Snow Factor... the Ultimate Adventure Destination

Adventures on Snow, Ice and Air…. Snow Factor is home to the UK's longest indoor REAL snow slope. Experts in the field of Ski, Snowboarding, Ice Climbing. Whether you are learning, perfecting a skill or just having fun, we are the ultimate adventure destination in Glasgow!

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SNOW TRICKS SCOTTISH INDOOR FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS HEADS FOR SNOW FACTOR

[Pictured, young snowboarder in action at Snow Factor - credit Snowsport Scotland.]

Seventy of Scotland’s top snowboarders and skiers will converge on Snow Factor at Intu Braehead west of Glasgow on Saturday (30 August) for the Scottish Indoor Freestyle Championships.

Organised by Snowsport Scotland, over two separate runs competitors in the discipline known as ‘slopestyle’ will aim to impress judges with tricks and jumps down a purpose built course. Scored on the height, difficulty, variety and execution of their freestyle manoeuvres, the top 4 scoring (ranked) female skiers and snowboarders and top 8 ranked male skiers and snowboarders’ will progress to a final to contest the overall championship.

In slopestyle, there are prizes for U-12’s, U-16’s and seniors in the men’s and women’s ski and snowboard categories.

[Pictured World Cup snowboarder Ben Kilner backflips as 9 year Ewan Buchan and 11 year old Rebecca Parry on right look on - credit Jeff Holmes]

Last year’s winners in the Ski category, 17 year old Molly Summerhayes (Sheffield) and 16 year old Cal Sandieson (Glasgow) are both currently training with the British Freestyle Team in Switzerland, so the door’s wide open for new champions. Contenders include 16 year old Chris McCormick (Bearsden, Glasgow) who won the (outdoor) Scottish Freestyle Championships in April at Cairngorm.

In the Snowboard category, last year’s winners 17 year old Vaila Chapman (Edinburgh) and 17 year old Matt McCormick (Bearsden, Glasgow) are among the competitors from as far afield as Milton Keynes who will be going for gold in Scotland’s only indoor real snow ‘resort.’ 

Jane Campbell Morrison, CEO of Snowsport Scotland, commented: “We are looking forward to a great event, with some demonstrations of great skill and ability from the park & pipe guys, at Scotland’s fantastic indoor facility, Snow Factor. Thanks to the hard work of our Development Officer, Lauren MacCallum, the Scottish Indoor Freestyle Championships promise to be a great event.”

Jamie Smith, owner of Snow Factor, added: “We are proud to be again working with Snowsport Scotland to host yet another major indoor championship in the ski / snowboard calendar.

“The promise of competing on freshly groomed snow throughout the year ensures Snow Factor increasingly attracts snowboarders and skiers of all ages and ability.  This includes World Cup snowboarder Ben Kilner and other members of the British Park & Ride Team who occasionally use Snow Factor to practice.”

Snow Factor, Scotland’s newest snow-sports destination also incorporates the UK’s largest indoor urban ice climbing wall, sledging and an ice-luge run while Bar Varia café bar serves up a Tyrolean styled apres-ski experience.

www.snowfactor.com

www.snowsportscotland.org

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TOP SCOTTISH WORLD CUP SNOWBOARDER SLIDES INTO SNOW FACTOR

This morning (Wednesday 6 August) saw Ben Kilner, one of Britain’s top snowboarding stars, slide into Snow Factor Braehead, with the World Cup half-pipe specialist giving his top tips to kids attending the popular summer Snowcamps.

Kilner, who lives by the motto ‘fly high, never die, if in doubt go flat out’ includes trampolining as part of his off-snow training sessions. This improves the athlete’s spatial awareness when performing spectacular aerial manoeuvres on a half-pipe (of snow) that can be up to 22ft high.

Commenting on his visit to Snow Factor, Kilner said: “I enjoyed my first snowboarding lesson at the age of nine and from the very start was hooked on the excitement of the sport. I’m very lucky snowboarding now takes me all over the world. 

