#01 Winter in the middle of summer

Freestyle Park has been in operation since 2014. For its needs we adapted revitalized halls of the former Hajduki chemical plant in Chorzów Batory. From the very beginning it was supposed to be a place designed for extreme sports. With time, we expanded our offer, preparing new attractions for cyclists, roller skaters and skateboarders. We also built trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses, a gym, a physiotherapy center, a fitness studio and much more. When it seemed that the offer is complete and meets the needs of almost every sport lover, I came across information about indoor ski slopes. It turned out that such a facility does not exist in Poland yet. And that was the next step in the development of our park. Thanks to our own funds and the support of the Regional Operational Programme, in mid-2017 we launched a new attraction, this time dedicated to skiers and snowboarders. Our slopes are automatic systems that work like a stationary treadmill, allowing four people to learn or train at the same time. We can adjust the speed of the ride and the slope to the skills of the users. Therefore, both beginners and professional athletes can exercise here. Suffice it to say, that Swiss Olympic athletes train on identical systems every day. Our slopes are available all year round, regardless of weather and temperature. The complex also includes a café stylized as a ski resort, where after skiing you can relax and almost feel a genuine mountain atmosphere. I say „almost” because we have never been competition for trips to the mountains. We are rather an alternative, because you have to remember that today's lifestyle, responsibilities and distance from resorts often do not allow you to find time to go to the mountains.

The launch of the facility has given residents of the region the opportunity to increase their physical activity. This is especially important for children and young people. Sometimes parents thank us for getting their kids excited about sport. We are also glad that we made it easier for them to start their skiing adventure.

My adventure with biathlon began by accident. Living in Chorzów, I didn't have much contact with winter sports. In the fifth grade, my parents encouraged me to go to a sports camp, where I had my first contact with biathlon. I achieved my first successes at the age of 18, winning silver and bronze medals at the Junior European Summer Championships in Nové Město, Czech Republic. A year later, in the Slovakian Osrblie, I managed to stand on the highest step of the podium. Later I added medals from world and European championships to the collection. I also managed to take part in Olympics twice. I'm convinced I haven't said my last word yet. Thanks to such facilities as Freestyle Park in Chorzów, it is easier for today's children and teenagers to be close to winter sports. Of course, nothing can replace snow and mountain climate, but indoor facilities that are available all year round, regardless of the conditions, are the best way to convince younger generation to ski or board. You don't have to invest in expensive equipment, travel far away, wait in queues for the ski lift. You just need to find the time between your daily duties to learn how to ski at a really high level under the guidance of an instructor. Well-prepared indoor slopes are also an excellent option for those who are professionally involved in winter sports. This solution is used by athletes preparing for competitions at European or world championships or even Olympic Games. I am glad that such a facility has been built in my home town, especially for the sake of the young generation. The proximity, accessibility and excellent preparation of the indoor slopes attract a great number of ski enthusiasts.

Ski infrastructure in Poland is constantly developing. Resorts in Duszniki-Zdrój, Jakuszyce or Kościelisko clearly prove this. Chorzów Freestyle Park, with its artificial slopes, also contributes to the popularization of skiing. And that's great news.