 Poster: A snowHead
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| alex_heney wrote: |
| elbrus, The Snowdome at Tamworth has always been prety well a specialist snowsports venue, although it did used to have a swimming pool and sauna suite attached (I believe they are now closed). |
FYI, the swimming pool and sports centre were run by a separate company to the Snowdome though so it's always had to support itself on proceeds from the slope, snowplay and ice skating. Not sure if the Ellis Brigham store there is leased by the dome or someone else though so I guess that might contribute some funds.
I've read so many negatives in many threads about MK that I wouldn't now bother going although there was a time when I considered going there. Once the Trafford slope is built I'd rather drive the two and a half hours up there, and maybe stop over, just to see what it's like, it might make a fun trip for a weekend.
Other than that I occasionally go to Tamworth and think the operation there is pretty good and the ski school people have always been absolutely excellent with my daughter and seem to know their stuff when I've chatted to them. The snow isn't that great in as far as it basically seems to be a form of crushed ice and the slope is often very icy indeed, also the food in the main restaurant/bar is pretty dire and could definitely be improved - there is a newly opened Starbucks there now though. Come to think of it they might lease that area off the Snowdome so that could be another source of income, not that much though I'd guess.
As for Hemel (and apologies for mostly dwelling on other places in this post) I was under the impression it was being developed by the same company that run Tamworth - is that correct?
Also are they using the same 'snowmaking' system as Tamworth?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I think Tamworth has a problem with condensation, which is why the snow always seems icy - all that water dripping off the ceiling!
They start cooling Chill Factor e this week!!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| beanie1 wrote: |
| I think Tamworth has a problem with condensation, which is why the snow always seems icy - all that water dripping off the ceiling! |
Yeah there's often condensation on the roof and walls but it's so badly insulated, with much of the insulation ripped or non existent, it always puzzles me that they don't make an effort to repair it. Perhaps that'd cure the condensation?
| Quote: |
| They start cooling Chill Factor e this week!! |
Cool 
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Tamworth always reminds me of a local council leisure centre in its look and feel...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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^ LOL, I think you may have a point there because I'm sure I recall someone saying it was built or part funded by the local council (at least the swimming/leisure bit).
I agree it could be a bit more visually inspiring, inside and out, but lets hope that Chill Factore will raise the bar for future developments.
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| roga wrote: |
As for Hemel (and apologies for mostly dwelling on other places in this post) I was under the impression it was being developed by the same company that run Tamworth - is that correct?
Also are they using the same 'snowmaking' system as Tamworth? |
Tamworth's owners bought Wycombe slope with the intention of building a snowdome, but council planning has been refused.
Hemel will have the backing of a UK company not currently involved in snowdomes. I'm sorry I can't expand at the moment.
The snow making company will be the same as ChillfactorE, but as it it build onto ground and not subject to heat sources from below, it is anticipated that the snow quality will be outstanding.
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S'far as I know the Xscape slopes, Chill FactorE and Hemel all use the Acer Snowmec snowmaking system, along with Dubai and Madrid Xanadu.
