7:40pm Friday 12th March 2010
By Will Carson
WITH British glory at the Winter Olympics and freezing Arctic weather conditions, Hampshire was gripped by all things “snow” this winter.
But despite inches of the white stuff covering the ground in the coldest winter in 30 years, the Hampshire hills were never going to be a match for an Alpine slope.
However that did not stop one inventive group of fans in Southampton who took their hobby a step further by building their own makeshift dry ski slope.
Tucked away in a small area of woodland on Southampton Common is this tiny ski slope complete with two ‘runs’ and some rails for performing tricks.
It is thought the slope was built by students who were given old dry slope matting by Southampton Alpine Centre.
One Highfield resident said: “I saw the lads pull up in a van and unload the matting.
“I had a chat with them and they explained they were keen snowboarders who used the Alpine Centre a lot. “ He added: “The existence of the makeshift slope is quite common knowledge around here and I don’t think anyone minds it. I think it would actually be a shame if they were made to take it down.”
Jo Davis, deputy manager at Southampton Alpine Centre, confirmed they had donated the mat. She said: “We do get people asking for old matting for their university or club. We are happy to give the old mat away because then we know it is being put to good use.”
However, council chiefs have ordered the slope’s removal, saying it is a threat to wildlife.
A Southampton City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the ski or snowboard structures in this area and have arranged for its removal.
“This is because the Common is an important site for many types of wildlife and must be protected.
“Southampton City Council wants all our residents and visitors to enjoy our parks and open spaces, and always takes a very common sense approach when looking at these kinds of situations.”
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