With winter upon us in the northern hemisphere, people are getting ready for great winter sports like ice skating, skiing and snowball fights. Included in this is one of my favorites: snowboarding. Being from Canada, I've only experienced the North American slopes so far, and had no idea that there was a whole indoor snowboard culture. 

With that I'd like to introduce Amy from www.luxuryholidaylocations.com with information on what's happening in the England snowboard scene. Enjoy!

 

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The rate of which people are taking to the slopes is increasing rapidly, so don’t get left behind. Become part of the greatest sporting family, with fantastic holidays suitable for all, there has never been a better time (or excuse) to invest in some “hip” ski wear.

 

According to Sport England’s Active People Survey; 61% of people ski on artificial slopes and 39% snowboard. This compares to 81% skiing on snow on their skiing holidays and 19% snowboarding. From these statistics it is evident that the share of those skiing and those snowboarding differs quite considerably for those on holiday and those participating in snowsports within England on artificial slopes.

The Snowsport England survey also found trends in participation on artificial slopes in England including;

• There has been an increase in beginner lessons, both in Skiing and snowboarding.
• Open practice continues to decline.
• The freestyle scene continues to thrive with the addition of airbags at some venues.
• Those who are members of a snowsports club get more satisfaction out of the sport compared to general participants.

It is quite possible that the above increase in indoor dry slope snowsports could have been influenced by the recent world record attempt for snowboarding indoors. Chill Factore was the host to over 50 avid snowboarders who participated in the Guinness World Record attempt on the indoor snowslope near Manchester, United Kingdom. The record – the most participants in a snowboard trick relay – was completed by 54 boarders successfully landed an Indy grab; an aerial boarding trick where by the rider grabs the middle of their board between their feet, on the side of the board where their toes are pointing.

Team GB elite snowboarder and BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year nominee, 11 year-old Tomski Robinson was seen to be leading the participants out. Chief executive of Chill Factore, Morwenna Angore, commented “We’re delighted all the boarders managed to keep their cool and set the record. Participants from far and wide travelled to take part in the event, it’s brilliant they’re going home as world record holders.”

With such a fantastic response to the world record attempt it has opened the eyes of many as to just how enjoyable skiing or boarding can be. It has a real sense of family and unity about it that stands out against other sports. Many skiers say that skiing with friends and family create memories and experiences that other holidays find hard to compete with; so start planning your next family vacation to a snowy alpine to start building your cherished memories.

 

 

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Amy McGinty, located in the UK, is an avid travel blogger and experienced freelance writer. She enjoys finding the best holiday locations around the world and researching online for the cheapest travel deals.

Website: www.luxuryholidaylocations.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/amy_travel