'Bring a shovel': Rural ski centres welcome snow

The recent snow may have caused disruption, but it is being welcomed by a rarely-opened ski and snowboard centre.

Ski-Allenheads in Northumberland is dependent on the weather and opens whenever there is enough snow.

The volunteer-run club dates from the 1960s and members pay an annual fee to use it.

Volunteer Guy Javens said: "We have two tows each side of the field run by a tractor, so all we have to do is start the motor and off you go."

Fellow volunteer Mike Horricks said the site was "particularly good for families".

"As children grow up they might move on to ski abroad on holidays, or they try the other centres like Weardale or Yad Moss," he said.

Those on the slopes at Ski-Allenheads this week said the conditions had been "like the Alps with good dry snow" and urged people "to get up there while you can".

Visitors are advised that while a number of spaces have been cleared for parking, they should bring a shovel in case they need to dig more space.

Other resorts in northern England have also reported excellent skiing conditions all week.

Volunteers at Yad Moss in Cumbria said they hoped to be open all weekend, with an update for Saturday saying the club would prioritise season member skiing.

Weardale Ski Club in the North Pennines, 30 miles (45km) west of Durham, has the longest ski run in England and is also expected to be open to members through the weekend, but warned prospective skiers to bring a shovel, winter tyres or snow chains.

The Lake District Ski Club also advised people not to attempt to reach its car park unless properly equipped.

In an update to followers on Friday, a spokesman for the club said its tow would run on Saturday but for members only.

"The track up to our car park is sheet ice," he added.

"Don't attempt without winter tyres at least."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].