40-531: Sheffield Ski Village was an artificial ski slope complex in the Parkwood Springs area of Sheffield , England which operated from 1988 until it was destroyed by fire in 2012. It was believed to be the largest artificial ski resort in Europe with a sports shop, bar, restaurant and a range of slopes which included a Snowflex nursery slope, a Dendix recreational slope and a freestyle park consisting of
80-506: A toboggan run. In addition to the Ski Village slopes there was a ten pin bowling alley, quad biking, laser tag and a downhill biking track designed by Steve Peat. Ski Village Bowling housed a state of the art ten pin bowling alley which opened in 2009. The full sized ten pin bowling lanes were built with Brunswick technology. The Sheffield Sharks Ski Club met at Sheffield Ski Village on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings. The club
120-481: A crop of materials providing both impact protection and slope lubrication as well as the ability to perform turns, erect jumps, rails and quarterpipes and provide a ride that is closer to the feel of real snow. Neveplast is one of these, a newer material whose use is becoming even more common. This new type of mat, which uses a concentric arrangement of conical stems, is marketed for downhill, snowboarding and cross country skiing. Neveplast claims to be certified as having
160-467: A cycle shop and hire centre. The project depends on a new £6 million access road to the site with Sheffield City Council , Network Rail and land owners Viridor in negotiations. The project was predicted to have a one-year build time and could be completed in early 2023. 53°23′56″N 1°28′37″W / 53.398889°N 1.476974°W / 53.398889; -1.476974 Artificial ski slope A dry ski slope or artificial ski slope
200-556: A half pipe, hip jump, kicker, a quarter pipe and various grind rails. The first slope at the ski village opened in October 1988. The ski village proved popular and by the end of 1990 the ski village had 8 slopes. During 1991 to 1994 the ski village underwent a significant re-design - adding a ski lodge, bar and shops. The slopes were also re-designed during this period to add a half pipe and moguls . In subsequent years additional facilities were added including an aerials water ramp and
240-399: A hard wax that is intended for use on dry slopes. Some users apply aerosol furniture polish or other can-based products to the bases of their skis or boards as the silicone oil it contains is reputed to reduce friction. Other substances, such as dishwashing liquid , are sometimes used. Sheffield City Council Other groups (7) Sheffield City Council is the local authority for
280-536: A part of Somalia. In August 2019, a governance petition was submitted to the council, asking for a referendum on changing the council's governance system. The petition, organised by the Sheffield community group It's Our City!, was signed by over 26000 people (approximately 6.6% of the Sheffield City Council electorate). In September 2019 this petition was accepted as valid under the provisions of
320-467: A slope user when falling) and ski or snowboard damage due to friction meant litigation for slopes using it was a constant threat. Nowadays water is often sprayed onto the surface of the dendix to lubricate it and increase speed; however, higher insurance premiums cause many slope operators to look for safer alternatives. Despite more recent materials, Dendix remains the most popular plastic slope material in use. The most recent development has seen
360-584: A third of the council (one councillor for each ward) being elected each time for a four-year term. Sheffield City Council provides approximately 550 services to its citizens. It is also a major employer in the city, with more than 8,000 employees, including all state school staff in its role as Local Education Authority (LEA). In April 2021 the Sheffield Star published a list of seven Council employees earning more than £100k-a-year. Services and employees are organised into four portfolios: The council
400-517: Is Mr. Snow . The company does not only produce dry slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing but also provides tubing tracks and rental opportunities for events. The material of Mr. Snow is claimed to have very good sliding capacities, is predictable in all climates and does not harm the ski or sliding surface. Mr. Snow works without the use of silicone which is not necessary to achieve good sliding characteristics. The snow carpet evidently has no negative environmental impact. So
440-675: Is a ski slope that mimics the attributes of snow using materials that are stable at room temperature , to enable people to ski , snowboard or snow tube in places where natural, snow-covered slopes are inconvenient or unavailable. Although commonly known as "dry ski slopes", many slopes are lubricated using a mist or jet system to increase speed and prevent damage to equipment from friction heat build-up. A variety of materials can be found on dry ski slopes. Early efforts to mimic snow involved laying extruded plastic tiles with upward spikes in an attempt to provide grip. These were unpopular as they provided little grip and turning capability and
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#1732791975250480-551: Is a by-product of brush manufacturing and is similar to a short- haired brush with the bristles sticking upwards. Dendix is manufactured in Chepstow , however it can be found on slopes throughout the world. It is arranged in a hexagonal pattern of approximately 1-inch (25 mm) strips of bristles in a 4 in (100 mm) hexagon. Although it was a significant advancement from previous surfaces, concern over damage to slope users (it provides little or no impact protection to
520-406: Is from UK company Proslope who produce a matting with variable filament lengths to emulate the gradual edge grip and release of snow. As with some other surfaces, the system is coloured white, is modular, and works both with and without a misting system. A type of Enoki mushroom dry ski slope surface from China. Countless thin strips with round balls on the top, resembling a mushroom-like shape, make
