Swinhope, United Kingdom

onemanmows from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

The most extensive ski area in the North Pennines with a wide range of runs, from broad open pistes by the tows to narrow gully runs. Unfortunately, the number of days skiing has fallen dramatically since we broke the climate. Broad, grassy slopes mean skiing can be available with modest snow falls. Heavy falls of snow really open the area up, runs of up to a kilometre are possible with a little hiking! The club has possibly the worlds smallest piste basher but uses it to good effect.
Facilities are basic but serve their purpose - no 'on the hill' cafe but a large club house with toilets, bag store and south-facing sun terrace. Uplift is by two button lifts, the lower one serves wide blues and greens, the upper one gives access to reds, blues and an extremely short black. To call the latter a run may be stretching a point.
One thing worth noting is the access road - you will need snow chains or a 4wd!

2008-02-02