“So, it’s brilliant to be able to revisit Snow Factor with its great facilities and offer some tips to kids of all ages in the hope they can improve their riding.  They may even be inspired to compete and enjoy snowboarding as a career. If that’s their dream – go for it!”

Jamie Smith, owner of Snow Factor, added: “Snow Factor is very proud to welcome World Cup star Ben (Kilner) back to Scotland’s only indoor year-round snow-sport destination. 

“A World Cup medallist and double Winter Olympian, Ben’s appearance has generated huge excitement among our young Snowcamp participants.  Ben’s appearance today will hopefully further motivate participants of all ages to practice all of the new boarding skills they’ve learnt this week and during the summer holidays.”

www.snowfactor.com

www.benkilner.com

[snowfactor]

THE team of athletes from the South Pacific island couldn't hide their delight as they went sledging on the slopes of Braehead's Snow Factor. [Daily Record]

The 11-member team from Vanuatu, an Pacific island nation over 1,000 miles east of Australia, sledged down the Soar slope at Braehead in Glasgow yesterday.

Mr Shing said: "We've never seen snow before because it never gets that cold in Vanuatu, so we were really excited to get the chance to play around on some.  [Heart News]

Ian Anderson, Operations Manager at Soar INTU Braehead, said: "Im' sure seeing snow for the first time and getting the chance to enjoy sledging was an amazing experience for the athletes.

Jamie Smith, owner of Snow Factor, said "We're delighted to welcome Team Vanuatu to Snow Factor and help them celebrate the end of their Games experience with a visit to our real snow slopes. [Independent i.e.]

Team flag-bearer Yoshu Shing, 22, beat 16-year-old twins Rosanna and Roanna Abel in the race down the slope. All three competed in table tennis during the Commonwealth Games.  [Evening Telegraph]

"I might not have won a medal at the Commonwealth Games but winning gold at the sledging makes up for that.

"We've already had a great time while we have been in Glasgow, and this will be yet another brilliant memory to take home with us."  [Belfast Telegraph]

Check out our Press Clippings on Facebook.

[snowfactor]

Looking for something different to do this weekend? Get stuck INTU the Ice Wall at Snow Factor #STVGlasgow #adventure

[snowfactor]

SCHOOL’S OUT! – HIT THE PISTES THIS SUMMER AT SNOW CAMP!

With the start of the summer school holidays just weeks away, many parents will be on the look-out for fun, healthy and adventurous activities to keep the children occupied. 

For the third successive year, there’s the option for 7-15 year olds to slide into Snow Factor at Braehead for a half or full-day of winter fun.  In Scotland’s only indoor real snow facility and under expert instruction, participants in the 5-day Snow Camps can make new friends and learn / improve ski or snowboarding skills in a safe and snow-filled environment.

On slopes packed with over 2,000 tonnes of real snow, the ‘rookie’ (beginner), ‘rider’ (intermediate), ‘pro’ (experienced) and ‘freestyle’ camps promise a jam-packed week of activity designed to appeal to the complete novice and aspiring Winter Olympian alike. 

Courses run on week-days from Monday 30 June until 4 August and busy parents can take advantage of the early drop off option (745am) with pick-up by 530pm.

A week long, full day Snow Camp costs £229 and is fully inclusive of expert instruction, equipment, slope pass, lunch and refreshments / snacks during breaks.  The cost of the camp includes a complimentary junior membership for Snow Factor (worth £69) and additional activities such as bowling or golf within the Soar complex.

Jamie Smith, owner of Snow Factor, highlighted the appeal of the Snow Camps:

“Snow Factor’s Snow Camps are a great opportunity for the kids to cost effectively learn and develop their skiing and snowboarding skills with a fully qualified instructor in a safe and fun environment. Complete beginner or hot-shot, our Snow Camps really are the perfect way to ensure the kids burn off excess energy before bedtime this summer!” 

