eun-Bok. Situated in a small valley, the Ski Trac will have a backdrop of a mountain range, adjacent golf course, and will front a small lake.

A river bed must be diverted to accommodate the facility, and the old bed will be retained as an extention of the Mountain Run stretching the slope to a distance of 500 metres. Geotech work has been completed, and a company commissioned to submit a preliminary construction approval application. The project enjoys the active support of the Mayor. and city officials will ensure quick progress on the site. One hour's travel from the site encompasses a population of 10 million potential visitors.

[Source: If-you-ski & Ski Trac]

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