Après-ski? Try a bistro dinner at rooftop cafe
FREE PRESS REPORTER
THE Valley’s unique visitor attraction Ski Rossendale will soon be able to offer visitors a dining experience with stunning views across the borough.
Skiing, snowboarding and tubing will still be the heart of the facility, but the new 34-seat café and large rooftop terrace will boast panoramic views across the Valley, widening leisure experience.
The development, due to open in mid-February, was possible thanks to 20 per cent match funding from Rossendale council that unlocked £440,000 from Sport England.
As well as the café, a new ski hire building has been developed and the Rawtenstall complex is being rebranded as The Hill – the home of Ski Rossendale.
Director Dave Fuller, who is also head of busi- ness development at The Hill, said it is part of making the centre fit for the ‘serious sports person’.
He said: “I came here aged 13 when the slope opened in 1973 and I learnt how to ski.
“Skiing is a passion for me and I wanted to be a part of Ski Rossendale.
“We want to build a centre that is fit for purpose for all our users, including the serious sports person who expects a certain level of quality.
“Our client catchment is a radius of up to 50 miles and we are the largest public ski facility in the north that is open all year round. We are lucky to be set in a beautiful area and we have excellent commuter links.”
Rossendale council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said the development will only enhance the slope as one of the borough’s key leisure attractions.
She said: “The latest developments at The Hill – the home of Ski Rossendale will greatly enhance the visitor experience which will once again ●● The Hill cafe, at Ski Rossendale attract people from across the North-West.
“Not only will people be able to ski, snowboard and tube, they will also be able to enjoy an amazing café, bar and bistro with breathtaking views over Rossendale.
“The council, as land- lord, is delighted to have been able to assist The Hill by taking responsibility for the delivery of the Sport England grant, by providing a loan to assist in the marketing of the site and associated Section 106 money from the housing development on the former Rossendale Hospital site.
“Rossendale really is the place to live, work and spend leisure time and as a council we are delighted to help one of our key Visit Rossendale attractions in its continued development.”