Skip to main content

New facility in Minnesota brings Alpine skiing indoors with revolving slopes

When a skier needs to train, sometimes the outdoors aren’t enough. Weather, snow quality, terrain, and more are all variables that make pinpoint training difficult on the slopes. Sometimes to train for the outdoors, it’s best to stay inside.

The Alpine Factory is a brand new, state-of-the-art indoor skiing facility in Arden Hills, Minnesota. It’s the first of its kind in the state and boasts two “infinite revolving slopes” to simulate the feel of skiing or snowboarding down an actual mountain.

Recommended Videos

Each slope is essentially a massive treadmill coated in special carpeting that shares similar texture and friction with snow. “The movements are the same as on the snow, whether for skiing or snowboarding,” said co-founder Jessica Parcheta in an interview with Press Publications. “You are able to practice your turns in a controlled environment, using our mirrors [located at the bottom of each slope] to see your performance and make adjustments to improve your technique.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Up to three people can use the slope at any given time. Depending on their skill level, the speed and pitch of each slope can be adjusted. It replicates slopes from the easiest green runs to the full black diamond experience. Instructors supervise skiers at all times to adjust and stop the slopes as needed.

Parcheta and her husband, Dan Parcheta, brought the technology to Minnesota after being introduced to the revolving slopes at a 2011 international ski instructor conference. They say what makes them the perfect duo to run such a facility is their combined teaching experience of more than 35 years. They have also received the highest level of certification given by the Professional Ski Instructors of America.

All that experience creates a conducive learning environment for developing all skill levels. “For the ‘never-evers,’ it’s a great way to get introduced into the sport with ease, and the skills you learn on our slopes translate to the snow seamlessly,” said Jessica Parcheta.

Besides the obvious benefit of year-round practice for winter sports, the absence of a chairlift allows a lot more concentrated time on the slopes. Just one hour at the Alpine Factory equates to one full day on a mountain.

For anyone in the area, the Alpine Factory is open seven days a week, with day and evening sessions available. Full pricing details are available on its website.

Garrett Hulfish
Garrett is the kind of guy who tells you about all the tech you haven't heard of yet. He also knows too much about other…
Aventon Abound SR combines thoughtful design, enhanced security, and smart connectivity
Aventon Abound SR hero image with couple on the e-bike

Electric bikes are nothing new at this point, and while there are many styles, few purportedly do-it-all, and even fewer actually offer smart or more advanced features. They tend to do one thing particularly well, like cruising, carrying cargo, or sightseeing -- like city riding -- but the biggest way they push the envelope is by offering that long-range electric power. The Aventon Abound SR, a new do-it-all bike, goes far and beyond anything that's come before it.

For starters, it's the first bike equipped with Aventon's electronic control unit (ACU) which empowers intelligent safety features. That gives you 4G and GPS tracking built-in, plus remote locking, an alarm system, and much more. But also, this top-of-its-class bike is incredibly versatile and is suitable for everything from commutes to tough exercise rides and daily routines. It features a top speed of 20 miles per hour, has a range of up to 60 miles per charge, and can carry a payload of up to 440 pounds. Impressive, indeed. Let's take a closer look and get a little more friendly with it, shall we?

Read more
Velotric: One of our favorite e-bike brands is having a huge sale right now
Velotric T1 ST Plus bike couple riding on the road

Take a minute to browse through the e-bike category, and you'll see lots of options but not many that I would classify as accessible. As far as technology goes, they can be pretty expensive, especially compared to your everyday traditional pedal bike. So, it makes sense that most people would wait until the holiday season, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to get a great deal on a new bike. Prices are at their lowest ever, and it's a great time to save some money. But guess what? You don't have to wait until later in November to save big because Velotric, a premium-quality e-bike maker, is hosting a huge sale right now. You can head over now to take a look, otherwise, we're going to explore some of those Velotric e-bike deals that are available.
save Now
 
What are these "Lower-Than-Black-Friday" Velotric e-bike deals?

Velotric is claiming these deals are "better" than Black Friday, so they better be good, right? Don't worry, they are. For example, you can grab the Velotric Go 1 Ebike for $400 off, while still getting it in a bundle that includes two free gears. That price is currently $1,299, normally $1,700. The Go 1 features a 500-watt motor, supports a maximum load of 440 pounds, and can travel up to 55 miles on a single charge. Pretty impressive. It's also designed to lug cargo, like a picnic basket, day bag, or even camping gear. That's mostly thanks to a lower center of gravity for the frame and hydraulic suspension system.

Read more
Yamaha offers sales of 60% on e-bikes as it pulls out of U.S. market
Yamaha Pedal Assist ebikes

If you were looking for clues that the post-pandemic e-bike market reshuffle remains in full swing in the U.S., look no further than the latest move by Yamaha.

In a letter to its dealers, the giant Japanese conglomerate announced it will pull out of the e-bike business in the U.S. by the end of the year, according to Electrek.

Read more