Our application to become a Community Interest Company has been approved, and so has the Planning amendment which will allow us to build a bigger clubhouse on Lowther Hill with enough garage space to accommodate our future snowgroomer. The additional space will also be useful to store an increasing amount of varied equipment which is currently spread in different locations between Leadhills and Wanlockhead.
Much effort has been invested into finalising the amended design and technical specs of the clubhouse as we want to ensure it is suitable for our needs, resource efficient, and able to withstand the very demanding weather conditions of Lowther Hill. We are currently liaising with potential builders and obtaining quotes before submitting the funding applications.
We held a successful Snowball Sportive cycling event which provided great exposure for our project for snowsports facilities on Lowther Hill and raised our profile amongst potential funding bodies. The Snowball Sportive is expected to become one of the Ski Club's biggest revenue generators in future years, as well as an important date on the UK cycling calendar. We can't thank enough the over 20 volunteers which made the event possible.
The crowdfunding campaign for the snowgroomer has been launched [link] and -partly thanks to the exposure generated by the Snowball Sportive- we have already raised the first £1,000. We are also finalising the design and production of a number of merchandising items which we expect will raise more funds and publicity for the Ski Club.
We are pleased to announce that Lowther Hills could potentially have the opportunity to organise one of the 2016 Scottish Alpine Race Series alongside Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, Lecht, and Nevis. We are liaising with the SSSA about this opportunity to host a national snowsport event in our facilities.
On the hill, we have finished a long, costly and complex job of improvement of the Lowther tow's electrical and safety systems. A new, state of the art fuel tank has replaced Harwood's original diesel container, thanks to a generous donation by Scottish engineering firm Blake Group.
And one of the most memorable moments of this Summer was having 15 junior ski club members at Lowther Hill looking after their facilities and painting the Engine Hut, which now looks fantastic. Further work parties have also given a much needed, new coat of metal paint to the tow's 19 pylons and return wheel, ensuring we have a beautiful shiny tow for next season.
Next Season Preview
We are busy processing membership renewals for 2015-16. Please remember to renew your membership before 31st October for early bird prices.This winter season 2015/16 we are aiming to provide 20 days of mechanical uplift between December-March, just like last year, always subject to favourable snow conditions and availability of volunteers.
At village level we will have a similar set up as last season, running one or two of our portable tows depending on demand. In addition, we will test a system of floodlights which we hope will allow us to open the tows after school hours during midweek. Snowboarding instruction and coaching will be available on demand thanks to snowboard school www.thenorthernmovement.com. We are working to be able to provide instruction to novice skiers as well.
On Lowther Hill, we have a temporary club hut (portacabin) to provide shelter for intermediate or advanced skiers/boarders who are happy to walk or skin up to the hill. The slope will have temporary snowfencing for further testing of snowdrifts behaviour as we prepare for the construction of the permanent snowfences and clubhouse in 2016.
Finally, we always love to remind our fantastic membership that the successful running of the Ski Club is only possible thanks to the help of our volunteers. Whether it is attending a work party, getting trained to man the ski tows, or helping to look for funding for clubhouses or pistebashers, there is bound to be something you can help with. Just get in touch at [email] to be part of this amazing project.
