Winter sports
The North Pennines has some of the best winter sport opportunities in England, with well established ski clubs in Weardale, Allenheads and Yad Moss. Both day skiing/snowboarding and annual memberships are available from the clubs.
Skiing and snowboarding
The Weardale Ski Club facilities are situated on Swinhope fell above Westgate in County Durham. Established in 1963, it now has a spacious two storey ski lodge, a snowmobile, a piste basher as well as two over lapping Doppelmayr button tows. At the ski club there is skiing, snowboarding and snow kiting on offer. The club arranges an answer phone with information about opening times, snow, access and weather conditions - 01388 527527.
The Yad Moss Ski Slope in Cumbria is also a good place to visit. Yad Moss is situated seven miles south-east of Alston. It has a day lodge with a club room, toilet facilities and garaging for the piste groomer which makes the most of any snow. To find out about snow conditions at Yad Moss, call 01228 561634.
The ski club in Allenheads, Northumberland, has facilities provided by the British Norwegian Ski Club and has developed over the past 40 years. The site is only a 150 metre walk from the facilities of Allenheads village. The club has 3 slopes, two of which are suitable for beginners. The two semi-permanent rope tows are in place for the beginning of November until the end of March and operate at weekends whenever there is enough snow for skiing and sometimes during the week. To check the conditions before visiting call the club answer phone message service, 01661 860689
Cross-country skiing
The rights associated with open access include cross-country skiing, by virtue of the non-fixed heel bindings used. Much of the area of the North Pennines is ideal for cross-country within the broad dales and open high plateaus.
There is no right of access on skis on Public Rights of Way and downhill skiing and snowboarding are unlikely to be covered under open access rights.
Winter walking
Winter walking is undertaken by a hardy few in the North Pennines. Those willing to venture out on cold bright days are rewarded with stunning experiences. Investigate our open access and walking pages for more information.