One of the UK’s largest and longest established dry ski slope centres, currently known as the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, has begun work to transform it into a multi-outdoor adventure centre.
First established in the early 1960s as the Hillend ski slope, the announcement of a £13.8m transformation of the site to become Destination Hillend was first announced in 2019, with the required funding allocated by 2021.
Along with its existing ski slopes, once completed in 2025, the centre will have one of the UK’s fastest zip wires, reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour and tenders have also been invited for Scotland’s first alpine coaster, which could be taking its first passengers by early 2024.
Destination Hillend
Work is now getting underway on a new access road, car park and landscaping as part of Midlothian Council’s ambitious Destination Hillend project.
Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Colin Cassidy visited the site recently to hear more about progress on transforming Midlothian Snowsports Centre into a multi-activity, year-round leisure attraction.
“Seeing the bulldozers on site working on all the required civil engineering is so exciting and really brings it home that Destination Hillend is on track to be fully open by 2025,” said Councillor Parry, adding, “We’re confident the breadth and quality of the activities and the unique location will increase visitor figures from around 139,000 a year to an estimated 485,000.”
A new junction will provide enabling infrastructure for a new hotel and Pentland Bike Trail centre on neighbouring sites, while the updated road will allow coaches and buses to drop people off right outside the main entrance. Meanwhile an expanded and improved car park will have spaces for more than 400 vehicles.
Destination Hillend will also offer indoor soft play and climbing, shops and a high-quality food court, all housed in a modern, energy-efficient building, which will be fully accessible by bus. The planning application for the building has been submitted and is likely to be determined in late June.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people from across the UK and beyond, putting Destination Hillend firmly on the map while generating more than £1 million of income annually to spend on council services,” Councillor Parry concluded.
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
