SKI Rossendale is set to become the new national training centre for the British ski and snowboard park and pipe freestyle squad.

Park and Pipe is a form of freestyle skiing and snowboarding which involves the use of halfpipes for aerial tricks and terrain parks for jump obstacles.

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Britain’s main Olympic medal hopes, along with the up and coming squad members, will have the chance to train throughout the summer and the centre prior to getting out on the snow which should greatly increase their chances of success on the world stage.

Rossendale Council is a partner in the scheme and leader, Cllr Alyson Barnes, said it would be a major development in the ongoing regeneration of Ski Rossendale.

She said: “Rossendale Council is looking forward to further developing the partnership with Ski Rossendale.

“It will be so inspiring for children to see these Olympic skiers and snowboarders here.”

Funding for the project will come from Sport England following approval of a planning application.

David Fuller, business development director of Ski Rossendale, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity both for Ski Rossendale and for the Rossendale Valley.

“I’m sure that if successful it will bring more people to the centre to watch these athletes train and allow the development of future talent and we are working hard with Sport England and British Park and Pipe towards making this a reality.”

The slope has been run by a social enterprise since 2011 with support and funding from the council, the partnership has proved successful and Ski Rossendale has gone from strength to strength.

This year they were awarded funding from Sport England and the council as part of a £600,000 redevelopment project for new teaching and family slopes, due for opening in November.

They are also working towards a new cafe and other facilities at the site in 2017 which will really increase the attraction’s offer to visitors.

Karon Driver, director of Ski Rossendale, said: “From a coach development perspective, this would be a wonderful opportunity to learn from the GB coaches and then to pass on that knowledge to future park and pipe freestyle skiers and snowboarders developing pathways to Olympic success.”