Courses* must be pre-booked on 0871 222 5672.

www.snowfactor.com

Snow Camp dates:

Mon 30th June – Fri 4th July

Mon 7th July – Fri 11th July

Mon 14th July - Fri 18th July

Mon 21st July - Fri 25th July

Mon 28th July - Fri 1st August

Mon 4th August - Fri 8th August

Rookie Camp

An introductory course for 7-15 years old aimed at beginner skiers and boarders to work through a progressively structured lesson package to achieve recreational standard.

Rider Camp

A camp for skiers and boarders 7-15 years old who meet recreational standard or have passed their level 4 lesson. The camp will build on existing technique through introduction of parallel turns.

Pro Camp

Aimed at all aspiring Pro’s aged 7-15 years old who are at level 5/6 standard. This camp will work on existing techniques and introduce race, slalom and slope style skills.

Freestyle Camp

A camp aimed at children aged 7-15 years old who have passed level 5/6. This camp will look at advancing the freestyle elements of both skiing and snowboarding.

[snowfactor]

DOWNHILL FAST –

TOP SKI RACERS TO DESCEND ON GLASGOW FOR GBR AND SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIPS

Pictured: Defending GBR ladies’ champion, Nicole Ritchie (Glasgow) in action at Snow Factor Braehead.  Please credit Kevin McMurtrie

Many of the UK’s most promising young alpine ski racers, including members of the Scottish Alpine Academy will descend on Snow Factor at Braehead this weekend (14/15 June) for the 4th round of the GBR Indoor Series and the annual Scottish Indoor Alpine Ski Championships. 

Organised by Snowsport Scotland as key seeded events in the snow sports calendar, the slalom format races offer a chance for racers to improve their rankings and even to highlight an individual’s potential for development or national team squad selection.

On Saturday, 141 competitors are signed up for round 4 of the GBR Indoor Series while on Sunday close to 164 skiers will compete for the Scottish Indoor Alpine Ski Championship male, female and overall titles. U-8’s, U-10’s and U-12’s will also compete in a Mini’s / Bairn’s race format for age-group prizes on both days.

Glasgow’s Nicole Ritchie and Euan Kick are both expected to return to defend their respective ladies and men’s GBR titles in an entry list that in addition to England and the central belt includes racers from Inverness, Elgin, Aberdeen, Ayrshire and Peebles.

The weekend will also see 14 members of Snow Factor Racing (SFR) in action on the perfectly groomed main slope of what is Scotland’s only indoor real snow facility.

Jamie Smith, owner of Snow Factor International, commented: “Snow Factor is proud to again work with Snowsport Scotland and its partners to host these prestigious races in the domestic alpine calendar. 

“What’s more, as Scotland’s only indoor real snow facility we continue to invest to ensure skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability enjoy perfect snow conditions in the depths of winter and during the heat of summer!” 

Jane Campbell Morrison, Chief Executive of Snowsport Scotland, added: “The Scottish Indoor Championships and Indoor GBR Series both provide an exciting dimension to snow sports domestic race calendar, with fantastic venues like Snow Factor complementing other races held on artificial slopes and in mountain resorts over the winter season.”

This weekend’s races come less than a fortnight after junior and senior members of the British Freestyle (Park & Ride) Team undertook two closed training sessions at Snow factor as part of their preparations for the 2014/2015 season.

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DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE SNOWMAN WHO HAD A MELTDOWN?

SNOW FACTOR TO HOST INAUGURAL COMEDY NIGHT

Where does a snowman keep his money – in a snowbank!

Fortunately, the jokes and banter promise to be a lot funnier on Saturday (7 June) when Snow Factor at Braehead and Scotland’s only indoor real snow destination hosts its inaugural night of comedy.

