Published on:
21
December 2022
Last week’s snow may have disappeared; however, Clackmannanshire youngsters are gearing up for a winter full of snow sport fun at Firpark Ski Centre. Located next to Tillicoultry Primary School, on the edge of the Ochil Hills, the Council-run facility is ensuring that every P7 pupil in the county will get the opportunity of a day at the ski slope – an important introduction to snow sports and outdoor learning.
Speaking about the work of the ski facility, Councillor Graham Lindsay, Spokesperson for Education, said: “It is excellent to see all P7 pupils across the area get the opportunity to try skiing. The ski instructors and the ski technicians love to see the energy and enthusiasm from the youngsters and the success and happiness they have helped to create for each class. The feedback from school staff and pupils is wonderful to hear – particularly from those who were new to it and perhaps felt a bit nervous. For some, it may be the start of a lifelong love of the sports and the outdoors. Opportunities like our ski offer play a hugely important role in improving people's health and well-being. We are committed to expanding the wellbeing opportunities for the people of Clackmannanshire, through our current sport and leisure offer, and through the exciting development of the Wellbeing Hub in Alloa.”
Local teachers whose P7 classes have been involved in the taster sessions have said: “The kids had a fantastic experience, thanks to all the staff. It’s great to see pupils shine in a different context.”
The team was also commended for their approach, with teachers highlighting how brilliant the staff are with all learners. Many other schools travel from across the central belt of Scotland to Tillicoultry to introduce their pupils to skiing during the day and early evenings. The ski centre is open 7 days per week and welcomes hundreds of customers every week for a series of ski lessons based on their ability.
On top of this opportunity for local primary children, this festive season, the centre will open its slopes for its holiday ski schools which are running during the school break – and they’re already proving particularly popular. Youngsters can book in for a two-hour session per day at the Christmas Ski School running on 28, 29 and 30 December and the New Year School will take place on 4, 5 and 6 January.
The feedback from customers is testament to the impact the venue and its staff has on those trying sport, with one parent commenting: "Firpark Ski Centre is excellent. Superb value and excellent teaching from friendly and knowledgeable staff. I particularly like the opportunities to progress to instructor level, and the positive role models for my younger teenagers."
If you’d like to give this healthy outdoor physical activity a go, please contact firpark@clacks.gov.uk but beware – feedback shows, you’ll be hooked! If you’d like to see what else is on offer across the county, visit: www.clacks.gov.uk/culture/ for a list of all sport, physical activity, and wellbeing opportunities for residents of all ages. For the latest news on our wellbeing hub, visit: www.clacks.gov.uk/leisure/wellbeing