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Indoor Skiing in New England

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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
Getting ready to launch a "give us money" campaign for an indoor ski and snowboard facility in the greater boston area. Would love some support, and shares around the inet to get the word out about this opportunity. While still a plan on paper, we are working towards opening our doors in the next 12 months with your support. Throw us a like on FB and ask all the questions you want.

http://www.facebook.com/thelabfreestyle
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Jul 9 2014 10:17AM
407 8
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HORK
Posts: 100 - Karma: 1,785
That would be awesome
Jul 9 2014 10:19AM
8 0
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spaceghostpurp
Posts: 249 - Karma: 835
Please do this.
Jul 9 2014 10:34AM
7 0
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Wizerd
Posts: 908 - Karma: 6,695
I would be making the 2 hour drive to Boston every weekend
Jul 9 2014 10:50AM
17 0
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a_burger
Posts: 5235 - Karma: 20,715
this seems like it would be pretty sick
Jul 9 2014 10:57AM
5 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
What would you want to see in the facility?

Right now were looking at jump with foam, rail garden with 2-4 interchangable features, meaning we can switch up the setup. In addition to that, we'll have trampoline's with foam (olympic style) and some flat land space for stretching and such.

Throw out any ideas!
Jul 9 2014 10:59AM
19 0
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kylemclean
Posts: 413 - Karma: 1,311
a raised platform to foam to simulate cliff drop
Jul 9 2014 11:16AM
15 0
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
Can I take 100 votes for yes please?
Jul 9 2014 11:21AM
16 0
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
TheLabFreestyleWhat would you want to see in the facility?

Right now were looking at jump with foam, rail garden with 2-4 interchangable features, meaning we can switch up the setup. In addition to that, we'll have trampoline's with foam (olympic style) and some flat land space for stretching and such.

Throw out any ideas!


tramps, rails, and jump sounds good. just make sure the jump is big enough to be worthwhile and throw legit tricks (ideally it'd be dubbable) and the rails are technical and big-- i don't think the demographic that pays to indoor ski has any interest in 10 foot flat bars and gay boxes
Jul 9 2014 11:22AM
12 1
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
kylemcleana raised platform to foam to simulate cliff drop


WE've looked at this, and at this time, are unsure about its fit in the initial facility. I really want this, its just a matter of space.
Jul 9 2014 11:26AM
2 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
RubberSoultramps, rails, and jump sounds good. just make sure the jump is big enough to be worthwhile and throw legit tricks (ideally it'd be dubbable) and the rails are technical and big-- i don't think the demographic that pays to indoor ski has any interest in 10 foot flat bars and gay boxes


Agreed. Goals is to have the jump be double possible. The rails on the other hand are not going to be massive as the goal for indoor isn't to dial your tricks on the gnarliest feature, but to dial them on a reasonable feature and to step up your game once on snow...plus space becomes an issue when you've got a dfd, with 20 foot sections.
Jul 9 2014 11:28AM
17 0
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
Jul 9 2014 11:38AM
29 0
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Stickthelanding8
Posts: 262 - Karma: 1,046
I would go every chance I could get but how much would a ticket or pass for the day roughly cost?
Jul 9 2014 11:56AM
5 0
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ny300z
Posts: 1299 - Karma: 1,708
this would be awesome. id make the drive from long island for this in the summer.

everything rubbersoul said would be cool but i think there should be rails and i guess even jumps that arent huge. I know a lot of people who would go to indoor would be really good but not all, some would go to learn more, like me.
Jul 9 2014 12:04PM
3 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
Stickthelanding8I would go every chance I could get but how much would a ticket or pass for the day roughly cost?


We are looking to keep the pricing reasonable (while obviously staying afloat), and will be structuring it much like a gym, with monthly passes, as well as annual passes. Outside of the long term commitment, we will also be offering hourly passes in the realm of 15, with other pricing packages as we get off the ground.
Jul 9 2014 12:04PM
10 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
ny300zthis would be awesome. id make the drive from long island for this in the summer.

everything rubbersoul said would be cool but i think there should be rails and i guess even jumps that arent huge. I know a lot of people who would go to indoor would be really good but not all, some would go to learn more, like me.


Looking to have something for everyone, as to your point, we're not all super badass. Long story short, much like the rails will have options, and will be interchangeable, the jump will also have an extension for super badassery. We will be utilizing a propulsion system, rather than gravity, so we can also simply turn up the juice, keeping in mind the indoor limitations
Jul 9 2014 12:07PM
7 0
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GregTHESKIER
Posts: 219 - Karma: 28
No snowboarders
Jul 9 2014 12:08PM
21 5
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
ny300zthis would be awesome. id make the drive from long island for this in the summer.

everything rubbersoul said would be cool but i think there should be rails and i guess even jumps that arent huge. I know a lot of people who would go to indoor would be really good but not all, some would go to learn more, like me.


youre totally right, i shouldn't have made the assumption i did. let's change what i said to "at least include some more challenging stuff if possible." but OP is right also in saying that it's also helpful to have smaller stuff to dial tricks on for everyone, and of course there are limitations and opportunity cost for big stuff
Jul 9 2014 12:11PM
2 0
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404404
Posts: 11358 - Karma: 21,034
Call, research, or even visit some snow domes in England to get an idea of what it takes financially to make one of these run. My impression was they are a big money pit. Many of them had space rented out to shopping outlets and restaurants that seamed to be the money makers. The passes also aren't really that affordable considering the massive overhead they need to pay for.

