'Snow' skiing will be added to the Oklahoma River Ski OKCAlpine skiing and snowboarding is coming to Oklahoma City with plans to open a new indoor slope at Riversport park along the Oklahoma River.
A $200,000 grant from the Inasmuch Foundation is paying for Ski OKC, which will be located near the Big Water Grill at the White Water Center.
This project will complement 'Surf OKC,' both projects will be built on the Oklahoma River with scheduled openings in 2021.Surf OKC Press release:
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RIVERSPORT to Add Snow Skiing, Snow Boarding
Inasmuch Foundation grant funds new ‘Ski OKC’
OKLAHOMA CITY – (November 24, 2020) RIVERSPORT announced today it is bringing alpine skiing and snowboarding to Oklahoma City with a new indoor slope, Ski OKC. The new experience is being made possible through a grant from Inasmuch Foundation and will open in late spring, 2021.
Ski OKC **will feature an infinite, articulating ski slope and will be installed inside RIVERSPORT’s Whitewater Center. Ski OKC will be included in Xtreme day and season passes which will be offered at 50% off on Black Friday. Single experience passes will also be available as well as lessons and camps.
“Inasmuch Foundation is a proud supporter of RIVERSPORT Foundation’s efforts to provide numerous activities for our entire community to enjoy,” said Bob Ross, president and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “The new indoor ski experience offers yet another adventure at the Boathouse District, but more importantly, it’s bringing a life experience to our underserved youth who may never have the opportunity to ski or snowboard.”
“RIVERSPORT will be the first place in the world you can snow ski, surf and whitewater raft all in one location,” said RIVERSPORT Executive Director Mike Knopp. “Ski OKC will be open to passholders throughout the season, and we’ll offer ski and snowboard lessons. In the fall we’ll offer additional sessions for people to brush up on their skills before they head out on their annual ski trip.”
“We’re also looking forward to incorporating skiing and snowboarding into our Youth Outreach programs. So many Oklahoma City kids would never get a chance to whitewater raft or surf – or ski – but now they can do it right here,” Knopp said. “This is about ensuring all kids have access to outdoor experiences, even if we’re doing some of them indoors!”
The indoor ski simulator is covered in a specially-developed artificial ski grass called PoleSnow®. The low-friction fibers are misted with water to create a feeling similar to real snow. RIVERSPORT’s simulator will also have a quick inclination system which allows the slope to go from a Blue ski run to the equivalent of a Black run in seconds. An added ramp offers the opportunity to practice jumps and a projected ski course offers slalom practice. Advanced augmented reality capabilities ensure the experience will continue to expand as technology advances.
“Our Inasmuch grant supports RIVERSPORT Foundation’s Thrive Outside initiative to remove barriers,” Ross said. “I hope other organizations and even individuals will join the Thrive effort by buying RIVERSPORT passes or sponsoring groups of kids. It’s all about the collective impact we can have in opening doors for our underserved youth.”
RIVERSPORT season passes are 50% off during the holidays and include two free day passes that can be used by family and friends. Passes can be purchased online at riversportokc.org.
Located in Oklahoma City, RIVERSPORT offers a wide range of outdoor adventure and Olympic sports experiences including rowing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, surfing, biking, sailing, an 80 ft. tall adventure course, high speed slides and zip lines. It is operated by the RIVERSPORT Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, and all proceeds benefit the organization’s nonprofit outreach initiatives
.--Via OKCTalk.com, 11-24-2020