One of the world's original indoor snow centres, and one of the longest surviving, The SnowDome at Tamworth, is celebrating its 30th year of operations in 2024.
The SnowDome is planning a 'Dirty 30 Party on 12th October to mark the occasion noting,
"Get ready to throw it back to the 90's as the SnowDome mark 30 years of epic snowsports action! This isn't just any party, it's a celebration of all things retro, with nostalgic tunes and massive prizes up for grabs! Dust off your vintage gear and prepare for a night of unforgettable fun!"
Indoor snow centres in various forms had been around since the 1920s and a modern revival had begun with centres opening in Australia, Belgium and Japan six years before the snowdome. However, the Tamworth facility claimed to be the first in the world to use real snow under a patented process from locally based snowmaking company Acer Snowmec.
The company that operated the Tamworth facility, which at one point also operated one of the world's first indoor snow centres in Australia, also trademarked the name Snowdome.
All earlier indoor snow centres used various chemical concoctions to make a snow like substance. Most of the predecessors have long since ceased trading but there are a few that date from the latge 80s/early 90s that switched to real snow later that predate The Snowdome.
Over the years the centre has added two beginner areas below main slope and in late 2004 Tamworth added the world's first indoor snowmobile track. Other improvements at the time included a large new bar and dining complex overlooking the snow as well as new party and conference rooms. In 2016 The Snowdome announced a £400,000 extension with the centre's existing gym level completely redesigned.
Through the past 30 years the Snowdome has withstood various challenges, including extreme weather and most recently its proximity to an attack on a nearby hotel by right wing thugs which led to The Snowdome being evacuated for public safety fears.
Tamworth's slope was the longest in the UK for a decade or so. There is a ninety-degree bend on the run where the width is greater than its standard 30m. Slope gradients are 12 to 13 degrees.
There's also be a real-snow play area for children aged two to eight, next to the SnowDome's current ice rink. A track for the Bond-style snow scooters runs around the outside, served by a fleet of 21 Polaris snow mobiles, adapted for safe use indoors.