We don't normally post videos from a year or more back – or even months or weeks past, but I just had a great conversation with Drew Sherwood from over at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center in Lynchburg, Virginia that prompted me to go and have another look around at some video of just what is "snowflex"…and how cool Liberty University's Snowflex Center is.
You guys can see that video at: https://www.skisoutheast.com/videos.php
The video was shot by JoyRide from in 2011, but since this is THE ONE ski resort in the region that doesn't rely on snow to operate – we weren't too worried to talk about the conditions today compared to 2011…because they are no different.
We've been carrying Liberty's "snow report" since 2009 and when I called to speak with Drew today I had to half-joke that they are the only ski area that is 100% open with 8 of 8 trails, terrain parks and tubing all operational with perfect conditions and great side-to-side coverage!
WHAT IS SNOWFLEX?
We did that story back in 2009 and really don't want to burn space by rewriting that story. You can check the link out below and visit Liberty's website for all the deets, but for those unaware altogether, the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre is the country’s premier point for year-round skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Composed of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes and a two-story lodge, this high-performance playground is the first of its kind in the U.S. You can read more about the unique concept of Snowflex at the link below.
http://www.liberty.edu/snowflex/index.cfm?PID=19490
Simply stated though, Snowflex is a "synthetic material designed to simulate the slip and grip effects of snow."
The reason for this story today is to enlighten ski and snowboard lovers from around the region that even when we see the challenges of the weather that we've seen over the last two seasons, Liberty not only has great conditions to go and enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding – they also have a lot going on!
LESSONS…(Ski and Snowboard Instruction)
If you're a newbie to the sport or have kids that you simply want to get them acclimated to the sport to fall in love with it like the rest of us, then Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center offers a great opportunity to do just that. In fact, there are many advantages to learning how to ski or ride FIRST at Liberty.
First, whether you're at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level, LMSC has instructors who can help you improve. Second, because of the unique material and experience of skiing or snowboarding at Liberty, new skiers and riders are naturally "forced" to learn how to make proper turns without using their edges. Balance and harmony between your mind and body to control the skis or board is taught so that when you do hit the natural or manmade snow, you're ready to ski or ride pretty much any kind of surface.
Luke Fosse is the Head Instructor and Camp Director at Liberty while Brent Washburn heads up things as the Ski/Snowboard School Director.
Group Instruction at Liberty is a great deal as lessons for beginners, intermediates and freestyle is only $25 for a two hour lesson. Private lessons are available but must be booked 24 hours in advance and are very reasonable at $30.00 (again for two hours).
If you're interested in a lesson at Liberty call today to set up private or group lessons: 434-582-FLEX.
THE LODGE
While the onslope experience may be a little non-traditional, they still offer a very cool ski lodge. Named after longtime university supporter Dr. Al Barrick and Liberty's founder, the late Jerry Falwell, the Barrick-Falwell Lodge is Liberty Mountain's centerpiece. It gives the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center the looks and feel of an alpine resort and the two story lodge offers a great setting for R&R – in this case renting and relaxation.
In it they offer everything you'd expect within any good ski lodge – ski, snowboard and tubing gear; Starbucks Coffee, and a Cafe.
Speaking of "renting and relaxation" Liberty's Lodge and the mountain itself is great for hosting banquets, events, business meetings, parties and dinners. It's ALL very affordable and you can check that information out at: http://www.liberty.edu/snowflex/index.cfm?PID=22828
TICKETS AND PRICING:
While LMSC offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing, they do so with a very affordable pricing structure. At traditional resorts you can purchase a lift ticket for $75 and only make it down the mountain four to five times in a day with long lift lines, etc. At Liberty, whether you are skiing, riding or tubing it is just $5 per hour Monday-Thursday and only $7 per hour, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you want to just ridge for four hours it's only $28 peak hours and you'll get all the runs down the mountain that your muscles will allow!
Equipment rentals are only $12 for skis or boards (helmet is included) and tubing rentals are only $5.
…photo courtesy of Kyle Beckmann Photo (visit Kyle's site at:
http://kbeckmannphoto.com/splash
In closing I must add that in speaking with Drew Sherwood I was impressed with the passion that he has for Liberty and the wealth of knowledge that he shared not only about the facility itself, but about the camps, programs and events that are available at LMSC this "season". We'll be sharing more information about Liberty – in particular a pretty cool Rail Jam that they have planned for mid February. Be sure to check out http://www.liberty.edu/snowflex/ for more information and remember that although you can always check out their snow report here at www.SkiSoutheast.com, you can be assured that they are always 100% open!
Email me your thoughts and reactions at: [email protected]