The Lake District Ski Club
The Lake District Ski Club was founded in 1936, when a group of keen back country skiers found a north facing gully filled with snow. The dream of a ski club in the Lake District was born. Since then it has grown into the amazing club it is today as a result of the hard work of the generations of volunteers who run it. Find out a bit more of the history here.
The LDSC is the highest ski area in England and located on Raise, near Helvellyn. If you search on google maps you can see the tow as a red line just north of Hellvellyn.
For those of you who have never been before, the journey to Raise takes a little bit of effort and planning, but promises to give you a fabulous day skiing in the hills. However, it is not as straight forward as rocking up in the car and jumping on a lift. You will need to be prepared for the adventure.......
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| Taken looking back down to the mines from the zigzags early in the am |
The easiest access to Raise is from Glenridding, on the edge of Ullswater. There is a large car park in Glenridding and public toilets. There is a single track a mile or so up the valley to the mines where there is a small car park for paid members displaying a club sticker in their vehicles. However, there is very limited space at the mines and the best idea is to get a lift / share a car from Glenridding up the track. There is always plenty of chat on facebook and members are great at organising this. The track also gets very icy and you will often need chains or a 4x4 with snow tyres if you are the one driving up.
The hike up can take from 1 - 2 hours depending on your level of fitness and you will need to carry all your gear with you for a day out in the hills. It is a very hard walk in ski /snowboard boots, I know some members walk up in snowboard boots but I would not recommend it, especially as the traverse from the chimney to the Club hit can get icy. You should walk up in good walking boots or touring boots carrying your boots and skis or board on your back. There is space to leave kit in the hut so that you don't have to carry it up next time. |
| Taken looking over to Birkhouse Moor about half way up to the hut |
The most direct route is up the zigzags towards Sticks Pass, which are quite steep and the worst part of the walk I think, so don't let that put you off! Coming out of the zig zags you get your first view of the tow in the distance.
You then follow the obvious stoney path to the shoulder and have great views over to Catstye Cam the path then follows the old flute to the chimney.
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| Looking up to the chimney. From here take a 2o'clock angle to your right |
From the chimney the path is less obvious, but you take a 2 o'clock angle to your right to arrive at the Club Hut.
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| Club Hut |
The Club hut has been upgraded over the years, it is a fantastic facility and a very welcome refuge after the hike up! The hut has lots of seating, hooks for your sack and even a kettle so don't forget your tea bags and milk! There is always a good craic on the hill and the hut is a great place to meet people.
Once you have recovered from the hike get your boots on, put on your skis or board and head down to the engine hut which is the bottom of the tow.
Finally, if you need to pay then head straight to see one of the guys in the engine hut and they will be able to help. A new and very nice toilet was installed in 2009 which is located at the engine hut. It is quite possibly the highest flushable loo in England!
The tow is a button drag lift or poma, 360 meters long and takes you up to an elevation of 830 m. The views from the top are fabulous and your choice of run down is up to you.......
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| Looking towards Ullswater |
I will be honest, the hike up can be a killer, again depending on your fitness and how often you do it. But there are lots of positives about the hike. The main ones being that it means that we can access the snow throughout the winter, the tow has run as many as 60 days a year. When the other ski areas in England have lost the snow, it is often still there on Raise. Another huge bonus is that your muscles will definitely be warmed up so no additional stretching is required before you click into your board or bindings!
Another is the ride down.....arguably the best run of the day. Those lucky enough will get to ride back to the bottom of the mines, but usually to the top of the zigzags or into Kepple Cove. For those who are keen enough, the gullys round Hellveylln offer lots of awesome lines and Hellvellyn itself is fantastic when it is condition.
There are lots of other benefits, but what I love the most is that you get to spend the day in the hills doing what you love with like minded people.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a member? - yes you do, the annual membership is either £30 which includes a free day skiing, or £55 which is a full season pass.
How can I join? - you can either join via the website or take cash on the day to the guys in the engine hut. If you pay on the internet please take a print out of your paypal receipt.
Do you have ski/board hire? - there is no hire. The nearest place might be Keswick.
Can I walk up in my boots?- as above, people do walk up in their boots but I do not recommend it! Carry your boots in your pack, or click them into your board of skis to carry them up. Walk up in strong boots, it can be icy so often crampons are a good idea.
How long is the walk up? - 1-2 hours depending on your fitness, it could take longer
Where is good to buy gear? For women ski and board gear check out F-Riders-Inc, which stocks fabulous brands such as Picture Organic Clothing
Where is good to buy gear? For women ski and board gear check out F-Riders-Inc, which stocks fabulous brands such as Picture Organic Clothing
Suggested Kit List
Walking boots/Touring Boots
Crampons
Waterproofs
Hat
Gloves
Skis/board
Boots
Helmet
Goggles
Map
Compass
Emergency shelter
First Aid kit
Sense of Humor
Food for the whole day
Water
Flask / tea bags / milk
Any spare clothes you need
Hope to see you up there!
