Glenridding – Raise (United Kingdom)
Glenridding – Raise in short
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Well-suited to intermediates and above
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Snow fencing and natural gully do a good job of capturing powder
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Friendly volunteer-run club
The ski area at Raise is run by the Lake District Ski Club, an enthusiastic group of volunteers who pour a lot of love into maintaining the terrain. An hour’s hike from the nearest car park, this ski area is not for the fainthearted. But the skiing at the end of the rainbow is definitely worth the trek, with a ski tow at an altitude of 800m that gives skiers and snowboarders access to as many as 9 different pistes.
The small village of Glenridding is the jumping-off point for skiing at Raise. In fact, skiers park, and many choose to stay overnight, at the YHA in Glenridding before making the hike to the ski area. Located at the southern end of Lake Ullswater in the Lake District, Glenridding is a former mining town that grew up around the Greenside mine in the late 18th century. The surrounding Lake District scenery makes this a very enjoyable place to spend a mini-holiday.
Alternate activities
Kids and adults alike will enjoy a cruise on the lake with the Ullswater Steamers, which stay open all winter. Depending on the weather, Glenridding is also a good place from which to access hillwalking at Helvellyn and the other surrounding peaks. Don’t miss the impressive 60ft high Aira Force waterfall.
Restaurants and bars
The most popular après-ski joint is The Traveller’s Rest, followed by Ratchers Tavern and Ramblers Bar. If you’re after a satisfying meal, try The Orangery, Fellbites Café and Restaurant or the Helvellyn Country Kitchen.
Families
Skiing at Raise is quite challenging and because of the trek from the car park, this ski area is not ideally suited to children. Within Glenridding, the family-friendly Glenridding Hotel has an indoor swimming pool, and the Gillside Campsite and Caravan Park is also family- and pet-friendly.