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slikedges, Acer, they're the guys, just couldn't remember their name.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Spyderman wrote: |
| We had the same thing at the DC L&S, we booked on Fresh Tracks, supposedly a 3 hour session for experienced skiers 10-1. When we got there 1 slope was perfect, no obstacles, the other was full of jumps & rails(unprotected) with narrow paths between them. At 11am the lower half of the decent slope was barriered off making it useless, you then had to ski down half the slope then swap sides onto the terrain slope, miss the people coming from your right and ski between the obstacles. I complained to the Duty Manager, saying that it was not what 12 of us had paid for and the slope was dangerous. He said that no one had ever complained before and that it was safe. I said I didn't believe him. I reminded him of my last visit where I witnessed a slope user crashing into an unfenced rail and breaking her leg. He didn't seem to recall the incident. Maybe they get so many they all blur into one. He said the barriers would only be there for 45 mins while the tobogganing was on, then they would be removed. They were still there at 1pm. He refused to entertain my complaint, as he said that Fresh Tracks was for experienced skiers and they wouldn't have a problem skiing between the jumps. I said that I was an experienced skier and whilst I could easily avoid the jumps & rails, what about people using them crashing into me. I got nowhere, but the Lunch was great. |
Couldn't agree more (sorry to quote the whole post, but it's a while back in the thread so I need context!). Don't know how many people noticed at the time (so much clutter about, the lines of sight were not overly clear!), but I was splendidly taken out by a boarder down near the bottom of the slope - he fell a little way in front of me & then slid across the very narrow passageway, effectively blocking it... nothing I could do except go wheee-splat... No harm done, & he was very apologetic, but really, it's hard to blame him, it was (again!) an accident waiting to happen. And the postioning of the jump was a rather iffy as well - the landing was just about where skiers coming down the near side needed to put in a bit of a turn to slow up before the lifts...
Having said that, it was still a lovely day, the slope instructor chaps were great (I'm planning to do the FreshTracks session again when the school hols are over  ) & as Spyderman says, lunch was yummy! 
Edit to add: Meant to say, I'd probably drive down to Hemel for a nice, uncluttered, toboggan-free piste.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Spyderman, I understood that the Wycombe plans are still ongoing and have not yet been put to the planning committee for final consideration.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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gsb, Wycombe has now been taken back out of planning! Think it will be some time before we see a slope in opperation there again. Shame, as a dry slope it was quite a good one and had a really good team behind it ( ski school).
With the exeption of Tamworth ( I stand corrected) and now Hemel, all the UK snow slopes are just shopping malls. Tamworth in now really tired, but I think the ski school team seem dedicated. Hemel will be a specialist slope and the owners will not have to spend time keeping loads of Venture capitalists and tenants happy! They can get on with running a great facility.
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gsb, elbrus, I don't know why Wycombe just doesn't get some Portacabins in and get the place running again. The slope was undamaged by the fire. 
The backing for Hemel came about by pure chance. One company prepared to let the existing owners run the place how they know best, rather than a load of accountants. They've realised that people with 30 years in the business running a successful ski slope are probably the best people to run the new slope.
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You know it makes sense.
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| Spyderman wrote: |
Hemel will have the backing of a UK company not currently involved in snowdomes. I'm sorry I can't expand at the moment.
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Will the company be taking the current plastic slope and trying to sell it off as used carpet somewhere near Brett Cross?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Wear The Fox Hat, I was thinking of relaying the dendix in Michelle's back garden for next year's BBQ
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Spyderman, excellent plan  Can I suggest a ski-jump style run-in straight down from the patio doors?
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monster77
monster77
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From the Wycombe/ Snowdome website
News Update - Friday 31st August 2007
I can advise that the requirements asked of us by the Planning Authority, Wycombe District Council, have delayed the progress of our application for this development - however I am expecting that the application will be put before the Planning Committee of Wycombe Council during September or October of this year.
I am optimistic of an approval and we are therefore still very much progressing our intent to bring a SnowDome to the High Wycombe location.
Martin Smith, Managing Director
SnowDome Group Limited
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Is Hemel 100% totally agreed? I know planning has been granted - but are all the commercial agreements in place to enable this to go ahead? Just have an inkling that it's still in negotiation.
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beanie1, Absolutely 100%, the Slope will close on or before 31st March 2008. I know the exact date but can't reveal it here yet. 
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Is the slope side shop going to be closed during development?
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Dear Snowheads
As you are probably well aware Hemel ski slope is in the process of major change aiming to become a world class snow facility.
Many rumours are spreading that all facilities are already closed until new facilities are constructed- This is not the case.
At present Hemel ski centre is trading as normal until all deals are finalised when a public announcement will be made via press releases etc.
After closure of the slope, sometime in the new year, Snow and Rock will continue to trade in the existing store until such a time as new, exciting facilities are available to open and use.
