Ski slope opens up again after rescue
BOOKINGS are now being taken ahead of Ski Rossendale’s long-awaited reopening later this month.
For the first time in seven months The Hill, Home of Ski Rossendale, will be set to welcome visitors from Saturday, October 24 following the agreement of a rescue deal earlier this summer.
Back in July we reported that the Rawtenstall attraction was to be taken over by Rossendale Leisure Trust (RLT) after hitting financial problems because of coronavirus.
Managing director Dave Fuller said the reopening is fully on track and they believe it is an ideal activity for people to get out and about and boost their mental and physical wellbeing.
He said: “It’s not just about skiing, tubing and snowboarding, it’s about getting active. We are essentially an outdoor activity, everybody naturally social distances, and from our perspective it’s a great thing for people to enjoy in the fresh air and in as safe an environment as you could ever want.”
Dave said returning customers can expect everything to look and feel much the same as before lockdown, albeit with access controls and Covid-secure guidelines around the site.
He added that the relaunch was made possible thanks to the Hill 2k team who have volunteered more than 1,000 hours of time weeding and preparing the main slope.
“We’re very thankful for that,” he said. “It shows how much of a community there is around The Hill. We’ve got a lot of support from the council and the leisure trust now.”
RLT said the impact of the pandemic has been “devastating” and drove the discussions to focus on a merger.
In a statement, they said: “We are incredibly grateful to Rossendale Council who recognise and support the important role that leisure facilities play in the health and wellbeing of the local community.”
Chief executive Ken Masser said: “As a charitable social enterprise, our aspiration is to help protect and improve opportunities for local people to experience health, fun and happiness through leisure and activity. The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale, is an iconic local asset that we believe has a bright future. We look forward to working with the Council and the Ski Rossendale team to continue to provide ski and snow sport opportunities locally.”
Under proposals agreed by councillors in July, the Rawtenstall dry ski-slope will remain as a limited company and their staff will not transfer to the leisure trust, which will own the company and be responsible for all aspects of its operation. July’s full council meeting agreed to provide financial support for the transfer, although specific details were heard with public and press excluded.
Coun Jackie Oakes, cabinet member for leisure, said: “We are looking forward to seeing The Hill full of people, either trying skiing, having a coffee or enjoying watching the events and competitions that are planned.
“It is important to have facilities like The Hill for people to enjoy and keep people fit and healthy. The Hill is really part of the Valley’s heritage, and now through working together it will be part of its future as well.
“The council would like to thank Ski Rossendale and Rossendale Leisure Trust for working together with us to ensure there is a viable future for The Hill.”
The Hill will be set to welcome visitors from October 24. Bookings can be taken by their team on 01706 226457.