560-455: Is possible to turn on the surface quite well, but the aim is to maintain a low edge angle and make small adjustments to create speed or set your line. This type of dry ski mat appeared for the first time at a FIS World Cup competition. Dry slope users often improve the performance of their equipment by using the hardest grade of ski wax . The wax wears off quickly, however, and must be renewed after one or two sessions. At least one company makes
600-642: The City of Sheffield , a metropolitan borough with city status in South Yorkshire , England. The council consists of 84 councillors, elected to represent 28 wards , each with three councillors. It is currently under no overall control , with Labour , the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party each holding chair positions in a proportionate number of committees. The town of Sheffield
640-578: The Localism Act 2011 , forcing the council to hold a referendum on changing the council's executive arrangements from the Leader and Cabinet system to a Committee system. The referendum was postponed from May 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic ) and took place on 6 May 2021, with 65% voting for change to a Committee system. In 2023 the council leader Terry Fox stood down as leader at the request of
680-636: The UK and Astroride by NorCal Extreme Sports in the United States. Snowflex and Perma-snow are both white in colour, although the former has been produced in a darker green (such as in Kendal Ski Club in Cumbria , England) to comply with planning requirements. There is no indication from NorCal Extreme Sports that AstroRide has been commercially tested to any great extent. The latest arrival
720-523: The Sheffield City Region until 2021), led by the directly elected Mayor of South Yorkshire since 2018. In April 2014, the Sheffield City Council voted to recognize the right to self-determination of Somaliland , an autonomous region in northwestern Somalia , the first city council to do so. The gesture is purely ceremonial and carries no legal weight. The UK government and the international community officially recognise Somaliland as
760-479: The Sheffield Sharks Ski Club during their childhood and early teenage years. On 29 April 2012, the main building of the Ski Village was destroyed by a fire. The blaze occurred in the early hours of the morning and no-one was injured. This fire was subsequently ruled to have started accidentally, with subsequent fires on the site being treated as arson. On 1 May 2012, a small hut at the top of
800-548: The city centre. The building was purpose-built for the council and was completed in 1897. It is a Grade I listed building . The council also uses a modern office building nearby at Howden House, 1 Union Street, as additional offices and the main customer service centre. There are also smaller offices and area offices across the city. Since the last boundary changes in 2016, the council has comprised 84 councillors representing 28 wards , with each ward electing three councillors. Elections are held three years out of every four, with
840-472: The city council before the 1974 reforms, Ron Ironmonger, went on to be the first leader of South Yorkshire County Council . Metropolitan Borough Following the 2024 election the composition of the council was: Six of the independent councillors sit together as the "Sheffield Community Councillors" group. The next election is due in May 2026. The council meets at Sheffield Town Hall on Pinstone Street in
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#1732791975250880-459: The experience was similar to skiing across ice . However, in present day, many ski slopes (both indoor and outdoor) continue to use plastic, injection moulded tiles. Quality has improved and many dry ski slopes in the Netherlands use these tiles for training and championships. The next stage in dry ski slope development came with the brush industry. The most common material is Dendix which
920-464: The former Ski Village site and operating it as a hub for snowsports excellence in the UK. The Snowsport for Sheffield group is headed by former Ski School manager Al Bister, and Paul Yiend former Snowboard Instructor and has already generated significant support from local residents and notable press coverage. On 9 December 2016, Sheffield City Council asked for potential investors to propose future uses for
960-411: The main slope containing controls for the ski lifts was destroyed in a second fire in the early hours of the morning. On 21 May 2012, the former snowflex nursery slope was partially destroyed in a third fire, again started deliberately. On 24 April 2013, the remaining wooden outbuildings of the former Adventure Mountain outdoor playground were set on fire, destroying the only remaining infrastructure on
1000-407: The material used to make the old ski slopes alight. On 6 June 2018, the site was again reported to be on fire. On 20 July 2022, the site was again reported to be on fire. An unrelated wildfire on adjacent grassland swept into the Ski Village site on 2 September 2018, causing further damage to numerous buildings and structures on the site. Since the initial fire, the site has remained closed to
1040-455: The mats can remain on the surface 365 days a year. But it is also possible to remove them very quickly if it is required. Temporary using can be realized with the 20 sqm modules. Another very common mat is Snowflex , manufactured near Huddersfield , West Yorkshire in England by Briton Engineering Developments Limited. Others include Perma-snow by John Nike Leisure/ Techmat 2000, also in
1080-529: The national Labour Party, amid controversy around the council's response to the Sheffield street tree scandal . Since 2021 the council has been under no overall control . At the 2021 elections , Labour lost its majority on the council, and its leader, Bob Johnson, lost his seat on the council. A coalition between Labour and the Greens was formed to run the council, with Labour's new leader Terry Fox taking
