Sport

SNOW SPORTS IN LIVERPOOL

Never a Better Time to Get Involved

With the increasing popularity of snow sports, especially in student life, where does Liverpool stand in the current snow sports drive? The two largest universities in Liverpool, The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, both have snow sports teams, both hosting regular events and competing with many other universities in regional and national events.

A new club only last year, LJMU Snowriders now has over 100 members with a trip booked to the French resort of Les Menuires just next month, and this year have been competing in races such as the Kings Ski Club slalom events. Liverpool Snowriders have also made large strides this year, attracting around 150 members and enjoying greater success at racing than in any other year. Indeed Liverpool Snowriders currently sit in 4th place in the North West division of Kings Dry Slope racing as well as achieving an extremely credible quarter final place at the recent BUDS (British University Dry Slope) championship.

With both clubs competing in such competitions it speaks volumes for the city of Liverpool that the clubs have been able to contend at the level they do. Especially since LJMU Snowriders do so without the funding of the Athletics Union; funding most other large universities take for granted. The AU even resisted the request from the Snowriders to be granted BUSA (British University Sports Association) status, meaning that no matter how well the race team performs at national and regional events they will receive no credit for doing so. Despite these obvious obstacles, the fact that the LJMU Snowriders function to the level they do gives great testament to the clear appeal, and popularity that the world of snow sports offers to its participants.

It is without a doubt the best, as well as the easiest time to get involved with snow sports as a student in Liverpool. With the exhilarating new ‘Chill Factore’ opening just a few days ago in Manchester, the opportunity of 180 metres of snow just 30 miles away opens up a whole new snow experience for students in Liverpool. The previous closest place was ‘Xscape’ at Castleford, a smaller slope over 80 miles away.

It is without doubt that this stunning new complex will soon come to play an integral part of university snow sports. Regular trips are already planned to ‘Chill Factore’ by both major Liverpool universities, and BUSC (British University Snowsports Council) will no doubt look to use the facility for future racing and freestyle events.

The current BUISC (British University Indoor Snowsports Council) championship take place at ‘Xscape’, yet with the facilities ‘Chill Factore’ has to offer it is surely only a matter of time before the event is right on Liverpool’s doorstep.

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