Cumbria might not be the most well known of skiing
destinations, but the recent cold snap and an injection of funding
from Sport England has created the perfect conditions for outdoor
skiing.
The Yad Moss ski area, run by the Carlisle Ski Club, has just
received £4,300 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s
Small Grants Programme, which has allowed the centre to upgrade its
existing ski-tow to cope with increased demand this winter.
Skiers and snowboarders from across the UK, and as far away as
London, have arrived in Cumbria to take advantage of some of the
best snow conditions for decades. Andrew Hetherington, a member of
the Carlisle Ski Club committee, said:
“Waist deep powder snow is something you don’t expect outside
the Alps, never mind Cumbria. However this year, we have had superb
snow, brilliant sunshine and the grandeur of the Pennines for a
backdrop. It has been magical.”
Thanks to the improvements to the ski tow, close to 1,000 skiers
and snowboarders have used the piste in the space of a month.
Anne Boyd, Sport England’s Regional Lead for the North West,
said:
“If community sports clubs want to attract and retain
participants, they need to be able to offer quality facilities for
everyone. The improvements to Carlisle Ski Club’s facilities will
be welcomed by snow enthusiasts across the country in weather
conditions such as these.”
David Morton, Club Treasurer of Carlisle Ski Club, said “The
Sport England grant has had an immediate benefit to skiers and has
helped to secure the future of our tow. The Small Grants Programme
could not have worked more smoothly.”
The tow pulls skiers nearly to the top of Burnhope Seat, and at
a height of 725 metres, gives stunning views over the South Tyne
Valley to Cross Fell and Milburn Forest. Ski hire is available
locally as well as a range of accommodation for skiers travelling
to the area.
Notes to Editors
Further information on the Yad Moss ski area is available on
www.yadmoss.co.uk You can also join the 1200 members of the Yad
Moss Facebook group.
Photo of Yad Moss supplied for use. Photo credit: David Morton,
Carlisle Ski Club.
Sport England invests National Lottery and Exchequer funding in
organisations and projects that will grow and sustain participation
in grassroots sport and create opportunities for people to excel at
their chosen sport.
Sport England is committed to creating a world-leading community
sport system, and has set specific and measurable targets to
achieve by 2012/13:
- One million people doing more sport
- A 25% reduction in the number of 16- to 18-year-olds who drop
out of at least five key sports
- Improved talent development systems in at least 25 sports
- A measurable increase in people’s satisfaction with their
experience of sport
- A major contribution to the delivery of the five hour sports
offer for children and young people.