AssetID: 55244900
Headline: RAW VIDEO: £13 million giant snow tunnel lets you ski 365 days a year
Caption: It might look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie — but developers insist this enormous, snow-filled, hamster wheel-style tunnel could change skiing forever. Unveiled this week, the world’s first Snowtunnel Park has been designed to give thrill-seekers a taste of the slopes all year round — no matter the weather. Standing at a towering 12.5 metres (41ft) high — roughly the height of a four-storey building — the rotating tunnel is lined with real powder snow made purely from water and air. It promises an “endless mountain” of constantly moving, rideable snow for skiers and snowboarders. The first of its kind is set to open in Australia in 2027, with more venues planned for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and future sites expected in other capital cities around the world. Scott Kessler, CEO and co-founder of Snowtunnel Parks, said: “Our mission is to unlock the magic of snow and ignite a passion for alpine experiences for everyone, all year round.” Fellow founders Chris Northwood and Dan Portelli added, “Growing up in Australia, we all know how unpredictable each snow season can be. We want to bring that thrill of alpine adventure straight to city-based adventurers.” The company has already completed successful investment rounds and built a 10-metre prototype to prove the concept works. It’s now raising further funds to create the first full-sized site. Kessler added confidently: “What wave parks did for surfing, Snowtunnel will do for snow sports.” Each high-tech tunnel will cost between £10.4 million and £13 million to build — less than half the cost of most surf parks and just a fraction of traditional indoor snow slope developments. At 16 metres (52.5ft) long and over 600m² (6,458ft²) of rideable snow surface, each Snowtunnel is as wide as an average ski run — complete with zones for snow play, lessons and freestyle riding. Inside, more than 900 cubic metres (31,783 cubic feet) of snow will cover a total area of 3,000m² (32,292ft²), with variable speed controls allowing safe acceleration for every level — from beginner to pro.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,ski tunnel, indoor snow park, Snowtunnel Park, Australia, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports, year-round snow, endless mountain, alpine adventure, snow technology, ski simulator, indoor skiing
PersonInImage: