Newsletter


Dry Slopes thrilled with SunKid’s Wonder Carpet

The past few months have seen SunKid install 6 Wonder Carpet conveyors measuring a total of 260m on so-called ‘dry slopes’.

Dry slopes are artificial ski slopes which can be used all year round. Special artificial matting possessing similar sliding properties to real snow is laid, offering guests the chance to ski, snowboard or try out any of the latest snow sports in optimal conditions.

Winter sports are, and always have been, extremely popular in Great Britain. Indeed skiing is one of the population’s favourite leisure activities and the country has a total of around 150 dry slopes! As with the indoor ski domes, dry slopes have an extremely positive effect on tourism in the Alps. Indeed, many people see such dry slopes as the birthplace of new guests in our Alpine ski areas, and rightly so.

The first installation of a SunKid Wonder Carpet on a dry slope took place more than 6 years ago. The 21m conveyor installed in Rosendale now helps beginners to ascend the slope simply and safely.

After years of planning and numerous visits to the sites in question, SunKid completed two large projects this year.

Norfolk Ski Club

Norfolk Ski Club is one of the largest dry ski slopes in Britain and has this year undergone a complete overhaul. After intensive research, the owners of the slope decided to equip the entire facility with conveyors. A total of 5 conveyors are now installed, ensuring that all slope users are transported safely and comfortably.

SunKid Wonder Carpet in the Norfolk Ski Club:

  • 1 chain 42m, 19 % gradient
  • 1 Blue Eye belt 39m, 5 % gradient
  • 1 chain 42m, 18 % gradient
  • 1 Blue Eye belt 45m, 28 % gradient
  • 1 Blue Eye belt 63m, 19 % gradient

 

 

Glasgow Ski & Snowboardcentre

Another of our projects is the Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre. Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, with a population of approximately 580,000. The slopes are located just 15 minutes from the town centre and the facilities offer guests a chance to try out a huge range of sporting activities or simply kick back and relax.

This year SunKid installed a 27m long Rough Top belt conveyor with a gradient of 20%.

SunKid lift facilities are also installed at the following locations in Great Britain:

  • Alford Dry Ski Slope, 24m
  • Milton Keynes Indoor Ski Dome, 51m
  • Milton Keynes Indoor Ski Dome, 39m.

There are also further dry slope lift facilities in Mexico, Belgium and Holland.

 

SunKid Wonder Carpet conveyors are particularly suited to use on dry slopes thanks to the following qualities:

  • Everything can be transported (skiers, snowboarders, equipment for fun sports, pedestrians – people of all ages and abilities).
  • Easy integration into the ground – guests move safely and smoothly from the lift onto the slope.
  • No foundations, drainage etc. required.
  • Only one person required to supervise entire lift facility – central fault diagnostics system.
  • Extremely safe (SunKid is in compliance with all worldwide safety standards. SunKid was also the first manufacturer to conform to the new French standard).
  • Almost no cleaning or maintenance work required.
  • Special traffic light system and automatic running (conveyors automatically turn themselves on and off thanks to light sensors at the entry and exit zones).
  • All components are extremely high quality, allowing for up to 12,000 hours of use without the frustration of having to change expensive parts.
  • Simple access to all components (flip-down side covers, elevating motor system, entry and exit platforms).
  • Quick and simple assembly.

Partnership with Neveplast

In conjunction with its Italian partner Neveplast, SunKid has completed some highly interesting projects. Neveplast has specialised itself on the production and supply of artificial pistes. The company has developed matting for skiing, snowboarding, skating and cross-country skiing as well as for entry areas of ski lifts and ski trails. For special events, Neveplast constructs ramps up to 150m in length and with a height difference of up to 15m. Artificial mats are then laid onto these ramps, ensuring perfect ski and snowboard fun! As always, SunKid Wonder Carpet conveyors provide a tried and tested way of returning to the top! SunKid is the exclusive partner of Neveplast for all types of artificial matting.