Exciting new competition at CairnGorm Mountain
New kids on the snow block are staging the first British Skirider dual slalom open to all-comers using the latest must-have ski kit at CairnGorm Mountain near Aviemore thi s weekend.
The inaugural Skirider Dual Slalom will showcase the innovative award-winning Skirider a revolutionary, lightweight ‘snow scooter’, poised to launch for the next snowsports season.
Skirider is a new skiing tool, invented, developed and produced in Britain with a flat base like a snowboard and a set of handlebars like a push scooter. A huge advantage is that it reduces the stresses and strains on the rider’s legs, knees and ankles. And because there are no straps or bindings, no special boots are needed and the whole thing is lightweight and very portable.
Vale of Glamorganbusinessman andmajor shareholder in Skirider, Gruff Lucas added: “I got into this because I immediately saw the potential. It’s a fast, exciting and incredibly versatile piece of kit. It’s a go-anywhere item because it folds up so small, so no problem for a ski-lift, it can go in the back of the car and you don’t need straps and bindings. You just stand on it. We are quite sure it is going to take the skiing world by storm.”
The first dual slalom will be held on the slopes at CairnGorm Mountain ski resort near Aviemore on March 2 and 3 when all-comers of all abilities will be invited to have a go. The event will be part of the Mountain Valley Festival running concurrently in Aviemore and on CairnGorm Mountain and all entry proceeds will go to disabled people’s charities.
Skirider has been developed in South Wales and its inventor Count Andrew Von Staufer from Monmouth is organizing the race. “I developed Skirider as an alternative method of skiing and snowboarding,” said Count Andrew. “It is as fast as you want to make it, and is also very good for getting people onto the slopes who may have been discouraged through a perceived lack of ability, or who have suffered an injury. Among these are skiers and boarders who have found that age and infirmity had curtailed their active lives. Even amputees can use it going just as fast or even faster than the able bodied.”
