Downhill No More: Rawtenstall’s Iconic Dry Ski Slope Saved from Closure
07/May/2026
In a move that has local winter sports enthusiasts breathing a sigh of relief, Rossendale Council has confirmed that The Hill, the historic home of Ski Rossendale, will remain open. The decision follows a comprehensive review of council-owned leisure facilities that initially raised concerns regarding the site's high operating costs.
Despite the "costly" nature of the facility, the council has opted to keep the gates open, with the Rossendale Leisure Trust continuing its role as operator.
A Strategy for Sustainability
The council’s plan focuses on transformation rather than termination. By working closely with the Trust, officials aim to explore new avenues for revenue and maximize the site's usage throughout the year.
Key components of the survival plan include:
Revenue Boosting: Identifying new visitor demographics and events.
Long-term Investment: A secondary review will investigate potential infrastructure upgrades or alternative uses for parts of the site.
Infrastructure Challenges: Current reports indicate the facility has limited room for activity expansion without significant new investment.
Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council said “This is a really positive moment for leisure in Rossendale. We are putting in place a plan that protects what we have, invests where we can, and gives our communities the best chance of enjoying these facilities for years to come.”
The £470,000 Factor
Financial logistics played a major role in the decision-making process. The site is currently tied to a Sport England grant of £470,000. Closing the facility would have triggered "claw-back" provisions, requiring the council to repay the funds—a move that would have necessitated complex legal and financial intervention.
Wider Leisure Review Highlights
The decision to save The Hill is part of a broader shake-up of Rossendale’s leisure assets, aimed at creating a more sustainable foundation for the borough.
Facility | Planned Action |
Marl Pits | Expansion of gym and studio offerings. |
Adrenaline | Remodeling to increase visitor capacity and improve experience. |
The Ashcroft | Potential transfer to Whitworth Town Council. |
The Whitaker Museum | Support to strengthen long-term stability and art gallery operations. |
Pioneer | Relocation to a brand-new, purpose-built site. |
Established in 1973, The Hill has been a cornerstone of the community for skiing and snowboarding for over half a century. With this new commitment from the council, it appears the "uphill battle" for this local landmark has finally plateaued toward a more stable future.
