These photos, from the Ski Village’s opening in 1988 to the noughties, show how popular the artificial ski resort, which in its heyday was said to be the continent’s biggest, attracting 180,000 visitors a year, used to be. The nostalgic selection of pictures from The Star’s archives includes the spectacular ski display put on for the official opening in 1998, youngsters getting an adrenaline rush on the Thunder Valley toboggan run and the unveiling of the Adventure Mountain outdoor theme park.
This photo gallery also reveals how Sheffield Ski Village boasted apres-ski entertainment to match the best of resorts, featuring the fondly remembered Village Inn and images of revellers partying at a huge New Year’s Eve bash. Since the Ski Village was destroyed by fire in 2012, various schemes to revive the site have fallen by the wayside. The latest proposals are for a ‘Gravity Park’ including sledging and zip wires. As the wait goes on for Sheffield Ski Village’s rebirth, in whatever form that may be, take a trip down memory lane with these photos of happier days on its slopes.
17. National Snowboarding Championships
Down the ski slope and over the ramp to provide thrills at the first ever National Snowboarding Championships, held at Sheffield Ski Village in September 1989 Photo: Colin Drury
18. Official opening
Sheffield Ski Village official opening on December 9, 1988. Andrew Pickard (20), a member of the England Free Style Team, performs a stunt in front of the ski instructors at the Ski Village Photo: Colin Drury
19. Lord Mayor
The Lord Mayor of Sheffield Councillor Peter Price leading youngsters from the Sheffield Sharks Ski Club down the slopes at the Sheffield Ski Village in 1996 Photo: Steve Ellis
20. Snowtubing
Children from Lydgate School ready for their snowtubing session at Sheffield Ski Village in April 2005 Photo: Roger Nadal