Winterpark at Lemon Quay, Truro

Last year, Winterpark set up a temporary, festive, mini ski slope in the heart of Truro... here are the details.

For the first time ever in the UK, Cornish wintersports specialists Winterpark have brought an innovative 30-metre public ski and snowboard slope to Lemon Quay as the stunning centrepiece of the 2006/2007 Truro Winter Festival.

And alongside Christmas shopping and a whole range of winter activities, people of all ages can now enjoy leaning to ski or snowboard with the Winterpark Freeride Academy, practising their freestyle tricks or flying down the hill on a toboggan. The accompanying Sharp’s Alpine Doom Bar will offer cask conditioned beer, winter Pimms, mulled wine, speciality hot chocolate and a range of freshly prepared food.

The slope is open to all members of the public who will get the chance to experience the revolutionary, realistic and safe Snowflex dry slope surface for the first time in Cornwall.

The slope will be open every day (except for Xmas Day) until the middle of January and a full programme of activities with learn to ride sessions for new learners and improvers, film shows, big air demonstrations and competitions. A number of highly trained, specialised ski and snowboard instructors will be on hand at all times and the slope will be patrolled to ensure the ultimate health and safety for all users.

Winterpark founder Chris O’Connell said: "Although we’ve all been working exceptionally hard for the last six months to make this dream a reality, I can hardly believe my eyes now that it’s here and happening."

Chris continued: "I’ve been working on plans for a venture like this for over ten years now and to see Cornish people having the opportunity to ski or board and to feel the excitement and exhilaration of the mountains it indescribable."