3 Oct 2013

Take a journey back in time with video of first artificial ski slope opening

Take a journey back in time with video of first artificial ski slope opening news article image

On 5 October it is the 50th anniversary of the first ever permanent dry ski slope in the UK, based at Barton Hall Torquay.

The slope, operated by the Torquay Alpine Ski Club (TASC), was launched in 1963 was the brainchild of Mr Freddie Briscoe the South West representative of the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR) – which is of course now known as the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

The opening of the slope in 1963 was a major event and was captured by British Pathé.

The slope is the oldest surviving dry ski slope in the world still in operation and paved the way for nearly 100 more to be built in the UK – sites where many of the UK’s international skiers have first been gripped by the sport.

Tim Fawke, CEO of Snowsport England said:

“The opening of the first permanent dry ski slope in 1963 is a major milestone in British Skiing and marks the first time that skiing became widely accessible.

“Since then hundreds of thousands of people have learnt ski on these types of slope and it all started with Torquay slope and the club that operates it.

“The heart of our sport in the UK is based around clubs and it's great to know that this club is still going strong after 50 years."

Find out more about the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

Read more news stories.
 

Latest News

31 Jul 2025

A United Voice for Sport and Recreation: Alliance launches new five-year strategy

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today published its new five-year strategy, titled ‘A United Voice for Sport and Recreation’.

Read more Arrow Right
30 Jul 2025

Government announces support for women’s sport – but where will they play?

The Government recently announced new plans that aim to more than double the share of primetime slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ sports teams at Government-funded facilities across England, following the success of the Lionesses in Switzerland.

Read more Arrow Right
18 Jul 2025

Alliance showcases recent achievements with launch of Impact Report 2024/25

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today released its 2024/25 Impact Report, highlighting some of the organisation’s key achievements from the last 12 months.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo