The difficult task of lighting the 38m high building was handled by Thorn Lighting using an indirect floodlighting approach.

There are several fundamental problems of lighting such a structure. The slope’s surface switchbacks from almost horizontal, along the freestyle jump areas, to near vertical, down the main run! This meant whichever floodlight was chosen, it had to illuminate the 'ribbon’ shaped surface whilst providing a pleasant and visually comfortable environment for all the participants.

To aggravate the problem further was the high luminance of the all white interior surfaces, limited mounting heights and the need for access for future maintenance.

The solution involved 150 white-pointed asymmetrical Thorn Contrast C floodlights with refractor attachments, equipped with 400W metal halide lamps. They are mounted on a central steel lattice truss, complete with catwalk.

The layout of mainly indirect aimed floodlights gives the skiers visual contact with the slope, whilst providing excellent uniformity. Some of the floodlights have an additional 150W halogen lamp powered by a UPS so that safe stopping of activities is possible in the event of mains failure.

About Xscape

The snow slope is the 'flagship’ for the entire Xscape complex. The £68m development also houses a 14-screen cinema complex, 20 lane computerised bowling alleys, rock climbing, restaurants and urban-lifestyle shops which make Xscape Castleford the ultimate family entertainment destination. Also, opening soon will be Europe’s tallest ice climbing wall and an indoor and outdoor skateboard park.

Thorn equipment is used widely in the 'non-snow’ areas to maintain the excitement of the centre, while Lemnis road lanterns illuminate the car parks. 'Candle’ fittings, which incorporate an optical film technology, are used to light walkways linking car parks to the main building.

The scheme was installed by Balfour Kilpatrick and the equipment was purchased through Newey & Eyre Projects, Salford.