If you wish to visit us, Our doors are open 7 days a week and we are able to give you the highest level of choice and service available.
We wish you all a great winter and let's hope for lots of the white stuff!
Rob Link
Store Mnager
Snow and Rock
Hemel Hempstead
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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snowandrockhemel, Welcome to snowHeads
I can confirm that everything is business as usual and in fact the slope was particularly busy tonight. It will run with all present facilities right up to the closing date and the existing S & R will carry on trading even when the builders move in, as the old building will stay until the new one is completed.
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| Jo225 wrote: |
| Spyderman wrote: |
| .......He said that no one had ever complained before and that it was safe. I said I didn't believe him. I reminded him of my last visit where I witnessed a slope user crashing into an unfenced rail and breaking her leg. He didn't seem to recall the incident. Maybe they get so many they all blur into one. ..... he said that Fresh Tracks was for experienced skiers and they wouldn't have a problem skiing between the jumps. I said that I was an experienced skier and whilst I could easily avoid the jumps & rails, what about people using them crashing into me. I got nowhere, .. |
...... but I was splendidly taken out by a boarder down near the bottom of the slope - he fell a little way in front of me & then slid across the very narrow passageway, effectively blocking it... nothing I could do except go wheee-splat... No harm done, & he was very apologetic, but really, it's hard to blame him, it was (again!) an accident waiting to happen. And the postioning of the jump was a rather iffy as well - the landing was just about where skiers coming down the near side needed to put in a bit of a turn to slow up before the lifts... |
As a novice who was there and remembers the lady breaking her leg at MK (it was back in June at Megamum's birthday bash) I'd like to add my views. I view the indoor slopes as having really 3 prime functions:
1. teaching for novices/improvers to enable them to get more out of a precious week or two abroad
2. specialised coaching at all levels
3. Recreation for skiers/boarders/tobogganers
All are important, but the users' needs conflict. Novices need to feel safe, ie no obstacles and no worries about high speed collisions. Those getting coaching need the slope to be free of obstacles including novices and the recreational needs depend on whether we are talking freestyle, general, tobogganing or whatever. Sadly people like Xscape seem to want to provide for recreation first and foremost, especially those playing with ramps/rails, coaching second (as it's no doubt a good earner given their prices) and novice/improvers fitting in as and where they can.
I don't think I am that unusual a novice - middle aged with fear of injury, trying to become competent enough to enjoy holidays. I am not making the rapid progress I want to make, but have determination. I have skied at Cas, MK and Tamworth and have been rather scared off of Cas and MK. The woman who broke her leg at MK was skiing with a male companion and both of them were accidents looking for a location. We in our group voiced our worries before the accident - they were going at speed they could not handle and the woman had to be rescued several times from mishaps by staff, but at no time was she advised to tone it down or leave. Every time I skied I would not start off until I knew there was no chance they'd be behind me. At Cas the last time I went there was a race coaching session. Phone enquiries revealed that this would be on a sectioned off part of the slope and yes, it was ok for a novice (with basic level 4 - recreational std) to come and ski. On arrival the racers were NOT on a sectioned off bit - that had been earlier for slalom exercises. In the centre of the slope, by the half way lift exit was a MASSIVE ramp that you couldn't see over, with narrow paths round each side that had been well polished. Immediately below it was a rail on one side and then they partitioned off an area on the other side for kids' tobogganing - ie everyone was funnelled via 2 icy curved paths into a narrow straight at the bottom. Suitable for novice recreational level skiers? I don't think so! And there were kids doing level 3 lessons too - venturing onto the main slope at the half way point for the very first time - joining it on the icy narrow bit. My complaint was met with a similar response to that described by Spyderman above - they saw no problem and if you're a recreational skier you should be competent enough to avoid whatever's in the way - what - when you are only just at level 4 you make NO mistakes??
