'Sochi effect' sees more Britons hit the slopes More people have taken part in snowsports at UK dry ski slopes and snow centres following the Sochi Winter Olympics, research from the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding has shown. Using data from slopes around the country, Snowsport England compared visitor numbers from February to April in 2013 and 2014 to assess whether the Sochi Games had increased Britain's enthusiasm for skiing and snowboarding. The research shows a 12 per cent increase year on year, indicating that the Winter Olympics had an immediate impact. Data was also collected in the period from May to August of both years to determine whether this renewed interest was sustained throughout the summer. This showed an 11 per cent increase in 2014. Research also showed that, out of the 13 slopes looked at, which were not named, only one had not experienced growth in visitor numbers, and one snow centre reported an increase of 50 per cent from the previous year. Tim Fawke, chief executive of Snowsport England, said: "This has confirmed the positive trend we expected, which is great news for the snowsports industry in this country. From the close work we do with slopes and clubs we have been hearing positive stories about how busy many of them are and the buzz created by the Winter Olympics. Our English and British athletes will also continue to play their part by raising the profile of snow sports, demonstrating the pathway to success and inspiring the next generation of stars. The latest figures from Snowsport England's Go Ski Go Board campaign, which was launched to capitalise on the interest sparked by Sochi and encourage more people on to UK slopes, also show a positive trend. Since the start of the campaign in April 2013, more than 40,000 people have had a Go Ski Go Board taster session or course. For more information about Snowsport England and Go Ski Go Board, visit snowsportengland.org.uk and goskigoboard.org.uk.