Bringing the mountain indoors

Colorado is a snowy dream come true for anyone who loves mountains and skiing. The state is a winter paradise with snow-capped peaks, frosted pine forests and endless sunshine. More than 30 resorts promise powder days and alpine thrills. But for those who cannot make the trek to the mountains every weekend, a new kind of slope is redefining how snow enthusiasts prepare for the season.

SNÖBAHN is the state’s first European-style indoor ski and snowboard training facility. Located at 6955 South York Street, Unit 404, inside The Streets at SouthGlenn in Centennial, SNÖBAHN brings the mountains to the metro area with three revolving slopes designed to replicate real skiing conditions—minus the altitude and lift lines. A second, larger location in Thornton features four slopes plus a skate, scooter and BMX park, making it a year-round destination for sports junkies.

The timing could not be better. The indoor training facility comes amid a booming snow sports industry. According to Snowsports Industries America, more than 30 million people participated in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during the 2023–2024 season. Post-pandemic, the U.S. resort industry has seen four of its five busiest seasons ever, with Colorado leading the nation at 14 million visits in 2023–2024 alone.

For CEO and founder of SNÖBAHN Sadler Merrill, a Colorado native and former CU Boulder freestyle ski team member, those numbers tell part of the story. Snöbahn was born from a simple idea: make skiing and snowboarding affordable, accessible and safe year-round. Not everyone has the time or the money to get to the mountains every week. SNÖBAHN makes skiing and snowboarding available to everyone, anytime. SNÖBAHN’s mission is to inspire a life of adventure for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Since opening in 2016, SNÖBAHN has built a reputation as both a training ground and community hub. Supported by athlete ambassadors including Shaun White, Bode Miller, Erik Schlopy and Chris Anthony, the center blends technology, coaching and fun in equal measure.

The heart of the experience lies in its 30-by-20-foot indoor slopes made of soft nylon fibers, kept slick with a fine mist of water to simulate snow. Instructors can adjust slope height, speed and difficulty, tailoring each session to the skier’s ability. Large mirrors at the base give skiers instant visual feedback, helping skiers correct form in real time. One 30-minute session is equivalent to carving 20,000 vertical feet. The continuous motion mimics the sensation much like skiing on a treadmill that never ends. The nonstop repetition also hones muscle memory fast.

Lessons are small and focused, with no more than three participants per instructor ensuring personalized coaching. Gear includes skis or snowboard, poles, boots and helmet; though guests can bring their own boots and helmet. The facility recommends about eight lessons to transition comfortably from Snöbahn’s synthetic slopes to natural snow.

But SNÖBAHN is not just for beginners. Collegiate and competitive teams, including the University of Denver and Team Summit, use the facility year-round to refine techniques and for condition training. The Thornton location’s freestyle and BMX parks add another layer of progression for riders who thrive on adrenaline and creativity.

Off the slopes, SNÖBAHN offers a welcoming lounge area complete with coffee, beer and wine service, light concessions, Wi-Fi and plenty of seating. The space is as much about community as conditioning. It is not unusual to see parents cheering from the couches or local teams practicing, as well as groups hosting private events or corporate outings.

SNÖBAHN has quietly transformed the way snow enthusiasts learn, train and connect through snow sports. For some, it is the first step toward the mountains; for others, it is a place to keep skills sharp when the snow melts. Either way, SNÖBAHN proves that in Colorado, winter never really ends.

For lessons, rentals or freestyle sessions, visit snobahn.com.

By ViVi Somphon