RIVERSPORT announced it is bringing alpine skiing and snowboarding to Oklahoma City with a new indoor slope, Ski OKC. The new experience is being made possible through a grant from Inasmuch Foundation and will open in late spring, 2021.
Ski OKC will feature an infinite, articulating ski slope and will be installed inside RIVERSPORT’s Whitewater Center. Ski OKC will be included in Xtreme day and season passes, and single experience passes will also be available as well as lessons and camps.
“Inasmuch Foundation is a proud supporter of RIVERSPORT Foundation’s efforts to provide numerous activities for our entire community to enjoy,” said Bob Ross, president and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “The new indoor ski experience offers yet another adventure at the Boathouse District, but more importantly, it’s bringing a life experience to our underserved youth who may never have the opportunity to ski or snowboard.”
“RIVERSPORT will be the first place in the world you can snow ski, surf and whitewater raft all in one location,” said RIVERSPORT Executive Director Mike Knopp. “Ski OKC will be open to passholders throughout the season, and we’ll offer ski and snowboard lessons. In the fall we’ll offer additional sessions for people to brush up on their skills before they head out on their annual ski trip.”
“We’re also looking forward to incorporating skiing and snowboarding into our Youth Outreach programs. So many Oklahoma City kids would never get a chance to whitewater raft or surf – or ski – but now they can do it right here,” Knopp said. “This is about ensuring all kids have access to outdoor experiences, even if we’re doing some of them indoors!”
An added ramp offers the opportunity to practice jumps and a projected ski course offers slalom practice. Advanced augmented reality capabilities ensure the experience will continue to expand as technology advances.
“Our Inasmuch grant supports RIVERSPORT Foundation’s Thrive Outside initiative to remove barriers,” Ross said. “I hope other organizations and even individuals will join the Thrive effort by buying RIVERSPORT passes or sponsoring groups of kids. It’s all about the collective impact we can have in opening doors for our underserved youth.”
Passes can be purchased online at riversportokc.org.
Located in Oklahoma City, RIVERSPORT offers a wide range of outdoor adventure and Olympic sports experiences including rowing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, surfing, biking, sailing, an 80 ft. tall adventure course, high-speed slides and zip lines. It is operated by the RIVERSPORT Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, and all proceeds benefit the organization’s nonprofit outreach initiatives.
The indoor ski simulator is covered in a specially-developed artificial ski grass called PoleSnow®. The low-friction fibers are misted with water to create a feeling similar to real snow. RIVERSPORT’s simulator also has a quick inclination system which turns a Blue ski run to a Black run in seconds.