I now occasionally drive to Tamworth instead (over 2 hrs instead of about 45 mins). No the snow's not great, but the slope is never full of obstacles apart from people in group lessons and I have felt a lot safer there - apart from that it is cheaper and just feels a lot friendlier all round!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
I can confirm that everything is business as usual and in fact the slope was particularly busy tonight.
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What time did you get there?
We left at 8pm and it was crammed with young racers?
Were there many individual lessons happening later?
Good to here it remained busy this early in the season!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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snowandrockhemel, I was there until 10pm and it was surprisingly busy right up to the end. Most people seemed to be having lessons of one kind or another.
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You know it makes sense.
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Spyderman, Not the Hemel I knew once, no mention of the Bar being busy
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Quote: |
Who is spreading the rumours? I haven't seen anything, certainly not on snowHeads
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I'm just amazed by the reaction of many people who turn up to the slope "surprised" we and the slope are still trading.
I haven't seen anything on snowheads particularly, it just seemed a sensible place to start getting the message out as, of all the forums out there, it seems to be the only decent one to use.
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Poster: A snowHead
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NewSkier, You are probably about right on your categories of users at MK. During the summer the slope naturally caters more towards kids on school holidays and has more toboganning, ramps etc than at other times. Once the school holidays finished a lot of the ramps and hardware are removed except for special events. If you are as nervous and cautious as you sound why dont you take some lessons in the safety of the side slope that is reserved soley for "novices".
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the woman had to be rescued several times from mishaps by staff, but at no time was she advised to tone it down or leave.
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That is a sweeping statement, just how do you know that "at no time" she wasnt advised to be careful for her own safety? My guess would be the staff that had "rescued" her several times would have done just that. Any fool can go out and try to hurt themselves, there is only so much staff can do to prevent injury to someone determined to be "an accident looking for a location" to use your words. I wasnt there but a more reasonable complaint would be that the ramps werent adequately protected with cushions or netting to stop idiots intent on hurting themselves.
The policy for dangerous skiing is one warning by the piste patrol and then removed from the slope. BUT, if an adult falls through being out of control and isnt purposely endangering others, gets "rescued" and says to the piste patroller "sorry it has been a few months" do you throw them out? no you probably let them use their own judgement and carry on, they have paid to use the slope and you need to give them the benefit of the doubt that they will try not to hurt themselves and others.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Meanwhile, back on track, I shall certainly look to use Hemel once it is 'Snowed'. We used to be there a lot when we lived in Potters Bar: then switched to Wycombe Before Fire (BF) when moving to Maidenhead. Tried Bracknell a couple of times - pretty ropey facilities and matting, but enthusiastic and patient teachers, so feel that small W has done very well there, and will probably use again this winter for her sake.
But have always been put off going to MK - price during popular periods (ie when not having to take time off work to go), poor PR from others who have tried it, AND on this site (re snow quality, lift quality, staff quality, warmside facilities e.g. the lockers, and crowd sizes), and not so easy to get to from where we are anyway.
Similar subject, but slightly off track: I believe there's a private dry slope at a school near Guildford that is open to the public at weekends - has any one got any details or tried it?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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A quick update on progress at Hemel.
A number of design changes have meant that the earliest date that the existing dry slope will close is now Sunday 2nd March 2008. The final date will be confirmed in December.
This takes away the uncertainty and at least it gives pretty much the whole of the 2007/8 season open as existing.
Even after the dry slope closes and the builders start work, Snow & Rock will remain open and trading right through until they transfer into the new building, as the old building will not go until the new Snowdome is complete.
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Update on Hemel Ski Centre.
The Dendix slope is officially closing at 6pm Sunday 16th March.
All of the trees have already been cleared from site.
The slope should re-open March 2009 as the best indoor snow facility in the South of England.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| roga wrote: |
| alex_heney wrote: |
| elbrus, The Snowdome at Tamworth has always been prety well a specialist snowsports venue, although it did used to have a swimming pool and sauna suite attached (I believe they are now closed). |
FYI, the swimming pool and sports centre were run by a separate company to the Snowdome though so it's always had to support itself on proceeds from the slope, snowplay and ice skating. |
UPDATE:
After financial "issues" causing the closure of the leisure centre side, the Snowdome bought it & refurbished it, reopening the facility just before Christmas 07.
