frequently asked questions

What is the SnOasis project?

SnOasis will be the ultimate all year round winter sports experience in the form of a themed activity resort for the whole family. Central to the facilities will be an indoor ski slope, which will be one of the largest in the world. SnOasis will be bringing together 14 different winter sports disciplines for the first time ever in the UK. In addition to being the worlds first winter sports resort it will also provide a winter sports centre of excellence for athletes in training and coaching facilities.

How big is the proposed ski slope for SnOasis?

The focus of SnOasis will be the world’s biggest in-door ski slope - with 100 metres vertical drop, 70 metres wide and just under half a kilometre long.

Who is behind the project and what experience do they have of delivering such massive developments?

The developers are a company called Onslow Suffolk Ltd and its directors have extensive experience in delivering large-scale development projects. Onslow Suffolk Ltd is the company that thought up the project and has a depth of experience in ski resort and event management.

Why has the site at Great Blakenham been selected?

The director of Onslow Suffolk Ltd spent many years searching for a suitable site close to London. The site at Great Blakenham was formerly a quarry and cement works. It is an ideal site for such development and the only suitable site to be found in the south eastern region where the majority of regular skiers live. The site is a brownfield site and a blot on the landscape but with appropriate terrain to allow the construction of the ski slope. The good access by road, air, sea and rail means that the transport links make this site appropriate.

What sort of jobs will be created? Will the new jobs match the skills of the local community or will SnOasis be attracting people from outside the area which will put pressure on the local housing market?

The project is expected to create around 1,800 new jobs. As well as creating jobs during the construction phase, the SnOasis project will create many different type of jobs requiring a wide range of different skills - from hotel/ resort management to sports training and administration. Many of the jobs should be able to be filled by people living within the region.