PONTYPOOL Ski Centre has gone from strength to strength despite the council’s decision to close it during the summer months.

In February Torfaen council announced it would close the dry ski slope throughout the summer as part of measures to help the council cut £9.2m from the 2011/2012 budget.

During the consultation process council officers met Torfaen Ski Club and Snowsport Wales, and the three organisations agreed to open the centre for two hours on Wednesday nights, on the condition that Torfaen Ski Club took responsibility for the running of the sessions and covered the operational costs arising from opening the centre.

The club not only rose to the challenge, but is now attracting new recruits.

It now boasts 45 members, who meet regularly to ski and snowboard.

A new committee has formed, while members have taken part in national competitions and have recently returned from a club trip to the French Alps.

Club treasurer Gary Cooper said: “We have been extremely pleased with the progress we have made over the last ten weeks.

“With support from the council, we have been able to continue the club’s activities and are now attracting new members who enjoy everything from recreational skiing and boarding to race training.

“We were worried we would lose the club during the summer, but the council sat down and listened to us and the outcome has been good for the club, the park and the talented young skiers in the region.”

Cllr Lewis Jones, Torfaen’s executive member for leisure and culture, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the club doing so well.

“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people sit down and work together.”

The club is always looking for new members.

On Wednesday nights it offers two hours of skiing or snowboarding for just £10, which includes ski hire and instruction.

The club is also taking part in this year’s Big Event in Cwmbran, where it will be offering vouchers for a free session on the slopes.

For more information on the club, visit torfaenskiclub.org or snowsportwales.net