A dry ski centre that has battled through several periods when closure seemed to be on the cards, has made it through and is now celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Ski Rossendale, located in Lancashire, north of Manchester, opened in September 1973, at the time it boasting the longest artificial ski slope and largest facility of its kind in the UK. The centre was originally conceived a decade before it finally opened and took three years to plan and build at a cost of £58,000.
Currently known as ‘The Hill’, the centre plans various anniversary events including an open day on Saturday, June 10 from 10am to 5pm, with limited tickets also available for an evening after-party.
On the 10th taster sessions in skiing, snowboarding and tubing will be on offer at £10 for 45 minutes, when pre-booked, and experienced skiers and snowboarders can use the main slope for free.
There will also be stalls in the car park, Rossendale Drum Majorettes and Lighthouse Tai Chi will be holding displays, a DJ will play music and the Ski Rossendale Yeti mascot will be appearing, there will also be children’s rides, guest stars, local craft stalls.
The centre will also be creating a display of key dates in its five decade history and is seeking people’s memories to include in it.
Visitors to the slope over the years include Prime Minister Edward Heath, Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, and Franz Klammer.
Current centre Manager Dave Fuller was one of the first to learn to ski on the slope when it opened in autumn 1973 and he was aged just 13.
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