FAQs about Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
FAQs regarding Briton Engineering's Snowflex
FAQs ABOUT LIBERTY MOUNTAIN SNOWFLEX CENTRE
1. What is the purpose of a year-round ski slope at Liberty University?
Over the last several years, LU has debated how to best use Liberty Mountain to meet the university’s financial, academic and recruiting goals. As a Christian university, we remain steadfast in training young Champions for Christ. We want to give prospective students as many reasons as possible to choose LU over secular institutions. While some may believe that a ski slope would decrease academic performance, studies indicate that participating in extracurricular activities can positively affect a student’s grade-point average.
A year-round ski slope provides students with more outdoor recreation opportunities near campus, giving them a chance to break away from the everyday pressures of college life. In addition to new recreational opportunities, we want to establish more club sports and outdoor activities. With the addition of the ski slope, we hope to establish snowboarding/skiing as a club sport to compete against other colleges and universities, and eventually an academic course.
2. When is the facility slated to open?
The grand opening will be held Aug. 29. The festivities will kick off with a freestyle exhibition featuring pro riders from the U.S. and U.K. Following the expo, guests are welcome to ski, snowboard or tube on the new slope. This event is open to the media and the general public. On-site vendors will also be available, offering food, sportswear and accessories.
3. Will the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre be open to the general public as well as the student body?
The slope will be open to the public at various times; however, current and prospective students will be given priority in usage.
4. What features will the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre have?
The facility consists of a beginner, an intermediate, and an advanced slope. Features on the advanced slope include a cornice drop, three kickers (table top, medium and big), two grind rails and an 11-foot high quarter pipe. The beginner slope is ideal for first-timers and riders who wish to perfect their technique before transitioning to the other slopes.
5. Where is the slope located?
The ski slope is located on the “bald spot” of Liberty Mountain, on the campus of Liberty University.
6. Why not use artificial snow?
On average, the Lynchburg climate would only allow for skiing on the mountain about 45-50 days a year — not enough to make it economically feasible.
7. How much will it cost?
Pricing packages for students, alumni and the general public are not available at this date.
8. Can I rent snow sports equipment?
Yes. Guests needing to rent winter sports gear may do so at the Snowflex Centre’s equipment facility, located between the two slopes. When not gliding downhill, visitors can relax in the upstairs area.
9. Is the cost to rent equipment separate from the slope fee?
Yes.
10. Do I need to wear a helmet?
Helmets will be offered to riders with their rental equipment.
11. Where can I tube on the slope?
Tubing will be allowed on the nursery slope as well as portions of the main slope.
Note: Skiing/boarding will not run simultaneously as tubing.
12. How big is the slope?
The total skiable area is 40,537 square feet. The total slope length is approximately 500 feet. The slope is designed to allow for future expansion, providing enthusiasts with even more room to ride.
13. What times will the slope be open?
The slope will be open for day and night skiing. Exact times are yet to be determined.
14. Can I arrange parties?
Yes. Parties must be arranged ahead of time by calling (434) 582-FLEX or emailing the Snowflex Centre at snowflex@liberty.edu.
15. Are there group discounts?
Yes, once the pricing structure is established group rates will be available. Those wishing to bring groups must notify the Snowflex Centre prior to the session (see above contact info).
16. What clothing should I wear?
During cold months, normal ski attire is sufficient. As temperatures become warmer, you may want to wear light, long-sleeve clothing, such as Under Armour or wind pants.
Back to the top
FAQs REGARDING BRITON ENGINEERING'S SNOWFLEX
1. What is Snowflex? How does it work?
Snowflex is a synthetic material, simulating the effects of real snow. Snowflex features a unique shock layer, giving it a responsive and reactive feel. Manufactured in tile form, Snowflex forms a uniform surface that can be made into complex features and shapes. With the help of small misting devices, Snowflex stays moist, giving it the slip and grip of real snow. Snowflex is manufactured exclusively by Briton Engineering. Every component has been meticulously researched and tested. Following its launch, Snowflex has proven itself both technically and commercially in a wide range of slope operations.
Snowflex possesses these unique qualities:
2. Does Snowflex require special equipment?
No. Riders are free to use the same equipment currently used in alpine environments.
3. Can you ski or snowboard on Snowflex if it is covered with snow?
Snowflex can be used on slopes that may experience snowfall or frosts in wintertime without any detrimental effect. Skiers and snowboarders are able to use the slope as normal in such conditions.
4. Can you ski or snowboard on Snowflex if it is covered with frost?
Yes. Frost or ice that forms should not be as solid as the fibers of Snowflex to ensure that such precipitation, in reality, is broken up and relatively weak. Skis or snowboard edges further break up the precipitation when used.
5. What happens to the BritonMist system if there has been a heavy frost or snow?
The BritonMist system (consisting of small misting devices) is insulated against frost, snow and ice by the integral shock absorption layer to help prevent pipes from bursting. The BritonMist system is also installed in such a manner that surplus water in pipes can be drained down into the water tank at the end of every day if need be, again reducing the potential for this happening.
6. Can we ride it in all seasons? (i.e. extreme heat and cold)
Yes.
7. Can you use slalom poles on Snowflex?
Yes.
Back to the top