Facilities

Tows

There are two semi-permanent rope tows and several portable tows. The two rope tows run parallel in a field behind the village of Allenheads.  The tows are erected at the beginning of November and taken down at the end of March. The portable tows are used within the field or, occasionally, on the hill above the field.

The Runs

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

The slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediate level skiers, however they also provide excellent opportunities for the more experienced to get rid of the cobwebs and loosen up on some of the real white stuff. One warning! Don’t wear your new expensive, chic ski gear – strong gloves and washable jackets are far more practical with the rope tows.

When there is plenty of snow, it is possible to ski or board down the hillside from the edge of the moor above the regular ski slope. This is a more challenging run but well worth the walk up the hill. Unfortunately, it will have to be a walk as we no longer have the tow that used to help you with the climb.

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!

Opening Times

Whenever there is snow, we run as many tows as possible during the week and at weekends. As we are a club and all the work is done by volunteers, we can’t guarantee the tows will run every day there is snow but, thanks to some key helpers, we barely miss a day when skiing and boarding are possible.

Facilities at the Field

Don’t expect Alpine restaurants and terraces for sun bathing – saying that, our cabin does have its own terrace!

The club’s facilities have been improved a few years ago with a new cabin, with chairs & its own terrace, replacing the old, rather basic hut with its wooden benches. The new cabin provides a very pleasant spot to eat your lunch, have a drink and watch everyone else glide (or fall) down the slope.

The village of Allenheads, which is all of a 150 metre walk away, has a variety of additional facilities. Please note though that the Hemmel Cafe is currently closed as are the village toilets. This means the nearest venues for food and the nearest toilets are in Allendale Town. There is however the Allenheads Inn which offers the obligatory good drink in a remarkable old building. They also serve food at times – check with the pub for more information. The village also offers other places of interest. See the guide to the North Pennines and to Allendale.