A new dry ski slope, complete with a solar-powered ski lift, has been given the go ahead at a site at Preston in Lancashire.
The slope is part of a new multi-activity leisure area, the concept of which was first announced several years ago, but has this week been granted planning permission by the local council.
The new ski slope will be 95 metres long, descending from a hill 12 metres high, and have a gradient of 11 degrees.
The south and western slopes of the hill the slope will be built on will incorporate solar panels, providing green energy for the ski lift.
The ski slope is part of a major redevelopment and expansion of a leisure site on the banks of the River Ribble.
The wider project, christened Phoenix Park, also includes mountain biking tracks and a water sports lake where canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and water-skiing will be available.
The plan is also part of a still wider project providing training and education facilities. There’ll be 13 lodges where young adults needing support can learn life skills in a supported environment.
There are longer term plans to add a climbing wall, high ropes course and football pitch to the site.
The plan is the brainchild of Trax Motorsport which was established in Preston over two decades ago with the aim of helping the local council and police combat antisocial behaviour, including the illegal riding of motorcycles on public land. It created a dedicated area for young people and enthusiasts to ride off-road motorcycles.
