Snowboarding in Edinburgh

Due to the facilities on offer at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, there has been a noticeable increase of enthusiastic snowboarders in Edinburgh.

MSC sports development officer Shona Crawford feels that the interest shown by new riders is mainly because snowboarding is a "social sport" and the relaxed atmosphere particularly appeals to the younger generation.

This upsurge of potential riders is helped by the introduction of numerous informal classes ranging from children's to women's only. Yet, the most popular event at the centre is the Freestyle Jam Session held once a month. This relaxed competition involves riders pulling off their best tricks on the Big Air Jump watched by judges and sponsors, and even includes an award for "Best Crash". The popularity of the Snowsports Centre has also increased since hosting The Orange AIM Series last summer, a prestigious award for an artificial slope rider. Despite being the largest artificial slope in Britain, Midlothian Snowsports Centre is continuing to expand its facilities and plans of a major upgrade to an Alpine Freestyle Board Park rely at present on a lottery bid.

Next time you feel in an "extreme" mood, get kitted out at Boardwise, a shop with attitude selling the best boards and gear around, then go and hit the Hillend slopes. Just remember: if you ever loose your nerves there's always Café 360 where you can relax with a lovely cuppa.