It would be sick but I dont see investors tossing money into a operation that has such a huge finical downside.

Also take a look at what happened to Xanadu.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream_Meadowlands

Maybe if it really ghetto, and attached to a big ice rink. That might work.
Jul 9 2014 12:15PM
19 1
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
ParryWithAnACall, research, or even visit some snow domes in England to get an idea of what it takes financially to make one of these run. My impression was they are a big money pit. Many of them had space rented out to shopping outlets and restaurants that seamed to be the money makers. The passes also aren't really that affordable considering the massive overhead they need to pay for.

It would be sick but I dont see investors tossing money into a operation that has such a huge finical downside.

Also take a look at what happened to Xanadu.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream_Meadowlands

Maybe if it really ghetto, and attached to a big ice rink. That might work.


Great points! We've built out full financial models for this, so its not some fly by night idea. And to be clear NO real snow, as we'll be working with M-snow to get our surface dialed. The overhead with that said, isn't nearly as tough to stomach.

This project has been 4 years in the making, and through all the research we've done, and the work we've put in, we've decided to take the next steps to try and make it a reality.

All that said, keep the feedback coming, and please please please, give us a follow and a share on FB.

http://www.facebook.com/thelabfreestyle
Jul 9 2014 12:47PM
6 0
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d00d
Posts: 2687 - Karma: 7,086
so this would be open in the summer? I'd try to go everyday. Then i don't have to pay to go way out west for skiing in the summer. It would be a gift from god.
Jul 9 2014 12:51PM
5 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
NRamsayso this would be open in the summer? I'd try to go everyday. Then i don't have to pay to go way out west for skiing in the summer. It would be a gift from god.


Year'round bro!
Jul 9 2014 12:53PM
7 0
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
Fuck yeah that would be sick. Something like snogression out here on the east would be rad
Jul 9 2014 1:18PM
2 0
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halfpipedream
Posts: 109 - Karma: 223
Make it look like the Barn, with real snow, and near a T station... I'll be there all summer. But there's no way I'm driving to Boston. Train or its not happening.
Jul 9 2014 1:36PM
2 0
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BROLF
Posts: 1598 - Karma: 5,098
TheLabFreestyleWe will be utilizing a propulsion system, rather than gravity, so we can also simply turn up the juice, keeping in mind the indoor limitations


What? how do you use a propulsion system on a jump where you can just "turn up the juice"?
Jul 9 2014 1:42PM
3 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
halfpipedreamMake it look like the Barn, with real snow, and near a T station... I'll be there all summer. But there's no way I'm driving to Boston. Train or its not happening.


Greater Boston area, not in the city. no real snow, and not sure about T proximity as its hard to find warehouse space near the T that isn't super expensive. Maybe we'll see ya...maybe not
Jul 9 2014 1:47PM
4 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
BROLFWhat? how do you use a propulsion system on a jump where you can just "turn up the juice"?


Well, on hill gravity is what helps generate speed. Instead of using gravity, we'll be using a high powered rope tow, with variable speed control. When i say "turn up the juice" i mean, turn up the tow speed to generate more velocity into the jump, and in turn, more height and more distance = bigger tricks are possible
Jul 9 2014 1:48PM
5 0
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BROLF
Posts: 1598 - Karma: 5,098
oh i see, like a tow in to the jump, will there be a really long landing then?
Jul 9 2014 1:52PM
5 0
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ny300z
Posts: 1299 - Karma: 1,708
the tow in idea is great!
Jul 9 2014 1:57PM
1 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
BROLFoh i see, like a tow in to the jump, will there be a really long landing then?


foam landing to accommodate the jump based on physics. We obviously won't be sending people off the jump straight into a wall simply so they can go big. The tow in, jump, and landing are all designed to accommodate all rider abilities, ski or snowboard. The goal will be to have more pop than length so that you have a bit more hang time to learn tricks
Jul 9 2014 2:25PM
5 0
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kylemclean
Posts: 413 - Karma: 1,311
TheLabFreestyleWell, on hill gravity is what helps generate speed. Instead of using gravity, we'll be using a high powered rope tow, with variable speed control. When i say "turn up the juice" i mean, turn up the tow speed to generate more velocity into the jump, and in turn, more height and more distance = bigger tricks are possible