1120-551: The new borough. From 1974 to 1986 Sheffield was a district-level authority, with county-level services provided by South Yorkshire County Council . In 1986, the abolition of metropolitan county councils saw Sheffield City Council become a unitary authority , the modern equivalent of the county borough it had been before 1974. Since 2014 the council has been a constituent member of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (called
1160-415: The outgoing authorities until the new arrangements took effect on 1 April 1974. Political control of the council since 1974 has been as follows: The role of Lord Mayor of Sheffield is largely ceremonial and is usually held by a different councillor each year. Political leadership is instead provided by the leader of the council . The leaders since 1901 have been: County Borough The last leader of
1200-491: The public aside from a brief attempt by the Sharks Ski Club to hold sessions in May 2012, which were stopped when the ski lift motors and power ancillaries were stolen. The site has stood derelict and has been blighted by significant fly tipping, theft, arson and vandalism ever since. A local campaign group formed by members of the former slope management staff has been started with the objective of eventually reopening
1240-512: The role of leader of the council . Following the 2022 election , the Liberal Democrats joined Labour and the Greens in the ruling administration. The 'rainbow coalition' of Labour, The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party has continued following the 2023 election . The first election to the reconstituted city council was held in 1973, initially operating as a shadow authority alongside
Sheffield Ski Village - Misplaced Pages Continue
1280-517: The same coefficient of friction between the surface and the ski as snow, allowing the skier a good side grip, with the same skis used on the snow, and without the need for water. The Neveplast cooling hole has a comparable diameter to the F.I.S. slalom pole standards used for training and competition in both slalom and giant slalom. Neveplast is also used for school camps. This surface is modular and flexible, used frequently also for Urban freestyle parks. A German provider that guarantees year round skiing
1320-507: The site, and redevelop a £22.5 million extreme sports centre. And on 28 January 2019 Sheffield City Council agreed a loan of £4.8 million towards the project. An article in the Sheffield Star newspaper of Thursday 22 July 2021, stated that two firms had agreed to run the ski slopes, chair lifts, a bobsleigh run and mountain bike trails when the site is eventually rebuilt. A further seven backers are set to sign up as soon as planning has been granted, these include an 80-bed hotel and
1360-448: The site. By August 2016 the site had suffered from approximately 50 arson attacks. On 11 April 2017, a further arson attack at the site occurred after two fires were started. On 22 September 2017, a fire broke out in the old pump house in an incident thought to be an accident caused by another bonfire nearby. On 14 October 2017, a fire broke out at the site and the fire brigade were called, who found some fly tipped items and some of
1400-415: The site. The preferred uses for the site by the council are for a snowsports centre or mountain bike centre. Developers had until 7 April 2017 to submit their proposals. However, due to stronger than expected interest in development for the site Sheffield City Council extended the deadline by a further two weeks till 21 April. On 28 November 2017 it was announced that developers Extreme wanted to rebuild on
1440-466: The surface of the run-in slopes of the Training Centre airbag jumps differently from other dry slope surfaces in terms of sliding effect and safety. Its structure, friction, elasticity, safety protection, and simulation effect provide an ideal surface for airbag beginners and high-performance athletes. The surface allows the rider to either carve or skid to aid in speed control or line choice. It
1480-482: Was also one of the main training grounds for the Yorkshire Freestyle Squad and many professional freestyle skiers, such as James Woods and Katie Summerhayes . Other significant British athletes who trained at Sheffield Ski Village include Ellie Koyander (Women's Moguls, 2010 Winter Olympics ) and Paddy Graham (Pro freeskier sponsored by Red Bull.) Most of the former were also active members of
1520-474: Was awarded city status in 1893. In 1974 the county borough of Sheffield was abolished under the Local Government Act 1972 , being replaced by a larger metropolitan borough of Sheffield, covering the area of the former county borough plus the abolished Stocksbridge Urban District and the parishes of Bradfield and Ecclesfield . Sheffield's city status was extended to cover the whole area of
1560-728: Was formed in 1990 to promote children's skiing , both at recreational and competitive levels. In 2004, the club became the CCPR UK Sports Club of the Year. The club was run on a voluntary basis by an elected committee of parents, with a dedicated team of instructors. Older members had the opportunity to become ski instructors themselves, and often instructed the younger children on the Saturday sessions. Sharks Ski Club continues to thrive but now meets at Xscape, Castleford on Saturday mornings from 9-11 am. The Sheffield Ski Village
1600-460: Was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1843. The borough was run by the Corporation of Sheffield , also known as the town council. When elected county councils were established in 1889 under the Local Government Act 1888 , Sheffield was considered large enough to run its own county-level services and so it was made a county borough , independent from West Riding County Council . The town
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