Sticks Pass and Raise on Skis

The snow was slow coming this winter but when it came there was only one thing to do! Grab the skis and head for the place where we were guaranteed a ski- Raise! We parked at the end of St Johns in the vale at Legburthwaite and were surprised to see others with skis and enthusiastic looks when we arrived!

The walk up to Sticks Pass is steep and in snow was very slippery. We headed for the sheepfolds to eventually put on the skis and skin all the way over to Raise and the ski area.

The weather was not set to be that great but the views were still stunning over Thirlmere. Soon the skis were on and the climbing became alot less steep. We met some kite skiers looking for some wind which was very light at this time. Onward and upward we skinned up into the cloud.

We reached Sticks Pass and headed South towards Raise. We soon reached the ski area that had many hardened skiers and snowboarders braving the flat light conditions to enjoy the only piste the Lake District has to offer.

After a few runs down we decided to have a well earned hot chocolate from our trusty flask before heading back down to the pass. The Kite skiers were making the most of the strengthening wind on the pass and we watched with excitement before braving the ski back to the sheepfolds.

The skiing was interesting with little time to relax with the ever changing terrain! Soon we arrived back at the sheepfolds where skis were put away and the steep descent began. The walk down was very slippery as the snow had already began to melt. After a few difficult moments on the steep descent we were soon back down in the valley heading for The Lodge in the Vale for a well earned cuppa. This place is lovely and well worth a visit. A great winters day on the hill, praying for more snow!