As reported in Whitelines

[whitelines.mpora.com]

That's just complete nonsense of a statement whoever made it. What's up there is fine for what it is, and the boxes are great for novices to the freestyle park scene, but it's not even close to the most extensive park setups there's been on the Gorm never mind elsewhere.

What has been the best park setup we have seen in scotland ?

Almost certainly one of the park setups for some of the bigger competitions held in Scotland, but there was a tendency to built big for competitions, then neglect. What has undoubtedly been better this season than for some time is consistently maintaining whatever features are out and providing features that are basically accessible to all.

However it's 10 years since a half pipe was last cut on the 'Gorm.

All publicity is good publicity, who cares if it's nonsense??

What is different is that the park is being consistently maintained through snowfalls (and thaws now - unfortunately) and well publicised on almost a daily basis via facebook etc.

I've been there three times in the last 3 weeks and the park has been well used and the position nearer the ptarmigan building has ensured plenty of spectators and a good vibe on the mountain.

On that basis it might well be the best park they've had up there.

Ask the other 4 areas what they think of that claim, don't expect a polite response btw!

Interesting responses about an article in public domain from an Independant Publication.

I think CML have had poor feedback in the past re the park - this article shows how much they have improved this season, especialy in a year with poor cover, this year any good press about Scottish skiing must be good

Re- what the other areas think - I really hope they are pissed by it, and next year respond by building better features themselves, improving the overall standard across Scotland.

Aa to 10 years ago - maybe some of the boarders that use the features dont have an winter sport memories from 10 years ago



Edited 1 times. Last edit at 07.58hrs Tue 15 May 12 by daveski.

Cairngorm have to be commended for how quickly they moved to stick some rails out after the snow returned, but its far from the best freestyle setup ever. It is a welcome change to be able to hit some boxes outdoors at this time of year, however its not the most technical park setup. In saying that though, its exactly what people want up there at this time of year, as its easily accessible for people learning to hit boxes.

Compare what is out now to this from a few seasons ago and its a no brainer.



Whitelines are just trying to whip some late season interest in the snow and there is nothing wrong that... but just because its in print, doesn't mean its true




Edited 4 times. Last edit at 11.07hrs Tue 15 May 12 by StevieMcK.

Attachments: DotS_Kicker_SMK_003_sm.jpg (51kB)  

Also how do you define best?

What you want is a park that is suitable for a wide range of abilities - so there is something for the incompetant idiot like me, upto something for the experienced park rat. Not an easy option to produce something suitable across all standards.


Generally especially this late in the season I'd have said biasing towards the lower abilities would be an advantage as CML are going to attract more people.

I'd love them to cut a half pipe though - is there enough snow anywhere?

Even if you managed to get your hands on a pipe dragon attachment for the PB-600 and there was enough snow to cut a pipe, it's far to warm for the walls to set properly. It would get destroyed within a few hours.

As for defining the "best" park. I'd say the Dawn of the Shred one when the photo above was taken, is definitely up there for Cairngorm's best effort. It had multiple lines, meaning the likes of yourself could have a great day hitting the rollers and ride-on boxes, yet at the same time the pro riders (Jamie Nicholls, Jenny Jones, Aimee Fuller, etc) could have just as much fun off the 40ft kicker, corri-pipes and street rails.

However like Alan has mentioned, those parks have usually been built specifically for the event and neglected throughout the rest of the season.

This year there was a definite shift in attitude towards getting some park features out ASAP at both Cairngorm and Glenshee (even if they didn't get as much snow as they hoped for)

It's quite easy catering for beginners and advanced park users if you have enough features in the first place . Xscape do this every week .
But fair play to them for making the effort and they could have easily just not bothered and hoped the allure of late season snow would be enough to atract the punters.
I don't think it's the best park set up but it's getting there .

As for a halfpipe well I'm old enough to remember the last one ! And as much as I would love to see one again I don't think it will happen cause of the time and cost required to build (plus our freeze/thaw climate) and the standard now is so much higher than way back then anything less would prob be ridiculed on forums like this .
Also I think most pipes these days are formed from snow cannons and the ground is dug out and shaped before the snows arrives

Dont forget "how good a park" can relate to how good a time you have had on the day, Bluebird day in any of the Scottish areas with a group folk having a good time is hard to beat, good park features are a bonus.

Lets not get too boiled down to how you interpet the accuracy of the statement - its a positive for CairnGorm and Scotland and something to build on.

The thing is a park shouldn't be a bonus!
Yes most people would be happy with good snow and blue sky but if that park wasn't built I think u would find numbers would have been lower from the loss of younger snowboarders/skiers who were there only for the park .

But yes it's great to be getting positive press south of the border

Luckily thats the sort of attitude that Cairngorm and Glenshee have both managed to get away from this season and its been a refreshing change

younger snowboarders/skiers are the future so agree it should not be seen as a bonus to have what it takes to attract them to the snow and keep them coming back