Ski races in Edinburgh / Glasgow

[Domhnull Mor]

As some of you may know, for the last few years the cross-country ski world cup season has started with sprint races in Dusseldorf city centre. It was quite strange watching it this year as the temperature was well above zero and leaves were still on the trees.

According to the local newspaper here in Sweden, the event may not be held in Dusseldorf next year (for various reasons) but possible options are currently Edinburgh or Glasgow (the only places mentioned).

Now, this could be someone having a good laugh or it could actually be someone having a bright idea. After all the talk of city centre orienteering events, the idea of skiing down Princes street could be quite smart.

Anyone else heard anything about this?

[Copepod]

Does this mean skiing on snow or on roller skis? Newcastle University Noric Ski Club used to spend Wednesday afternoons on roller skis in Exhibition Park when I was a member 1989 - 92.

[DM]

Having been in Dusseldorf at this time of year a few years ago and seeing the event I can confirm it was on snow using skis, relaid each day for the evening event around the city centre. Thawing of the course during the event did happen but didn't seem to be a big problem for competitors.

[andy]

rarely get enough snow to allow skiing in edinburgh. if we do get enough then it's for one random day a year.

[mharky]

What, you mean like on the o-ringen rest day?

It doesn't have to have been snowing that day to be able to ski on 'snow', fool.

[DM]

Relaid using snow making machines, clever people these Germans.

[Domhnull Mor]

Yep, real snow (even if it is made by mechanical means) and real skis. Yep, just like at the O-Ringen but this time in closed-off (obviously ) streets in the city centre. The recent races in Dusseldorf have been down by the riversids at late morning, early afternoon with pretty decent crowds. A wee swing along Princes Street followed by a return through the gardens could be quite a sight. Mind you, so would a snowboard ramp like the one they built at Stockholm stadion the other week.

[andy]

It doesn't have to have been snowing that day to be able to ski on 'snow', fool.

you live in edinburgh, right?
it's on the coast = salty air = snow turns to slush about 12 hours after it falls = snow only there on the day it falls.
so, thanks for the 'fool' comment...

seems like a good idea but would definitely need snow machines to pump out tons of snow.

[mharky]

What a fool; I never said that the snow had to even come from the sky, did I?

As you have manged to work out, if they were even going to host a race in Edinburgh, they would use fake snow made from massive blocks of ice.

Fool

[andy]

What a fool; I never said that the snow had to even come from the sky, did I?

As you have manged to work out, if they were even going to host a race in Edinburgh, they would use fake snow made from massive blocks of ice.

Fool

well why didn't you say that? instead you reduced yourself to name calling

[rosco]

go on andy - you can't take that - tell mharky to go drink his milk.

[mharky]

I'm sorry

[Wattok]

Mind you, so would a snowboard ramp like the one they built at Stockholm stadion the other week.

I recall this being done in the centre of Glasgow a wee while back. Meant to go through to watch but never made it...saw bits on TV though, looked like good craic.

[Adventure Racer]

As you have manged to work out, if they were even going to host a race in Edinburgh, they would use fake snow made from massive blocks of ice.

Actually snow making machines use pressurised water as an input, not blocks of ice (along with appropriate refrigeration equipment if you're trying to make it at above freezing temperatures).

Fool

[rosco]

i ain't get in no ski race!