Compered by Bill Dewar, a semi-finalist in the BBC Open Mic’ awards, he will be accompanied by three other talented and funny comedians; Reg Anderson (finalist Jongleurs newcomers ‘Spike’ Awards), Anna Devitt (2013 winner best new comedian at Scottish Variety Awards) and Tony Jameson (who will perform his ‘Rules of Engagement’ routine at 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe).

Staged within Bar Varia at Snow Factor, the night of laughter and fun will start at 8pm with the comedy acts scheduled to close around 10pm.  What’s more the event is FREE though by pre-booking a table, Snow Factor is promising guests at least 10% off the cost of food on the night.

For details and tickets visit the events page at www.snowfactor.com and / or call 0141 885 7078. 

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A LESSON IN LOVE? THE SKI OR SNOWBOARDING LESSON THAT COULD BE AN ICE BREAKER!

You want some fun and to learn something new. Maybe too the chance to meet someone with similar interests and a sense of fun. The girls in the gym don’t give you a second thought.  It’s proving impossible to meet ‘Mr Right’ in the pub – and to be honest you can’t be bothered with nightclubs and online dating! 

Come to think about it, you’ve always wanted to learn to ski or snowboard.  Now there’s the chance to slope off to the snow and do just that – and potentially to meet someone who will melt your heart!

On Wednesday evenings from 28 May to 25 June, Snow Factor at Braehead is running ‘Discover Snow Sports.’  Singles with a sense of fun and adventure can join a ski or snowboarding class and under the guidance of an expert instructor learn the sport and meet new and interesting people in their class.

From 7:15pm-9:30pm and at £30pp (including slope pass, instruction and equipment) it’s a chance for participants to truly embrace their mountain spirit on skis or a snowboard. 

Jamie Smith, owner of Snow Factor International, commented:  “As Scotland’s only year-round indoor snow sports destination, participants at Snow Factor can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice-climbing 364 days of the year.  Snow sport is all about fun and adventure and with our new ‘Discover Snow Sports’ sessions we are now offering the perfect place to learn a sport and meet new friends in a sociable and safe environment. Who knows, it may even all lead to a memorable apres-ski drink!”

Snow Factor has also been voted a ‘2014 Great Date Destination’ by the dating website eHarmony.

Booking details: 0871 222 5672

www.snowfactor.com

[snowfactor]

Snow Factor put the Games on ice....

In honour of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games we have put together a program of events for you to compete.

We have got a number of exciting events planned from Tuesday August 5th – Friday 8th August including an after party! Don't hold back and join in the fun at Snow Factor, we are putting the Games on ice. 

Tuesday 5th: Snowboard/ Ski slalom

Wednesday 6th: Ice Climbing three legged race (teams of 2.)

Wednesday 6th: Ice slide and sledging relay for families throughout the day.

Thursday 7th: Ski/ Snowboard cross (banked) - Jnr / Adult. 

Friday 8th: Slopestyle Event - Jnr / Adult. 

After Party (Friday 8th): Attendees are encouraged to wear the national dress of their assigned country.  The party includes a prize giving and live entertainment.

Registration will open for these events soon.  We will keep you posted.

[snowfactor]

Looking for that all elusive summer body?

Achieve your beach body through skiing? Yup! You heard me... skiing! 

Most of us seem to hunt voraciously for that beach body (myself included!) year in and year out, sometimes making little head way especially if your gym routine is stagnant and boring. However precious few of us look to the slopes for our fitness goals and beach bodies. 

You may not believe it, but downhill skiing can help you achieve that coveted beach body! 

Cardiovascular Exercise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that healthy adults get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day at least five days per week for optimum health. Downhill skiing is an excellent form of cardio exercise, burning over 400 calories per. Raising your heart rate as you carve up the slopes helps improve the strength of your heart and gets the blood pumping to all of your muscles.

Strength Training

You might detest lunging when you're in the gym, but when flying down the slopes it doesn't seem so bad. The proper squatted posture and the movements completed during a downhill ski help to tone your lower body muscles, particularly the glutes and thighs. Even your arms get a workout as you use your poles to push yourself to move faster. 

