Ski-Allenheads

Skiing and Boarding

at Allenheads

 

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The Facilities

The skiing and boarding facilities at Allenheads are provided by the British Norwegian Ski Club (BNSC) who have developed the facilities over the last 40 years through seasons of plenty and, at times, famine. From the 4/5 months a year of skiing during the late 70's and early 80's, the club has survived through the recent leaner times when we look for a few weeks, or weekends of skiing a winter. The last 3 years have seen some excellent conditions, especially in 2004 & 2005  with over 2 weeks of skiing each season. The position of the slope and its situation in the upper Allen valley means it captures any snow that is going and can support skiing with barely 5 - 10 cms of snow. 

The facilities at Allenheads offer a friendly atmosphere and welcome all abilities of skier and snowboarder. They are especially good for families and provide an excellent opportunity to get the kids started on the snow.

And, perhaps most of all, absolutely no queues

You need to supply your own skis, snowboards etc. We do have a few donated pairs of boots & skis to lend if would like to give them a try, but as we can't vouchsafe for their quality or safety, you will need to check them out yourself.

Tows

There are two semi-permanent rope tows and a portable tow. The two tows run parallel in a field behind the village.  The tows are erected at the beginning of November and taken down at the end of March. We also have the potential to set up a third rope tow on the hill running above the field to the top of the moor. This tow has been in place for a number of years but was taken down this summer. If we look to be getting more frequent and deeper snow, we still have the equipment to set the tow back up. 

From < to > Hadaway Man!! 

    

The Runs

The two lower tows are each about 100 metres in length, offering runs of about the same distance.

When in place the upper tow is about 120 metres long and, because of the steepness of the hill, can offer somewhat longer runs.

The lower slopes are mainly suitable for beginners and intermediate level skiers, however even these provide excellent opportunities for the more experienced to get rid of the cobwebs and loosen up on some of the real white stuff. The upper run is fun for anyone – and certainly challenging for most. One warning! Don’t wear your new expensive, chic ski gear - strong gloves and washable jackets are far more practical with the rope tows.

Snow Quality

One of the great benefits of the club’s location is the relative reliability and quality of the snow. This is especially true of the lower slopes which lie in a sheltered position with nearby woods acting as an excellent snow fence, helping to build up good depths of snow. The position and lie of the lower field is such that enjoyable skiing can be had with only limited snow cover - a couple of inches can suffice!

When Open

Whenever there is snow, we run as many tows as possible at weekends and, if someone is available to run the tow, we also run them during the week. Last year we ran them for 17 consecutive days!!

Facilities at the Field

Don’t expect Alpine restaurants and terraces for sun bathing - saying that, our new cabin does have its own terrace!                                                New_Cabin_29_09_2007.jpg (757082 bytes)

The club’s facilities have been improved this year with a new cabin, with chairs & its own terrace, replacing the old, rather basic hut with its wooden benches. It will provide a far more pleasant spot to eat your lunch or have a drink.

The village of Allenheads, which is all of a 150 metre walk away, has a variety of additional facilities.  It provides toilets, a post office cum shop, the excellent  Hemmel Coffee Shop and the Allenheads Inn which offers good food as well as the obligatory good drink in a remarkable old building. The village also offers other places of interest. See the guide to the North Pennines and to the village of Allenheads itself.

How to Find Us

For information on where we are, see How to Find Us

 

Wild Jumping

 

 

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