Ski centre closure blamed on costs

The ski centre is 1,000 ft above sea level

The owner of a ski centre in Gwynedd is blaming spiralling liability insurance costs for its closure.

David Day, who owns the Rhiw Goch Ski Centre in Trawsfynydd, has told his four staff it will finally close its doors in October.

Dropping visitor numbers as well as a move away from the sport to newer fashionable activities are also to blame, said Mr Day.

However, the holiday village at the site will remain open.

Skiing is going out of favour David Day

"We are going to close at the end of October, we have falling numbers and getting insurance is horrific - the whole thing is not marrying up," said Mr Day.

Insurance costs of £20,000-£30,000 per year were the final straw, he said.

Mr Day set up the dry ski slope, which cost £350,000 and is open every day except Christmas Day, in 1988.

During its history the ski centre attracted two awards for its development, he said.

The ski slope at Trawsfynydd

Mr Day said schools fearing pupil accidents are also leading to fewer numbers through the gates.

"Sixteen years ago it was seen as everything, it was new and we did ski packages," said Mr Day.

Mountain biking has taken over from sports such as skiing and it does not attract the same amount of television coverage it once did, said Mr Day.

"We organised a schools' race a couple of months ago, only one school turned up, it's a general thing - skiing is going out of favour," he added.

The main building at the ski slope will now be turned into a bunk house for about 26 people.