Sunday 7th October saw the first of what Rossendale Dryslope now plans to be an annual event. Free activities were on offer for everyone who came from the surrounding area. Lee Burkinshaw, Rossendale Ski Slope’s Business Development Manager described the event as a ‘Fantastic social event for existing members and users of the slope and also an opportunity to publicise the slope, letting potential users know the types of activities Rossendale Ski Slope has to offer’. The day was a phenomenal success, seeing over 500 people turned up at the slope, exceeding the 300 people the slope had expected. The day’s organised activities were all fully booked. Activities included lesson taster lessons and slope use for the more experienced skiers and snowboarders. Snow tubing was also enjoyed by people of all ages, a temporary climbing wall was erected on the back wall of the new Quarter Pipe, as well as Archery in the field next to the slope.

The day saw the official opening of the new Quarter Pipe by Norman Hausman (pictured). Invited professional skiers and snowboarders then showed their skills by pulling tricks including McTwists by Colum Mytton and Big Airs by 12 year old Will Smith.
Rossendale Slope, renowned for it’s fantastic freestyle facilities, put on a Subelement Freestyle Club competition, open to all local riders. The event was judged by Andy Beverley (the Ski Slope Manager and Performance Coach) and Pro Snowboarder Colum Mytton. The competition was very high and the women in particular fought hard for their ranking, Andy Beverley was ‘impressed by the turnout and the standard of riding thoroughout.’ Alex Nuttal scooped 1st Prize in the Mens, with Rossendale Instructor Jamie Keeble coming 2nd and Rick Barrow in third place. Lyndsey Ashdown came 1st in the Women’s event, Rhianna Nuttall coming second and Samantha Pinder in third. The Under 14’s event saw Sam Tomlinson, Harry Tomlinson and Will Smith in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The competition was so successful that the slope now plans to continue this as an annual competition.

RESULTS
Mens
Alex Nuttall
Jamie Keeble
Rick Barrow

Womens
Lyndsey Ashdown
Rhianna Nuttall
Samantha Pinder

Under 14’s
Sam Tomlinson
Harry Tomlinson
Will Smith