Former World Cup alpine skier Bode Miller, left, and Colorado Snow Sports Hall of Famer Chris Anthony celebrated the grand opening of the Snöbahn Action Sports Center in Thornton, Colorado, on Friday, March 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
SnöbahnThe Colorado venue that brings outdoor sports indoors has received investment from some high-profile names in the world of professional sports who hope to expand the concept nationally.
Snöbahn announced on Monday an agreement with Unmatched sports, a new business that aims to expand access to youth sports through camps, leagues and more. Unrivaled Sports invested money to become a minority owner of Snöbahn, although it hopes to become a majority owner as the company expands, a spokesman said.
Unrivaled Sports was founded by billionaires Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who manage teams in the National Basketball Association (Philadelphia 76ers) and the National Hockey League (New Jersey Devils), among others. Professional snowboarder Shaun White is one of the company’s partners in its “action sports” division.
Matthias Mahobian, 8, practices some tricks while strapped to a pair of skis on the trampoline at the Snöbahn Action Sports Center in Thornton, Colorado, on Friday, March 8, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Snöbahn’s hallmark is its facilities and equipment that help beginners learn to ski and ride in the mountains, without the need for snow. The spaces also include jumps and obstacles for BMX and skate training.
Snöbahn opened its first location in Centennial in 2016 and its second in Thornton earlier this year. Founder Sadler Merrill is expected to remain with the company.
Unrivaled Sports’ investment aims to expand Snöbahn beyond the Rocky Mountain region. It’s too early for the company to determine exactly where, but Texas and California likely top the list, Kevin English, CEO of Unrivaled Sports Action, said via email.
“Snöbahn is revolutionizing the way young athletes play action sports year-round,” White said in a statement. “This investment is not about adding facilities; It’s about breaking the barriers of these sports, wherever you are. “It’s about cultivating passion and skill in a whole new generation of athletes.”
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