Liberty University, by Ann Witmer
No matter the weather, skiers hurtle down a synthetic snow surface on a 5,000-foot-high mountain at Liberty University.
The school’s Snowflex Center opened in 2009. It’s one of six Snowflex sites in the world and the only one in North America. Snowflex was invented in Britain.
The Snowflex surface looks like swatches of a white stiff-bristled hairbrush. Undergirded with gel pads, it’s forgiving when skiers fall. Misting makes it slippery.
The center’s huge rustic lodge, including a 2,500-square-foot deck, overlooks the slopes and is available for events. No alcohol is permitted, and groups must supply their own caterer.
For those who want to give the ski slope a shot, a rental shop has a full selection of snowboards, tubes and skis. It also offers lessons and group packages.
866-504-7541
www.liberty.edu/snowflex
