Exeter Ski Club in Devon, England, which is celebrating 50 years in operation this year, will remain open despite the closure of the neighbouring Clifton Hill Sports Centre.
The sports centre was closed in March after snowfall caused roof damage and with a more recent announcement that it will close permanently there were fears that the closure of the sports centre could impact on Exeter Ski Club which is run by an independent charity operated by enthusiasts and volunteers.
However it has now been confirmed by the club and the local council that the ski centre will re-open as usual after its summer break on October 1st.
“We’ve been part of the city for 50 years and have taught over 100,000 Exeter people to ski over that time. With winter sports growing in popularity each year, the club remains vibrant and we fully intend to reopen as normal in October despite the closure of the nearby Sports Centre,” Clive Bishop, chairman of Exeter Ski Club, told local media, adding, “Skiing has an image as an elite sport but our two-hour sessions start at just £11 including instruction and equipment, so are genuinely accessible to all.”
Exeter Ski Club offers lessons to beginners and experienced skiers from October to March winter season, including the highly popular children’s Penguin Club and Snowcats Club on Saturday mornings and also has its own race team as well as and adaptive ski club.
There is a separate nursery slope for beginners and a tow on the main slope. Both slopes are flood lit and sessions open in all weather conditions.