Once the snow starts falling, there’s nowhere else we want to be more than in the great white North Mountain. It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid ski racer or just want to try skiing for the first time, as long as there’s snow and some downhill terrain, you’ll have Christmas in July.
Now that the snow is sticking around, it’s the perfect time to work on your backcountry skills. If you’re looking for an activity that will build up your stamina, improve your balance, and give you a change of scenery, then consider making a ski slope for Christmas Village.
Before you start digging, though, there are a few things you need to consider.
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Location
One of the most important things to consider is where you’ll place your slope. Where there are tall majestic trees that cast long shadows, there is no doubt that their dappled light will transform any scene. However, if you live in a more open space or on a concrete block, the light won’t be as flattering and the shadows will be darker. If you’re in a flat area or in the middle of a concrete parking lot, then the light won’t play very well either and you’ll struggle to see what you’re doing.
Also, you need to think about the nearby traffic. Are there any heavy vehicles that could potentially damage your slope? If so, where are they likely to go once they turn the corner? Will a school bus be coming down the road any time soon?
Surface
The surface of your slope is crucial as it will dictate the balance of your workout. Will you be using natural snow or manufactured snow? There are pros and cons to both. Natural snow is beautiful but is highly susceptible to weather conditions. If the snow is wet or heavy, then it can be hard to control and can cause injuries. On the other hand, manufactured snow gives you more predictability and safety when it comes to your workout. It usually takes longer to melt which means you’ll be able to work out for longer. You also have more control over the quality of the snow and can make it as steep (or as gentle) as you want.
There are various tools and machines that can be used to shape the snow. A snow gun could be used to blast large amounts of snow at high speed. However, hand tools such as shovels and rakes are more effective and require less maintenance. When choosing these options, you also need to think about what shape you want your ski slope to be. For example, do you want a steeper slope or a more gradual incline?
Style
When it comes to building a ski slope, there are various styles and designs you can choose from. You can make your slope as freeride-ish as you want by adding some rails and boxes to it. This will give you more edge control when going down the hill. It also makes it simpler to maneuver around when skiing up, as the rails will stop you from accidentally falling off. If you want to make a more traditional look to your slope, then don’t add any more than two rails, as there’s no point making a playground out of your kitchen floor.
Depending on how long you want your slopes to be, you could build a terrace where people can park their cars and build a snowman or have a BBQ. You can also string up some plastic tunnels or build a snow maze and have some fun with it.
Cost Effective
Last but not least, we have cost effectiveness. Naturally, you’re going to want to build the cheapest possible slope, but that doesn’t mean it has to be easy to assemble. It is possible to get a pre-made ski slope that is already set up, but it will most likely be bigger than what you need and it will set you back a decent amount of money. If you decide to go down this route, then you should invest in good quality shovels and tools. Aside from that, you don’t need very much else to get started.
Once you have the groundwork done, it’s time to build the actual structure. The perfect spot for your lovely winter garden is somewhere that gets lots of sunlight and south-facing, as this will make the most out of the rays and keep your plants cool. If possible, pick a spot next to a hedge or a row of trees to keep the sun but out of the reach of the wind. Building your ski slope doesn’t have to be difficult—all you need is a little bit of common sense and a lot of elbow grease!
As this article goes to press, the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to loom over the world. In many regions, people are longing for the feel of snow on the ground, and for the opportunity to meet and socialize in the outside world again. For those who enjoy the winter sport of skiing, there are ways to create their own mini-vacation during these difficult times.
Firstly, take into account that the snow will not come easily. You will need to be prepared to shovel, spread, and pray for the best. Once the snow is up, there is no turning back. You will either have to enjoy your gorgeous new winter wonderland or learn to cope with the cold. Secondly, you have to make sure that you are doing the right thing for your own health. If you are in an area where the air is particularly good, then more power to you. However, if you are in a place where the air is thick and nasty, then you might want to reconsider.
Nevertheless, the joy of building a snow slope cannot be denied. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature while getting some exercise outdoors. Hopefully, these tips will help you build a snow slope in no time and have a wonderful winter holiday. If you do decide to have a go at it, then make sure to take your time and build something solid. Enjoy the process and the results—it’s worth it!