SAM Magazine-Lynchburg, Va., Sept. 2, 2009-The 40,000 square-foot slope at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre here opened Aug. 29, with 3,000 people attending the grand opening. The Centre, part of the sports facilities of Liberty University, itself founded by noted religious leader Jerry Falwell, provides a year-round arena for skiing and riding.

Ribbon cutting at opening.

Located atop Liberty University's serene 5,000-acre mountain, the center includes a main slope, beginner slope, and a two-story lodge, which houses the usual resort services. The main slope includes a variety of jumps and two rails, plus an 11-foot-high quarterpipe. Future additions to the facility, including an additional 30,000 square feet of slope by the end of this year, will expand the options.

The concept originated in 2005 when the university began looking at ways to utilize its mountain property. The solution was to build an outdoor recreational complex accessible to LU and the general public. Designed by England's Briton Engineering, the park's slopes are made with Snowflex. This synthetic surface has a patented misting system that keeps it moist, maximizing speed and edge control. Unlike some other synthetic slope technologies, Snowflex has multiple layers to cushion skiers and snowboarders if they should fall.

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