Snowflex is a snow sports surfacing product, invented and manufactured by Briton Engineering Developments Ltd of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire in the UK.
The surface system is made of a polymer composite, comprising a monofilament fibre and impregnated carrier layer. This sits on top of a shock absorption layer in an attempt to give an authentic responsive and reactive feel. Other components in Snowflex include an integrated misting system, known as BritonMist, for friction reduction and an impervious membrane for recycling of water. The base is a woven controlling layer which prevents earth movement. The surface layer is manufactured in tile form and as such Snowflex forms a homogenous system which can be cut and formed into features and shapes such as those found in alpine environments.
Snowflex Qualities
Due to the complex nature of Snowflex, it is not possible to self-install. Instead the company which designed and manufactures it operates as installers as well. This is a first for snowsports surfaces as previous materials were able to be installed by slope operators at their own cost.
Following its launch in 1996 Snowflex has been installed at over thirty slope operations, including: Bearsden, near Glasgow; Noeux les Mines in northern France; Valladolid in Spain; Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre in Lynchburg, Virginia, is the first Snowflex facility in the United States open to the public. LMSC is a year round outdoor ski and snowboard slope that consist of two slopes, a beginner and an intermediate slope and also three big air kickers with a ninety foot long landing ramp, a 11' tall quarter pipe and wall ride, also, multiple boxes and rail features for all levels of riders. There is a two carpet lifts that can get you to the top or, you can use the surface cable lift to tow you to the top.
On February 28, 2009, Woodward Camp opened the doors to the first year-round ski and snowboard training facility dedicated to terrain park and pipe progression at Copper Mountain (Colorado) Resort in Colorado. The 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m2) indoor facility known as the Barn features a Snowflex big air jump into a 55' long foam pit as well as a Snowflex slope with rails and boxes that end in a quarterpipe.