Sports Features

Snowtubing from the top of the piste

For those of you who have never heard of snow tubing, it's really quite simple: take one rubber ring to the top of a mountain, sit in it and slide to the bottom.

This new thrill-seeking sport is gradually spreading throughout the country, and you can now get your fix on the outskirts of Norwich.

Norfolk Ski club, based in Trowse on the outskirts of Norwich, offers one-hour sessions for anybody who wants to try it.

A sport for all ages

"We've had people from 60 plus, down to four and they love it," said Nigel Riches, vice chairman of Norfolk Ski Club.

"It's new, it's an introduction to the club, introduction to the slope. A lot of people have come for the tubes and seen what else we've got on offer," he added.

If you're a keen snow boarder and enjoy anything that involves a bit of snow, you might like to give snow tubing a try. You don't have to be a member, don't need any equipment and full instruction is given when you arrive.

Before you are let loose from the top of the slope you are given strict instructions on how to control the snow tube safely.

Snow tubing in action

"You want to lean back and dig your heels in when you want to stop. You'll be fine," said tubing supervisor Chris Parker.

This may seem quite quite lax on the safety front but everything you need is covered.

It's like everything else, it carries a risk, but you've got a nice cushion of air around you and as long as you don't stick your arms or your legs out and catch yourself awkwardly, you'll be fine," said Nigel.

After your driving lesson, you're guided to the top of the slope, tube in hand where you will start your descent.

The tube has no steering so unlike skiing or snow boarding you have to rely on gravity, and luck,  to take you in the right direction.

Backwards going forward

As you slide down the slope, the tube may began to spin and it's likely you'll spend much of the nine or 10 seconds it takes to get to the bottom, going backwards.

While the experience was fun, it's not one for the extreme adrenaline junkie, it is, however, perfect for groups of any ages wanting a different night out.

"I'm 44. It's absolutely wonderful, a great thing to do. We've brought some of our teenage children with us and you've got to join in," said one first time tuber.

"I'd normally be up the city getting a bit worse for wear, but it's better up here isn't it," said another.

An hour's tubing with all safety equipment is around £8 per person - a cheaper alternative to skiing or boarding. It's also much less painful and takes next to no training.