Functional Exercise and Plateau 

The fastest way to shake up a workout and jump start results is to challenge your body in a new way. Since you're using your body in new ways and participating in enjoyable exercise, downhill skiing could help you stay on track when it comes to your daily workouts. What's more, you use your body in functional ways that can help you build strength for day-to-day activities and continuing flexibility and strength.

Benefits for the elderly 

A 2011 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports" tested the benefits of downhill skiing in subjects over the age of 60. After the 12-week trial, it was discovered that all of the subjects had increased aerobic capacity, strength and balance, all facets of fitness that tend to deteriorate in seniors over time. The study proved that downhill skiing is an ideal way for seniors to stay in shape and maintain a high level of quality of life. 

[ljalpha]

Upper Pinacle Buttress, Glen Nevis :)

[ljalpha]

[a-lovelyymess]

Maude Raymond

[wewhosnowboard]

[snowfactor]

Very true lol

[snowfactor]

Health Benefits of Skiing or Snowboarding

Keeping yourself steady (and fairly stylish) on a slippery slope is no easy business.  However you may find that there are plenty of health benefits to getting yourself zipping up and down our slope. We have listed five health benefits of skiing and boarding. 

Tone your stomach To help balance yourself, you naturally engage your core stability muscles. These are key stomach muscles which, when strengthened, act a bit like a corset, compressing the lower abdomen (which means a flatter tummy).

Improves your cardiovascular health Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, you will be giving your cardiovascular system a good workout on the piste. Improving your cardiovascular system means elevating your heart rate which increases blood circulation, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to your tissues and helping to remove waste from the body more quickly.

Tones your muscles Although skiing and boarding exercises all our major muscle groups, it particularly targets thighs, hamstrings and buttock muscles - thanks to the crouching position both activities employ. Warming up and down for ten minutes before and after your session will help prevent muscle soreness and potential injuries by lengthening your muscle fibers.

Lose weight Skiing and snowboarding are one of the most calorie-intense sports that exist. Skiing and snowboarding, depending on the type and intensity, can burn over 500 calories.  Not to mention it takes a lot of energy and effort to ski or board which is why it's a great sport choice for those who are looking to shed a few pounds and get in shape.

Flexibility Skiing and snowboarding forces participants to become more flexible and balanced while gliding over the snow, making quick turns and accelerating. Regular exercise and activity which requires flexibility also helps wade off arthritis. 

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Project Friday - 9th May 2014

Our monthly freestyle evening - the biggest and best features of the month! Not to mention awesome give-aways, tunes & STOKE!

Presenting the fourth instalment of PROJECT FRIDAY and our SEASON FINALE!

View our promo video here

We are very excited to be collaborating with our friends at TSA, Bataleon & Switchback Bindings for a super fun night of shredding, mini-jams, give-aways, tunes and STOKE!

INVITE FRIENDS / RSVP ON FACEBOOK

2 lines of park

Prizes and give-aways from TSA, Bataleon Snowboards and Switchback Snowboard Bindings

Members of the Olympic GB team will be riding the park

Tunes from Shaka on slope in the Snow Factor gondola DJ booth

Grom only park from 6pm (under 16's)

Snowboard movies being shown in Bar Varia from 10pm

Drinks deals in Bar Varia - Scrumpy Jack - £2.50/ Selected shots £1

**TICKET PRICES**

£30 Adult (7pm-11pm)  £25 Jnr (6pm-11pm) £25 Student (7pm-11pm) - select a JNR pass if buying online. * A valid student ID is required *

BUY TICKETS ONLINE or call 0871 222 5672

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Free Eat Free! 

Children eat FREE in Bar Varia between 12 noon to 6pm.

Plus we have FREE face painting and colouring sheets to keep the kids occupied while you tuck in to some of our authentic Bavarian dishes.

Click here to find out more....