Night Ski 2008 – event round-up
The Fat Face Night Ski, held at the Chill Factore in Manchester on Saturday (17th May) was descried by many as ‘epic’ and the best British indoor ski event ever!
At about 10pm the finalists for the Fat Face Night Ski were announced and 25 skiers and boarders made their way onto the floodlit slope where individually they charged down, performing 720s, Inverts, 900s, Invert 270s and a variety of tricks and show stopping moves!
Chilli's Bar overlooked the mayhem of moves with friends, family and spectators held captive by the competitors, looking on across a huge balcony over the snow.
Winners!
After some deliberation between the judges (awarding for technical difficulty and how clean they were performing tricks, with the height and 'wow' element all taken into consideration) it was around midnight before the winners were finally announced.
Pat Sharpels, main MC all evening, revealed the winners to massive cheer from the huge assembled crowd! Charlie Smith stole the show to take 1st place in the Male Ski division, with James 'Woodsy' Woods in 2nd and Josh Fawcett in 3rd. Tyler Harding claimed 1st place in the Under 16s Ski.
Jamie Nicholls claimed the first prize crown in the Male Boarders category as well as 1st in the U16s! Kevin Edwards wowed the judges to take 2nd place and Tom Hunt got a podium 3rd place finish.
The women also put on a phenomenal show with local talent, Lynsey Ashdown boarding her way into 1st place, closely followed by Vicky McDonald. In the Women Ski category Katie Summerhays claimed 1st place, followed by Becky Hammond in 2nd place.
There were also special awards presented to Best Newcomers, Bethany Britton and Harry Tomlinson.
They all won their share of the £2,000 prize money, which will go on to help support them continue doing the sports they love.
Commenting on the event Pat Sharpels concluded: "It was the best UK Ski and Snowboard event ever. Castleford stood out for me (where the Fat Face Night Ski was held in 2005) but this event at the Chill Factore has taken it to another level. The lighting was spot on, the snow perfect and with the best Pros it all worked out. It's been incredible!"
Quotes from the winners:
Charlie Smith: "I'm speechless! I’m just so happy! I just didn't think I'd do it but it came off in the end. It was dark and crazy out there but really exciting. It was such a brilliant event and I don’t think anything will ever top it!"
James Woods: "I'm so stoked just to be here. It’s not just about winning; it’s about being with your buddies! Everyone's buzzing; it couldn't be better! It's weird skiing in the dark but really good! Thank you Fat Face!"
Jamie Nicholls: "I'm over the moon; it's amazing! It was really good fun and an epic standard of competition. It feels so good and I really didn’t expect it!"
Kevin Edwards: "I'm super excited to come 2nd place as there were a lot of really good riders out there. I just tried to enjoy it and didn’t try and do anything too special. It was amazing to ride with the lights out and I just really hope the event happens again next year!"
Katie Summerhays: "I can't believe it; I’m stoked! I couldn't wait to ski and compete and the atmosphere has been amazing."
Becky Hammond: "It just feels really really good. Skiing at night is unusual and it’s not been done before so is really cool. The atmosphere was great and really good fun. I’m really happy with the money which will help to support me."
Lynsey Ashdown: "It’s amazing! I’m really stoked and it tops a great night! It was ace out there; the best indoor event I’ve seen with so many top riders."
Vicky McDonald: "It makes it so much harder as you can’t see the bumps. It’s a real challenge but turning the light out adds to the whole atmosphere.
"I feel fantastic and am just buzzing. I’ve not been freestyling for long so am just so pleased."
Harry Tomlinson: "I can’t believe it; I'm so stoked as I didn’t expect it. There was such a big turnout. Lots of people and lots of support. It was a really good set up and an amazing event."
