NEW WEBSITE OPENS WINTER WONDERLAND TO THE WORLDA 32-year-old Sydneysider hopes to share his passion with the world through an interactive 'one-stop-shop' skiing and snowboarding website.
WinterVolume.com creator Rob Lloyd has also secured a deal with ninemsn.com.auas the major sponsor and information provider of its new winter sport segmentlaunched in the lead up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada.
Mr Lloyd, who grew up skiing around the world, explained WinterVolume.com wouldbe a community-driven site that provided in-depth information relevant to experienced and beginner snowboarders and skiers.
He said WinterVolume would be the first snow community where content was linkedto a member's geographical region, sex, age group and interests.
It would also be one of the only sites in the world that directly catered to femaleskiers and snowboarders, explained Mr Lloyd, whose first foray at the snow was asa baby strapped inside a snugglie on his mother's chest.
"There is a large subculture of people globally who get pumped on skiing orsnowboarding but the problem is they usually have to access multiple sites to obtainall the details they need to get the most out of their time on the mountain," said MrLloyd.
"Having grown up in a family of skiers, I started to look at the landscapes of socialnetworks and felt it was vital to deliver something of value to the skier andsnowboarder. While there is a large sub-culture there is currently no mechanism toproperly network with 'like-minded' individuals," he said.
WinterVolume.com would provide enthusiasts with tailored weather updates, skiingand snowboarding product information, latest news bulletins, blogs, job listings,resort reviews, snow reports sent directly to mobile phones, alpine directories,events and travel information, accommodation and flight booking facilities and usergeneratedcontent.
Information pertaining to various mountain regions throughout the world would beupdated by locals and key rider experts, explained Mr Lloyd.
"I am really excited about the website and I believe it will not only be of benefit todie-hard skiers and snowboarders but also families considering a first-time trip tothe snow and even retirees who may be considering a 'snow' change.
"Our focus is to be the central portal for both skiing and snowboarding on a globalbasis. Following our Australian launch we hope to follow with launches into theAmerican and European markets respectively within the next two years," said MrLloyd.
www.WinterVolume.com