Sponsored by
Big Freeze: Putting on the skis sure beats trying to drive!
SNOW has caused havoc and misery for many. But it's been a wonderland for two winter sport fans.
Robin Tyler, 55, of Marldon Road, Northowram, has fulfilled a 20-year ambition to ski on snow in Halifax.
Mr Tyler set off from the wind turbines near Wainstalls and slalomed his way down towards Mixenden.
He said: "I've been trying to do this for 20 years but the conditions have never been right.
"You need powdery snow, at least a foot deep, and bright conditions. Normally the snow's too wet to make turns but this year it's been perfect."
However, Mr Tyler, an instructor at the artificial ski slope in Ploughcroft, Halifax, for 30 years, would not advise everyone to get their skis on.
"It's essentially off-piste like you'd get in Europe so you do need experience. It's certainly not one for beginners," he said.
"My son lives in Austria at the moment. He's won several slope and big air competitions and will be very jealous I've been able to ski at home.
"I'd be happy if there was a bit more snow to come."
And a few inches of snow were not going stop web developer Ben Maslen getting to work.
Instead of his usual transport he hopped on his snowboard to get to work at Ripponden design firm Fab Spider.
The 24-year-old said: "The trip in is great – downhill all the way. It almost makes the return uphill slog worthwhile."
The freezing temperatures were no deterrent to Mr Maslen, who reached Everest Base Camp last month.
His other colleagues are getting to the office on sledges and snowshoes. Director Darren Waring praised their efforts and said it was down to his team's creativity that it had been business as usual during the cold snap.
"They see problems as something temporary to solve. They are just of that mindset," he said.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -3 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