We have an insider SH in the form of Docsquid, who works there in the gym part-time.
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Cheers I used to love my Sundays Hemel, it was always the friendliest slope around and while me or wife skied I/her just read the papers in the bar while the little ones ran amok...
Lets hope at least some of the old friendlyness gets transferred across...perhaps they'll get some decent instructors now
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Spyderman, Wahoo! - 15 minutes drive away from me! ... will be most convenient when its open!
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Following 4 years of detailed planning and design, the construction of the UK’s sixth indoor snow centre commences on 14th April at Hemel Hempstead.
The £23 million venture will transform the dry slopes at Hemel Hempstead’s Hemel Ski Centre into a state-of-the-art indoor Snowcentre for snow sports enthusiasts with particular emphasis on teaching.
With a 160 metre main recreational slope, a lessons slope of almost 100 metres and both over 30 metres wide, the new centre will offer superb facilities providing London and the South East with the region’s premier venue for a real skiing experience.
Serviced by two drag lifts on the main slope and two rope tows on the lessons slope, the ski runs are graded to meet the requirements of skiers and snowboarders at all levels of ability. Experienced and highly qualified instructors will provide expert tuition in a relaxed atmosphere, making a visit to The Snow Centre a great day out for families, parties or for pre-holiday ski practice.
A key retail partner is Snow and Rock who have been present on site for many years, will move into an 8000sq metre shop within The Snow Centre so anyone interested in buying winter sports gear can try the equipment on real snow.
There will be plenty of Après Ski too at the main restaurant overlooking the slopes with panoramic views and balcony, plus bars, coffee shops and meeting rooms making The Snow Centre the ideal venue for team-building conferences and parties.
The venture is the brainchild of David Surrey, director of the Hemel Ski Centre which was started by his father in 1978.
David Surrey supported by Stephen Jordan, a qualified ski instructor/coach and technical management expert, persuaded a consortium of local business people involved in the UK leisure industry to support the project.
David Surrey said: ‘‘we see indoor slopes as the future for skiing and snowboarding in Britain and our aim is to create a superb facility that will allow people to enjoy the sport all year round.’
Stephen Jordan who will manage the technical and IT aspects of the project says ‘Our Centre of Excellence’ will enable everyone from beginner to expert to enjoy their chosen snow sport. We are deploying state of the art snow making equipment for the perfect Alpine surface.
The team is further complimented by Peter Gillespie, who is well known within the industry as a trainer and examiner for the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) and holder of the highest qualification, International Ski Teacher Diploma as well as mentor to many top athletes. Peter will join the venture towards the completion of construction as Snow School Director, to build the foremost snow sports team in the UK.
Peter commented, “The opportunity to develop teaching products based on the real needs of the client and with the pick of the industry’s top instructors will enable us to create the centre of excellence we have all wanted in snow sports”.
The project, also backed by NatWest bank has been planned in consultation with builders Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, and the meticulous design will feature one of Britain’s biggest living roofs covering the entire length of the slope, making it visually unobtrusive and environmentally friendly.
The work which will involve re-grading the natural landscape to build purpose-built slopes is expected to take a year and the new Snow Centre will open in April 2009.
For more information click on www.thesnowcentre.com
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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jordano42, Welcome to Snowheads.
As this is your first post I assume you have some connection to the project! Are you Stephen Jordan?
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jordano42, Welcome to snowHeads
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| two rope tows on the lessons slope, |
I'm very surprised 'Rope Tows' have been specified rather than 'Travelators' Why is that? It was my understanding that Travelators would be used.
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| Snow and Rock who have been present on site for many years, will move into an 8000sq metre shop |
Surely you mean 800 sq metres? or is that 8000 sq ft?
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FAQ
or respraying it and flogging it off as oak 