THE first time I visited Ski Rossendale I was barely big enough to reach the chair lift. Standing at the top of the main slope, I thought I'd never reach the bottom in one piece.

But I did and I caught the skiing bug in a big way. Since then Ski Rossendale has grown and is virtually unrecognisable - there's even bumps, humps and ramps for snowboard fanatics.

Queues have been quashed with a new five-lift system and there are large beginners and intermediate area for novices who don't fancy the idea of ducking and diving between the experts.

You don't have to be a brilliant skier to feel comfortable - one glance at the chaos on the beginners' slope will tell you that. It's more of a fun day out with a difference.

The restaurant and on-site ski equipment shop mean you don't have to ski all day. And special bookings for children and adult parties are available.

Apart from being a good way to keep fit, skiing is a real challenge. Ski Rossendale has plenty of tutoring sessions available - for toddlers to pensioners - and if you're really adventurous you can take to a snowboard and find out what all the fuss is about.

Or, if you're like me you can just fall over, swear a lot and blame everyone else for being a lousy snowboarder.

Equipment is included in the entrance price and consists of skis, boots and poles. But you can take your own gear if you want to show off.

Basically, Ski Rossendale ain't what it used to be. Established in 1973, the Rawtenstall centre has become one of the largest and most prestigious regional dry slope skiing facilities in the country.

Most people consider it to be an expensive hobby but there are plenty of discounts for senior citizens, children and groups - and various lengths of sessions to choose from.

But if the thought of getting clipped into a pair of skis or a snowboard doesn't sound too appealing, there's no need to take to the slope.

The licensed cafeteria, which overlooks the main slope, has been drastically refurbished since my last visit and now caters for parties and club nights. The Ellis Brigham ski shop is also worth a browse if you're seriously considering taking up the sport.

So if I've convinced you to give it a try, he's a few tips before you take to the piste:

make sure you're wearing hard-wearing clothes - the dry slope can hurt if you fall

don't go crashing through a group under instruction

always ski on the slope which best suits your ability

make sure you are properly fitted to your equipment - skis which are too long or too short will make the sport even harder, and more dangerous

book a session of lessons - no one can teach themselves skiing.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.