This weekend the first ever Star Wars themed snowpark opened in Sierra-at-Tahoe in California, as the resort launched their new collaboration with Burton Snowboards and Lucasfilm.
The park, built by Burton Snowboards, ties in with this winters range of kids Star Wars snowboard-themed kit, featuring everything from snowboards with characters from the film to an R2D2-esque helmet. The park features a selection of the films favourite characters, which have been hand crafted with chains by world renowned wood carver, Bob King, and includes the like of Anakin Skywalker, C3P0, R2D2, Chewbacca and of course, those cuddly looking Ewoks.
The snowparks are designed for kids and are part of the Burton Learn To Ride Program, the Yoda Riglet Park, has been designed to incorporate the snowboarding brand ringlet technology — which enables instructors and parents to pull the kids along the slopes while on their snowboards safely. Once the kids have progressed out of the Yoda Ringlet park, they will progress to the resorts award winning Adventure zone, with it's magic carpet lifts and user-friendly beginner runs.
Jeff Boliba, Burton’s Global Resort Director, said: "Our youth programs demonstrate that kids as young as three can start snowboarding if they are provided with qualified instruction that utilizes terrain-based features and equipment designed for beginners. The Burton Star Wars Experience at Sierra will give ‘younglings’ this tailored experience so they can be successful at snowboarding at a super young age."
John Rice, General Manager at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, said: "We are thrilled to take our relationship with Burton, the world’s leading snowboard company, to the next level. Sierra, Star Wars, and Burton are filling a void for youth in snowsports and at the same time building on our legendary Learn To Ride program. There is nothing like it in the world."
Another part of the Star Wars Experience is the indoor children's centre, the Padawan Centre, where youngster can practice balance training, refuel with hot chocolate and prepare for the rest of the mountain-filled Star Wars Experience.
Photo's © Lucasfilm Ltd & TM. All rights reserved.
Written by Stephen Adam
© Igluski