Ice Factor, a £3.2m extreme sports centre planned for Aviemore, has received outline planning permission from the Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA).

The development is the brainchild of entrepreneur Jamie Smith, and is the second development for the company following the successful launch of the first Ice Factor in Lochaber in 2003. The new centre will be built at the Aviemore Highland Resort which is owned by McDonald Hotels and Resorts.

Ice Factor Aviemore will include rock and ice-climbing facilities, a 300ft indoor ski slope, Olympic-sized curling and ice rink, and an adrenaline course with treetop canopy.

The new development has been designed to encourage business from families, as well as climbing enthusiasts. To cater for both markets, it will include a highly technical rock-climbing wall and boulder hall, in addition to being accessible for all ages and abilities. “We’ll cater for active parents looking to do things with their kids and those happy to watch their kids enjoy the facilities from the cafe,” said Smith.

He aims to have the development up and running in 12 months if CNPA grants planning permission this summer. Lynn Hunter, MacDonald Hotels and Resort’s communications manager said the company doesn’t envisage any difficulties with the scheme being accommodated within the scope of the Aviemore masterplan.

The bank funding for the centre is based on the success of it predecessor in Lochaber that achieved a profit of £515,789 in its third year. Smith says the extreme sports industry has experienced “major growth” and believes it will continue to expand, as more people become interested in this type of activity.

The third Ice Factor is being built in Burlington, Vermont, US, where construction has begun on a £10.5m ($21m, €13.4m) 4831sq m renovation due to open in December 2009.

“Burlington’s a student town, surrounded by colleges and near the University of Vermont, which has a strong outdoor element. It’s also central to five major ski resorts that attract 13.2m visitors a year,” explains Smith. The site will include an adventure course, summer camp and rock-climbing facilities.