Below is the history of how we got to where we are today. If you would like to see some photographs of what has happened click here.

Newmilns Ski Slope was officially opened in 1975 and operated by Strathclyde Regional Council. In 1995 the operation of the slope transferred to East Ayrshire Council (Community Education). The loss of the larger focus of Strathclyde South West Area coupled with financial pressures on the new local authorities following reorganisation resulted in a difficult period for the facility. A failure to invest and upgrade the facility associated with poor marketing and advertising had led to a decline in user numbers and consequent income.

Newmilns is one of the oldest inland burghs in Scotland having received its charter as a Burgh of Barony in 1490 from James IV King of Scots. The principal industry of lace weaving has been in serious decline for many years. There is considerable unemployment and deprivation in the village. The ancient core of the village was in serious decay with many derelict and boarded up properties. The image presented to locals and visitors alike was one of almost terminal decline. A number of bodies have been set up to arrest and reverse this decline the most significant of which are The Newmilns Townscape initiative and The Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership. The Initiative has been successful in obtaining a significant grant from The Heritage Lottery fund to restore the ancient core of the village and significant improvements have already been made to our village environment. The Ski Slope is one of the few value added facilities which attracts visitors and as such is seen as a vital element in any  upgrading of the village, our Community and indeed the whole valley infrastructure. Unfortunately the Ski Slope by its “modern” nature did not attract Heritage funding from the Initiative. It would have been a sad paradox if that on the achievement of the village renewal its major tourist asset were to be lost .   

In May, 2000 following a Public outcry, including a petition signed by just under 1000 people in less than ten days, the Education Committee of East Ayrshire Council considered a report on the future of the slope and deferred action including the possible closure of the slope pending a feasibility study on the facility. The feasibility study was co-sponsored by the Council and the Loudoun Valley Trust. The outcome of the study was positive in respect of the potential of the facility. Among other things the study recommended the setting up of a dedicated Management Group such as NSASC.

NSASC was officially set up on 31^st January,2001. The composition of NSASC has a deliberate bias towards the Snowsports interest as represented by the Friends who have 5 places on the Management Group; NAG have 2 places; NGCC have 1 place as have EAC (Community Education), the Local elected Member, Snowsport Scotland, LVT, and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire.

In the last four years NSASC and other voluntary groups have spent a considerable amount of time and effort working to help get the ski slope back on it’s feet prior to a planned handover at or around May 2004. Visitor numbers were significantly improving showing a very positive trend. However in September 2002 our plans were dealt a severe setback. An accident on the slope to an individual resulted in an investigation by The Health and Safety Executive who served two Prohibition Notices on the facility. The Council was forced to close the facility in September 2002 with the cancellation of the Winter Instruction programme that at the time of closure was fully subscribed with a waiting list.

Although this was a terrible setback NSASC held firm in its resolve and became even more determined that the Council should make good the facility and secure the uplifting of the Prohibition Notices before the handover could be progressed. Following much lobbying from this group and its many supporters the Council eventually agreed to substantially upgrade the facility at an estimated cost of £122,000. The upgrading work commenced on 12/08/03 and was completed in the autumn of 2003.

The next 12 months saw NSASC working towards finding the funding they needed to open the slope for business again.

The handover from East Ayrshire Council to NSASC Ltd took place on 1st November 2004.

The new surface is “Powderpac” which is a continuous carpet like material which as well as providing a state of the art ski surface is also much safer. Additional electronic safety trips are being provided on the tow as well as a camera to monitor the top station from the ski hut.  

Mountain Boarding

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Revised: June 17, 2007 .