Where to Ski And Snowboard -

The things we do for snow

24th August 2010, by Wendy King

No, it's not Scotland ... nor the Alps

Bizarre: you head away to the English mountains for a quick summer hike and overhear the family on the next table at the pub chatting avidly about their skiing holidays… But it inspired my hike the next day: to revisit an English ski area, complete with its own ski tow and piste map, as well as begin my winter fitness campaign (well, maybe!).

Rather too many years ago, I was ambling along the Helvellyn ridge in the Lake District when I spotted an old ski lift tucked over one side of the ridge. Back then I paid little attention to this distant metal blight on an unspoiled hillside, save for identifying it as a feature on the map belonging to a local ski club. Surely it must be disused? But no, this ski tow provides ‘England’s Premier Ski Resort’ – run by the Lake District ski club. And on broad north-east facing slopes that hold their snow well – as they did last winter.

Steeper than you might think

The mountain in question is called Raise, a few peaks along the broadly undulating ridge that winds its way northwards from the summit of England’s third highest peak Helvellyn. So, on an August morning having puffed my way up Little Man and up and down two further summits, I found myself taking rather more of an interest in a shiny modern draglift glinting in the sunshine and a short tramp away from the main tracks. How can a little lift and a few grassy tufts produce such excitement … well, it’s the novelty factor.

Here is a lift, in the middle of nowhere; a neatly fenced red run and half a dozen other pistes (steeper than expected) identified on a little map; two tiny wooden huts guarded by the local woolly residents and fabulous views. It’s wild and fairly remote, yet serious enthusiasts ski here though. They work hard to maintain the area for the members-only club. Helicopters fly in diesel to run the lift, for example.

Partly fenced, partly open

I was bemused to find the map; it shows the lift serving seven runs of each colour, and an eighth if you walk to the summit to start. If it’s anything like Glencoe in Scotland, I’d imagine much of it feels like freeride territory though; you make your lines through the powder or the crust. On a sunny August day, it’s hard to imagine snow covered slopes here. For most people wandering along the ridge that day, the ski area was barely noticeable and probably of little interest. But to us snow fiends, it’s great to discover. I wonder what their stats are for opening the lift each year?

Feeling satisfied at renewing an acquaintance that had been a distant memory, I continued with my hike. Great stuff, though I don’t advise a 20km hill stomp if you haven’t been out for a while – the muscles complained severely. But at least the winter fitness is started.

Anyone ever skied Raise, or got any other UK snow tales to tell?

Put England on the piste map!

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• britain
• lake district
• england
• lakes
• raise

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