Scottish alpine skier Andy Noble believes the new £350million British snow centre, SnOasis, can catapult GB skiers to the pinnacle of the sport.

The 350-acre site in Norfolk will include Europe’s largest indoor ski slope as well as a bobsleigh run, speed-skating track and cross-country speed run and is due to be ready by late 2012.

Noble, 24, is the country’s top-ranked giant slalom skier and has got his season off to an excellent start – finishing sixth at the Europa Cup in the Netherlands last month.

And Noble, who will be 28 when SnOasis is completed, insists the new facilities can see Great Britain secure their elusive first ever alpine skiing Olympic medal.

“It is fantastic news that this centre is going to be built,” said Noble. “If Britain is to consistently compete at the top against these Alpine nations we need a winter sports hub on home soil.

“I will still have enough years left in the tank for it to be useful. Not only will it hold European Cup races, but it will also be used for training camps by our teams.

“The great aspect about these snowdomes is that they are not vulnerable to adverse weather conditions - we're able to turn up and train within a set time period - you just can't get that level of consistency elsewhere.

“Without doubt, it's harder to pursue a skiing career in the UK - unfortunately the Highlands aren't high enough, but centres like SnOasis will definitely help our cause and help us bring home some medals.”