Innovative Leisure Systems Ltd (ILS Ltd) of Dundalk and Briton Engineering Developments Ltd of Scholes, West Yorkshire today announced their part in a major “flagship” development for Ireland, which promises to create more than 1500 long term jobs when fully operational, and will turn Co. Louth, Dundalk and it’s environs into a top leisure and tourist destination of international, national, and regional significance.

It’s just an artist’s impression

“Altitude” is a multi-million Euro resort development covering approximately 140 acres of land, situated strategically equidistant between the two major centres of population on the island, and will provide a unique blend of indoor and outdoor leisure, entertainment and adventure facilities together with a large range of top International retailing, fine dining, late night entertainment, and accommodation opportunities. A place truly to “stay and play”, all year round.

The ambitious project will include building 13,500m2 Snowflex® ski slope facility, indoor events arenas, indoor and outdoor adventure park with climbing, caving, ropes courses, children’s play areas, white water rafting and canoe slalom course. The project will also include a major family entertainment centre offering the latest attractions, and Ireland’s first interactive golf driving range. Accommodation will include a family hotel, 5* resort hotel, “state of the art” casino, spa facilities, quality self catering holiday lodges, all with the benefit of adjacency to the first all weather racetrack in Ireland, and other more traditional tourist activities in this major “gateway”.

The resort will encompass all the latest technologies to improve sustainability, energy exchange/recovery. It is designed to minimise the carbon footprint and will provide a significant test-bed for the emerging technologies. It is expected that a “combined heat and power” solution will be developed jointly with Bord Gáis, and Sustainable Energy Ireland.

The new Snowflex® ski slope which would be the largest in Europe to date will have a main slope approx 210m long x 60m wide and a beginner’s area approx 40m long x 60m wide. The slopes combined will have capacity for approx 500 customers.

Snowflex which has been recognised as one of the most exciting innovations in the snow sports market was chosen for the ski surface after much market research and was found to be the only credible alternative to “real” snow, designed to replicate all the properties that skiers and snowboarders experience with real snow. It is low maintenance, requires no grooming as with real snow, and is softer to fall on than hard packed snow.

The slope design for “Altitude” will take into account:

* The local ski / snowboarder experience and skill level
* Trends / appetite for particular features

and will incorporate features such as:

* Quarter Pipes
* Half Pipes
* Spines
* Fun Boxes
* Table Tops
* Jumps
* Hips
* Bowls
* Cornice

Snowflex® offers snowsporters:

* Maximum forward speed
* Extra edge control for turning & control
* Shock absorption layer providing ultra cushioning for falls
* No holes or voids in the surface to get caught in
* No sharp edges/surface metal to cause abrasions or cuts
* Formability with the capability to create adventurous and interesting terrain and stunt formations

“The ‘Altitude’ resort, with such impressive facilities as a Snowflex® slope, will undoubtedly transform the economy of Dundalk, Co Louth and the whole area. It will generate thousands of permanent and seasonal jobs for the area when fully operational” said Sam Curran of ILS Ltd.

Terry Di Stasi, Briton’s Director of Business Development, added that Briton were delighted to be part of such important and prestigious resort development.