The ski slope at Ski Rossendale was opened in 1973 and was run by the local council until 2011 when a decision was made to close it. Thankfully a social enterprise soon took it over and reopened it. The outdoor slope is in Rawtenstall with great views of the Rossendale valley as you wizz down the hill.

I would imagine that it has suffered as a result of the indoor real snow slope in Manchester (Chill Factore). I have been to both and Ski Rossendale has a number of advantages; Ski Rossendale is cheaper, it's outdoors so you get lovely views and fresh air and it's not as cold (well unless it's December).

The slopes are made of a bristle like material which can hurt if you fall over so you should wear long trousers and gloves. Skiing on a nice day is good but if it's raining (or even better snowing), you move much faster on the slope!

Having checked out the website http://www.skirossendale.co.uk/ I can see that there's loads going on and has become much more innovative since becoming a social enterprise.

Personally I just like to ski independently for a couple of hours; in order to do this you need to have had some prior ski experience and be able to control your speed , if you can't do this, you need to join a lesson.