Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Midlothian Snow Sports Centre | |
Interactive map of Midlothian Snow Sports Centre, Hillend | |
| Former names | Hillend Ski Centre |
|---|---|
| Address | Biggar Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DU |
| Location | Hillend, Midlothian, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°53′14.36″N 3°12′40.42″W / 55.8873222°N 3.2112278°W |
| Owner | Midlothian Council |
| Type | Dry ski-slope and snowsports centre |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1960s |
| Renovated | 2008 |
| Website | |
| http://ski.midlothian.gov.uk/ | |
The Midlothian Snowsports Centre, formerly the Hillend Ski Centre and still often referred to as simply Hillend,[1] is the second longest dry ski slope in Europe, situated near Hillend near Edinburgh, Scotland.[2]
Lying in the Pentland Hills just outside the Edinburgh city limits, the centre is operated by Midlothian Council.[2] Used for skiing, snowboarding and snowblading, it is a national training centre for Scottish Olympians; 29 have been trained there as of 2010 including Finlay Mickel, a former British number one downhill skier.[2] Additionally, the centre provides both lessons and recreational use for adults and children all year round.
An outdoor facility, all runs are made of matting that is suitable for year-long use, and floodlighting allows the slopes to be used in the evenings. A misting system ensures the slopes remain lubricated to increase speed and to create a more realistic surface.
It has two main slopes, both of which are accessed from the top of the long tow and chairlift. It also houses a 20m nursery slope next to the café 360, two combined 20m nursery slopes positioned next to a premium tubing set-up which both include magic carpet style uplifts, and also a jump slope. Uplift to the main slopes is provided by a chairlift and two button lifts.
History
In October 1966, plans were announced to use the artificial ski slope at Hillend for a scheme to select candidates for ski instructor courses.[3]
In 2010, the centre faced closure due operating at a loss and with Midlothian Council facing funding shortages.[2] In March 2010, with losses of half a million pounds a year, and with fewer than 20% of the centre's users coming from Midlothian, a five-month cost-cutting plan was implemented, with the council due to consider either sale or lease by August 2010.[4] A Facebook group campaigning to save the centre attracted 26,000 members.[4] The council duly agreed a plan to keep the centre open, involving £600,000 of investment being spent on it by Sportscotland, and the sale of green belt land near the site to developers.[5]
In 2019, Midlothian Council applied for planning permission to extend use of the site, hoping to add leisure facilities such as a zipline, alpine coaster and soft play, as well as tourist accommodation, retail and restaurants.[6] This work began in 2023.[7]
References
- ^ Sharp, Marie (2 February 2023). "Midlothian council confirms Hillend costs have trebled". Midlothian View. Midlothian, Scotland. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Olympic effort to save Midlothian ski slope". BBC News. 12 February 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2010.
- ^ "Courses for Scottish Ski Instructors". The Herald. Glasgow. 29 October 1966. p. 14. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Cost-cutting plans for ski slope". BBC News. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
- ^ "Deal to save Hillend dry ski slope backed". BBC News. 27 August 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
- ^ Sharp, Marie. "Hillend Destination resort plans now available to view". Midlothian Advertiser. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "Work begins on site for Destination Hillend". Midlothian Council. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.