Editor's Note: Indoor ski facilities serve a dual purpose, both allowing on-snow skiing in the off-season, and providing guaranteed snow during the winter. One may argue that the environmental cost of constructing and running such a facility is prohibitive, but there is no question that indoor skiing has a significant place in the sport's future. More facilities are planned in Europe, and it is likely we will see more indoor races over the next five years. There are a number of FIS Alpine races scheduled for indoor venues this season.
This article makes mention of “recycling the energy of the ski tunnel.” We are not clear on what this actually means, but will attempt to find out.
The popular new ski tunnel in Torsby, Sweden is approaching a new record for yearly visitors. So far this year 25,000 skiers have used the facility. Over half of these visitors are from Norway.
Last year the ski tunnel had 31,000 visitors. This year the manager, Maria Karlsson, is hoping to significantly increase that number. Earlier this year the Norwegian ski association negotiated a three year contract with the ski tunnel. During the summer the Norwegian national team was in Torsby for three training camps.
“There are very many Norwegians here, but the Swedish contingent has also increased dramatically. In addition to the ski gymnasiums and the local clubs, the Vasaloppet citizen racers are starting to show up in October and November. Both children and adults are visiting, and it is one of great strengths that we attract a wide variety of skiers,†said Karlsson to langrenn.com.
How do you feel about the plan to construct a ski tunnel in Norway?
“It’s not so bad to have a little competition. It might even end up benefiting us.”
