Published October 7, 2016 at 17:15
Exciting times are ahead for Ski Rossendale as the work towards becoming a new national centre for the British Ski and Snowboard Park and Pipe Freestyle squad.
Park and Pipe is a form of freestyling skiing and snowboarding which involves the use of halfpipes for aerial tricks and terrain parks for jump obstacles.
Britain’s main Olympic medal hopes, along with the up and coming squad members, will have the chance to train throughout the summer prior to getting out on the snow which s should greatly increase their chances of success on the world stage
Leader of the Council, Cllr Alyson Barnes, commented that this would be a major development in the ongoing regeneration of Ski Rossendale;
“Rossendale Borough Council is looking forward to further developing the partnership with Ski Rossendale.
This will be so inspiring for children to see these Oly
mpic skiers and snowboarders here in Rossendale and helps p
ut us firm
ly on the map as a must visit place”.
Funding and approval for the project will come from Sport England following approval of the planning application.
David Fuller, Business development director of Ski Rossendale said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity both for Ski Rossendale and for the Rossendale Valley as a whole. I’m sure that if successful it will bring more people to the centre to watch these athletes train and allow the development of future talent and we are working hard with Sport England and British Park and Pipe towards making this a reality”.
The Slope has been run by a social enterprise since 2011 with support and funding from the Council, the partnership has proved successful and Ski Rossendale has gone from strength to strength. This year they were awarded funding from Sport England and the Council as part of a £600k redevelopment project for new teaching and family slopes, due for opening in November. They are also working towards a new cafe and other facilities at the site in 2017 which will really increase the attraction’s offer to visitors.
To have an Olympic squad training at their base will put Ski Rossendale on the national map. The Council, alongside providers and Visit Lancashire, is work hard on developing plans to highlight our strong adrenaline offer and this would be a core feature for Rossendale and something the whole Valley will be very proud of.
Karon Driver, Director of Ski Rossendale added:
“From a coach development perspective, this would be a wonderful opportunity to learn from the GB coaches and then to pass on that knowledge to future park and pipe freestyle skiers and snowboarders developing pathways to Olympic success.”
The planning application is now into the Council and the process will begin, once a decision is reached on that funding approval will come from Sport England and further announcements will be made.
For more information on Ski Rossendale and to plan your trip please visit; http://www.skirossendale.co.uk/
For more information on the British Park and Pipe Squad please visit; http://www.teambss.org.uk/park-and-pipe