Mountains around the area closed early this year, leaving many of New
England's ski fanatics in disappointment. As for those who hit the
jumps, they are never quite done, at Mt. Snow this year we interviewed
18 year old park rider, Kevin Imtala. He said," the season has been
disappointing to say the least, I was finally hitting some new tricks,
and before I knew the end of the season blindsided me". But as for
Kevin and many other young skiers and riders, the only park features
that he won't be seeing anymore are the massive jumps. Kevin stated once
more, "but I don't plan on ending my season here, the jumps will melt
but I plan on taking the rails to my backyard!" As we continued to
conduct the interview we learned of a new trend in youth park skiing,
known as a "turf park" Turns out a few feet of turf and a rail gets you
just as much practice on the features as snow! The lack of snow isn't
stopping modern day park riders, and it isn't stopping local
entrepreneurs either. A new company, named Swingline parks plans on
dropping some "huge turf parks" they aren't just stopping at that
though. By the unannounced opening date in 2012/13 Swingline plans to
bring an indoor warehouse completely layered with turf and almost 15-20
features! Outside is a planned outdoor turf park with up to 10 features!
We spoke with the head operations manager at Swingline who claims, "we
plan on having an all year all park area. Mostly created for the
hardcore park skiers and riders," he also stated, "Everyone who comes to
our park for the first time must fill out liability paperwork with an
adult (or be of the age of 18), after they must prove they know park
rules, for safety" Parks are a dangerous place to be if you don't know
what you are doing, countless modern day ski injuries occur from
inexperienced park riders who don't know the rules of the road that is
why Swingline developed a simple test, purely based off knowledge, not
skill, that would test your ability to know park safety rules. He told
us, "The test isn't to get the bad kids out of the parks, as everyone
has to start somewhere, but it is to keep the individual and customers
around us safe and wanting to come back!" As for details such as
chairlifts, pricing, and more, complete details will be on the soon
published website! But we were informed prices would be as low as $7-10
per day, and annual passes were an option. As for other details, two
J-bar style lift was planned on being implemented, one indoors and one
for outside. They said a concessions stand would be available inside,
and there was a sitting area, but there isn't much space for a lodge, as
they want as much skiing as possible. We were also notified that events
such as jams, filming, and more would be held throughout the year to
attract business! The warehouse the company is looking as does contain
an area for parking. We here at SkiNE believe this is the evolution of
modern park skiing and riding! Not only is it a good idea that we
promote, but probably one of the best things that has happened in the
park society in decades!
Edit[s]: Last updated 4/2/2012 at 9:06PM EST
New England's finest indoor turf park is hoping
to open soon, they are still working out details to make sure the idea
is fiscally sound, therefore none of the above may be 100% guaranteed,
but the owner did say that if the park is to open, job opportunities may
be available for concessions, lift attendants, park crew, and even park
instructors! Can't wait to see the final result! For now stay up to
date with Swingline at:
http://www.facebook.com/SwinglineParks
We will release any new information about Swingline Parks as the
business progresses, they are new to the ski world and hopefully are
very successful! Good luck to all involved in the project! And for you
super stoked skiers and riders feel free to email Swingline Parks at:
Swinglineparks@gmail.com
Also visit there YouTube page for update videos, building, and when open, edits/feature walkthroughs!
http://www.youtube.com/swinglineparks/
We will keep you up to date best as possible!
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