A night in the French Alps … in Sunderland

Skiing, music, and food – you would think you were in the super-trendy French Alpine ski resort of Val-d’Isere, not Sunderland’s Silksworth Ski Slope.

But last Friday, the Silksworth Slope was transformed into a ski village, for its ‘kickstart to the season’ après ski party full of music and winter sports.

International Radio One DJ Charlie Hedges was providing the music and told Spark she enjoys working at community events.

“It’s amazing, it’s something so different, you get to meet so many different people, loads of different ages, it’s really cool, I love it,” she said.

The rain didn’t stop anyone from enjoying the party, with around 300 people attending, and one party-goer said: “It’s a really good turn-out; everyone’s come dressed for the occasion, and it would be good if they did things like this more often … it’s been really good.”

General manager John Greenwood said the event was “hugely successful” – and don’t worry if you’ve missed out this time, as he told Spark the centre has already decided on a date for next year’s ski party, and will be putting on similar, smaller events throughout the season.

At the party, both old and young were trying out ski demos – a quick introduction to skiing that Mr Greenwood said has encouraged people to take up the sport.

“They’ve had one lesson (and have asked) can they come and do some more lessons,” he said.

Jake, who helped set up the event, said: “We’ve been looking to do it (the party) the past couple of years and we’ve had some great feedback, and the fact that everyone has turned up is brilliant.”

Mr Greenwood added that there was “a good mix of people who were already involved in the sport, but also people who are just experiencing it for the first time” and that there was “a great atmosphere”.

Free-of-charge tubing (riding on snow on an inflatable) was also popular and provided entertainment all night, while vendors reported a lot of interest in their ski equipment and holidays.

Charlie Hedges wasn’t the only music act at the event that night, as local DJ Stephen Kyle continued the tunes after Charlie had finished her set.

The centre usually hosts school groups for PE lessons or preparations for ski trips, families preparing for their holidays, university societies and race clubs and usage has increased over the past few years – which Mr Greenwood believes is down to “what we programme in, what our offers are, and the quality of our instructors”.

They also have a kids’ club every Saturday and Sunday called the Polar Bear Club, which regularly attracts well over 300 children during the skiing season.