Two More Dry Slopes Saved

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.'

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.

I'm shocked that there are councils using taxpayer money to run ski slopes for the benefit of the relatively few people interested in skiing. If these are being shut down, or turned into organisations financed only by members and customers, then it is a good thing.

steverandomno wrote:

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.

I'm shocked that there are councils using taxpayer money to run ski slopes for the benefit of the relatively few people interested in skiing. If these are being shut down, or turned into organisations financed only by members and customers, then it is a good thing.

yep i second that

Without local dry slopes, run either by Local Authorities or clubs, many kids would not learn to ski at all. I learned on Southampton dry slope, and I regularly used Pontypool slope whilst I lived in Wales. Not everyone can afford to travel to an indoor snow centre.
Dendix rash is a rite of passage...as is a broken Thumb )

Again I have to agree with bandit .....not all kids can afford or indeed get to an indoor slope, kids who started on dry slopes are now pushing through to the british ski team, keep um open and make the councils run them at break even .... that might just be asking too much.

A lot of the parents cannot afford a lot of things for their kids. Why should they be forced to afford even less to pay for the minority interests of the very few people who are interested in skiing?

If you were talking about food, healthcare, education, housing, swimming pools and playing fields then I would agree with you.

Why should a kid in Hackney be forced to repay the debt incurred in ensuring that a kid in Edinburgh can go to a dry ski slope? That is exactly what is happening at the moment.

Skiing, whilst I love it, is not a necessity for which other people should be force to pay.

There are plenty of wealthy and influential skiers who are able to support non-government organisations that can keep these slopes open for those few people who are interested.

There are many local hills in North America that are supported by local government. The difference, is that they tend to be in very small municipalities in which there are a large proportion of skiers and where the policy of supporting the hill is much more closely linked with the democratic power of the local community, typically being a small town.

Skiing is another recreational sport, like swimming. Most of the Councils that have existing slopes, already have the infrastructure, terrain and equipment.
Outdoor recreation needs to be encouraged. This week the press carried articles about Rickets re-emerging in Cardiff.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health-news/2011/07/27/rickets-cases-diagnosed-in-south-of-cardiff-91466-29125137/

I'm sure you would find a lot of people within the very small skiing community who would support keeping dry slopes open, but I think it is reasonable to draw the line at forcing the wider community to pay for it, most of whom, have no interest in the sport.

Maybe we disagree on this?