adventure awaits.
Newmilns Snow & Sports Complex (NSASC) is the UK's only charity ski slope. We are a volunteer led, community run social enterprise organisation who use snow sports as a mechanism for positive health, well-being, and social change in our local community.
We offer 3 main products: skiing and snowboarding tuition as well as tubing for those who can't ski or board YET. Come and visit us, we're a friendly bunch.
We're proudly different and strive for an equal, healthy and connected community with opportunities for all.
Newmilns Ski Slope was officially opened in 1975 and operated at that time 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.
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.
Our past.
NSASC was officially set up on 8th of April, 2003. The current facility was achieved after many years of effort and campaigning by dedicated members of our community who saved our slope from closure by the Local Authority and who had the vision to develop and improve our slope for the benefit of our Community. The magnificent sum of £900,000 was achieved in grant funding to achieve our dream.
The excellent facility we now have incorporates the very latest in artificial ski slope surfaces and uplift. The upgraded facility opened in 2013 and has undergone a period of rapid expansion in user numbers. In recent years, an amazing 50,000 visitors enjoyed snow sports and tubing at NSASC. The facility provides 4 full-time posts, 24 part-time posts and 14 volunteer roles. The unique environment at NSASC allow us to offer a diverse range of opportunities where individuals can bring a range of skills and experiences.
Led by a small, committed team, we currently offer a range of snow sports experiences including recreational skiing, snowboarding and tubing (sledging) as well as a range of snow sports lessons with all equipment included. Children's birthday parties are popular offering a unique and exciting celebration. Our Ski Academy programme offers developmental experiences to school pupils building confidence, resilience, independence, communication and team work skills. We also deliver a range of funded community projects offering employability and training opportunities.
Present.
We are adventurous, creative and inspire others. We embrace equality and celebrate differences. We have fun and support everyone to be the best they can be and in doing this strive to always add value to our community. These values define the way we work and what we like to see in each other. In short, they’re at the heart of everything we do.
Our values and our charitable objectives will guide our future growth. We aim to develop and increase capacity on our community programmes bringing further opportunity to our community and the young people and families within. We aim to develop our site and create new opportunities for fun and learning.
We're also working on a rebrand. Watch this space!