Story: Lydia Flanagan|Photo: Douglas Johnson
Earlier in January, another fire broke out at Sheffield Ski Village, damaging hope of the Ski Centre ever reopening.
The first fires started early in 2012, when the main building was completely burned to the ground. Since then a number of fires have destroyed other areas of the site, making it difficult to insure.
The Ski Village opened in 1988 as Europe’s biggest artificial ski slope. Over the years, it accumulated many loyal members and staff. It was home to the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club and produced a number of professional skiers. The Club had used the slopes since its opening and has around 50 members.
Property developer Kevin Pullan took over the Ski Village in 2007 and promised a £500,000 investment for improvements and expansion into activities for children.
More activities were provided, like quad biking, bowling, laser tag. They also held children’s birthday parties. However, towards the end, skiers reported the facilities were becoming run down and in desperate need of repair.
Ski Village staff volunteered to accommodate the Sharks after the first fire because the slopes were still usable. In the following fire though, the lift controls and slope surface were destroyed.
It is uncertain what will happen to the site now.