Would it be all flat then or would the tow rope just be for extra speed


On another note you should see if you can set up a cannon rail or box in to the foam along with the jump and another normal flat bar into foam to learn bigger spins off (450s or 630s)
Jul 9 2014 2:39PM
6 0
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shred.stickz
Posts: 279 - Karma: 1,715
If it's similar to, or better than Snogression, then I would spend a lot of money to go there.
Jul 9 2014 2:52PM
4 0
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YoungJ
Posts: 447 - Karma: 883
Should I have my boss make my checks directly out to you
Jul 9 2014 3:02PM
15 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
kylemcleanWould it be all flat then or would the tow rope just be for extra speed


On another note you should see if you can set up a cannon rail or box in to the foam along with the jump and another normal flat bar into foam to learn bigger spins off (450s or 630s)


IT would be 100% rope tow driven speed, meaning no downhill needed. All speed would be generated by the tow in. Bear in mind, the two is only for the jump as that would require 50 foot ceilings. The rails will all be gravity generated speed, at lower angles.
Jul 9 2014 3:06PM
5 0
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gabew34
Posts: 500 - Karma: 497
This is the best idea ever I would totally go like every weekend. Please do!
Jul 9 2014 3:26PM
1 0
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fortyvalve
Posts: 1442 - Karma: 1,573
The Olympic style tramps would be sooo clutch, there is literally no where relatively close to CT that has them and this would be perfect to offer that and actual indoor skiing.
Jul 9 2014 3:31PM
3 0
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WPoch
Posts: 1751 - Karma: 3,831
FUCK this would be sooo sick. I would go every day of the weekend In the summer. But I'm sad that I maybe can't go because of graduating :(
Jul 9 2014 4:15PM
1 0
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GNARwalls
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 528
this would be amazing!!!
Jul 9 2014 4:16PM
0 0
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ny300z
Posts: 1299 - Karma: 1,708
if you build it, they will come
Jul 9 2014 4:26PM
8 0
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,298
This sounds great. You should look into getting a kickstarter going to help generate funding. I'd donate.
Jul 9 2014 5:01PM
0 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
Granite_StateThis sounds great. You should look into getting a kickstarter going to help generate funding. I'd donate.


We are about 2 weeks to a month away from launching so def stay tuned as we'd be happy to take your money! Thanks for the support!
Jul 9 2014 5:15PM
6 0
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beansurrows
Posts: 209 - Karma: 5,526
Kind of a technical question but how do you plan on getting initial money for construction? I know there is definetly the interest out there for something like this, but the money from those people would most likely come from farther down the road once you have made a name.
Jul 9 2014 6:33PM
0 0
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
Just to give me an idea, when you say greater Boston are you more thinking north shore or south shore?
Regardless this is amazing and I will be a frequent user.
Jul 9 2014 6:35PM
0 0
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beansurrows
Posts: 209 - Karma: 5,526
beansurrowsKind of a technical question but how do you plan on getting initial money for construction? I know there is definetly the interest out there for something like this, but the money from those people would most likely come from farther down the road once you have made a name.


nevermind this i was too dumb to read the thread before replying
Jul 9 2014 6:35PM
1 0
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kpuzzo
Posts: 21 - Karma: 52
This would be awesome. I live in ludlow (outside springfield) and I'd buy a season pass no doubt. Hopefully it's not too far unto boston but such a solid idea! Def gotta throw some small features in for beginners but I'm up for anything. Some down rails, flat boxes, jump, and some PVC tubes. I'll spread the word out here in western mass for you. What's the Facebook page called?
Jul 9 2014 6:36PM
1 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
kpuzzoThis would be awesome. I live in ludlow (outside springfield) and I'd buy a season pass no doubt. Hopefully it's not too far unto boston but such a solid idea! Def gotta throw some small features in for beginners but I'm up for anything. Some down rails, flat boxes, jump, and some PVC tubes. I'll spread the word out here in western mass for you. What's the Facebook page called?


http://www.Facebook.com/thelabfreestyle

Thanks for the support
Jul 9 2014 6:39PM
0 0
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Mainah
Posts: 728 - Karma: 1,102
This would be awesome I live in Maine and would definitely make the trip regularly to hit this place with friends. Also, a jump or two would be nice in addition to the foam pit.
Jul 9 2014 6:53PM
2 0
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kylemclean
Posts: 413 - Karma: 1,311
Would you guys be using pvc or metal rails I'm hoping for the latter
Jul 9 2014 7:00PM
0 0
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TACO-DOG.exe
Posts: 11988 - Karma: 12,261
If you had the room a super tramp would be sick. And no I don't mean the band from the 70's
Jul 9 2014 7:12PM
6 0
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Tazer
Posts: 17 - Karma: 90
Would there not be huge queues for the jump/pit if it gets popular and there is only one?
Jul 9 2014 7:21PM
0 0
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TheLabFreestyle
Posts: 48 - Karma: 1,618
kylemcleanWould you guys be using pvc or metal rails I'm hoping for the latter


Both. They will be interchangeable so we can switch up the setup based on ability. Boxes as well
Jul 9 2014 7:56PM
1 0
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