Snowflex ready for winter storm — and plenty of guests

While the current weather forecast for ice and snow may have people thinking about what they can do to entertain themselves indoors this weekend, staff at the new Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre want them to take advantage of the outdoors. They are gearing up to offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing to guests — no matter what the weather conditions are.

“We will pretty much be the only attraction open in the city when it snows,” said Drew Sherwood, assistant manager, adding that roads leading to the Centre will be cleared and easily accessible.

Debuting in August, the Centre, located on Liberty University’s campus, is the first of its kind in the U.S. to feature the synthetic surface Snowflex, which simulates the slip and grip effects of natural snow, making it available for use year-round.

But it’s a great option in the wintertime, too, Sherwood said.

“We get a great response from people who come here when it snows. It’s close and it’s economically feasible — it’s like paying fourth of a price of going to a huge ski resort. You get the same experience and it’s a lot less (money) — and it’s right in your back yard.”

Since the intermediate slope opened in November, and due to the recent snowfalls, Sherwood said they are seeing a lot more newcomers.

“It’s very beginner-friendly now, so it’s great for first-timers.”

• Snowflex will be open from noon to 1 a.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. to midnight Sunday. For prices and more details, visit www.liberty.edu/snowflex.