Snowsport Fear Research Findings To Be Shared At New Northern Snow Show

Snowsport author/illustrator Kimberley Kay and snowsport coach Dr Carol Porter will share the findings of their snowsport Fear Project research, along with practical solutions for the key issues, at the new Northern Snow Show on Saturday 5th October. 

Earlier in the year, supported by The Hill (home of Ski Rossendale), and Snowsport England Kimberley and Carol launched a questionnaire for skiers and snowboarders to determine how fear and anxiety can affect enjoyment and participation in snowsports. To complement the survey data in-depth interviews were also undertaken to better understand snowsport fears and concerns.

The new North of England snowsports event The Northern Snow Show at Chill Factore in Manchester, which runs for the 5th and 6th of October, will be the key snowsport show in the North of England for 2024. Top brands and snowsport celebrities will come together for this unique event which centres around the venue’s real snow indoor slope, giving show visitors the option to engage, buy and try snowsports kit and experiences. 

Kimberley Kay created Ski A to Z - Illustrated Introduction to Skiing, in the hope of removing the information barrier to snowsports. Ski A to Z is published by Meyer & Meyer Sport UK Ltd. Dr Carol Porter is a Level 3 Snowsport England coach who leads a successful women’s snowsport programme at The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale in Lancashire. 

Dr Carol Porter said, “We have been astounded by the extent of fear and anxiety affecting snowsports enjoyment and participation that both the quantitative survey data and and qualitative research interviews have demonstrated. The accounts that respondents have shared were heart wrenching to read and were based on their own experiences. The research findings expose concerns and anxieties that will not go away without being addressed both by individuals, and through changes and positive action by stakeholders in the snowsports industry.”

Kimberley said, “I hope that having identified the key concerns and fears that people have that we can raise awareness of these issues and highlight them to the industry for engagement and redress, and can give skiers and snowboarders practical tips and advice that can help them to feel more ready to ski or board, and to fully enjoy their snowsport experiences.”

There will also be the opportunity to chat to Kimberley and Carol as Kimberley will be exhibiting under the brand of Inspire by Kim a range of snowsport art, posters, greeting cards, stickers, and new for the 2024/25 season there will be snowsport accessories. Having previously exhibited at snow shows in Birmingham, London and Boston, USA, Kimberley is looking forward to meeting everyone at the Northern Snow Show. Find out more at www.inspirebykim.com 

Whether you are new to snowsports, want to push beyond limiting fears and doubts or would like to enjoy your skiing more put the talk in your diary.  Order show tickets at the Northern Snow website www.northernsnowshow.com