France? Switzerland? No, it's time to go skiing in Kidderminster

Skiing brings to mind European resorts like Chamonix, Val d’Isère and Courchevel.

But aspiring skiers can now take advantage of a slope much closer to home – although they won’t find any white stuff.

Wolverley CE Secondary in the Wyre Forest is just one of two schools in the country to own its own dry ski slope.

And after a £20,000 grant bosses are urging community members to join pupils in mastering their snow plough turns.

The newly refurbished ski slope at Wolverley CE Secondary School, Kidderminster

Cory Environmental Trust has donated the cash for a revamp of the slope, while the school has also bought a ski-lift, thanks to funding from SnowSport England.

Headteacher Bryn Thomas said having a the slope on site was ‘unique’.

Pupils can take lessons to help them master the basics before heading abroad, or trying their luck indoors.

They can also enjoy other activities on the 130 ft – 40 metre – long slope, both during and after school time.

Unique

Mr Thomas said: “In the past four years we’ve looked to make the most of what is a unique resource.

“Before that we hadn’t really made the most of it, even though it’s been here for some time. We want to make sure all our students can use the slope and also members of the community.

“For the students they can use it for skiing but also ‘tubing’ – a glorified version of sledging.

“We allow them to use it for tubing during lunchtimes and after school. For skiing it is slightly more difficult because there has to be an instructor present.

“The money we’ve received will give all our kids the opportunity for ski lessons either free of charge or subsidised.”

Advantage

Thanks to the redevelopment, the site is also available for use by the public.

Mr Thomas said: “The massive advantage of having a slope is that for the Wyre Forest community our nearest slope is either 25 to 30 miles away in Telford, or even further away in Tamworth.

“We are also having a big push to get people from the community to use the slope as well.

“There will be a subsidised rate to make sure members of the Wyre Forest community can learn to ski and take their first steps here rather than elsewhere.”

For further information, visit www.wolverley.worcs.sch.uk