Two More Dry Slopes Saved
Two More Dry Slopes Saved
Published : 25-Jul-2011 09:24
Following the Scottish Government rescue of the famous Midlothian dry ski slope by Edinburgh earlier this year, two more of the country's dry ski slopes have been saved for the time being.Many of the UK's artificial surface slopes are operated by local councils, often at a loss, and so are finding themselves on the front line in the current scenario of swathing cuts that councils are being forced to make across the country. At the same time, despite the durability of Dendix, many are reaching the end of their natural lives and finding the money to buy in new slope surfaces is a challenge for most. A third factor affecting some is the success of the UK's six indoor snow centres.
However the 230m long Pontypool slope, one of the UK's oldest and longest artificial surface ski slopes, has been saved from closure thanks to the efforts of the local Torfaen Ski Club.
The slope was threatened with closure through the summer months as the local council struggled to find GBP9.2 million in savings from its budget. This led to fears that the slope would fall in to disrepair and be in danger of vandalism but the Ski Club will now operate the slope each week at their own expense.
The other good news is that Ski Rossendale in the North West of England, which was established in 1973 but closed in March, plans to reopen in September following the creation of Ski Rossendale Limited, a social enterprise company, which has won the bidding process to operate from the council there and aims to operate the facility as 'a friendly, community-run centre.'
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