As we've already reported, Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre, which had been on sale since April, has been purchased by a regionally based company which is also seeking to build the UK’s largest indoor snow slope at nearby Weston.

The slope has been sold by Jupiter Hotels Ltd which had taken over from previous owner Ramada Jarvis after they went bust last year.

The Gloucester slope was already one of the UK’s (and the world’s) longest artificial surface slope at 220m, but it had originally been 250m long – the 30m currently missing caused by a land slip.

The new owners have said they will restore the lost 30m as part of a plan to restore the facility to its former glory and encourage more people to try snowsports in the region when the centre re-opens in September.

Famous ski jumper Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards lives nearby and skied on the slope as a teenager. In an interview with BBC News he welcomed the new owners plans for the centre.

They have a grand opening on 11th August and whilst the day will feature a ski race meet, they will have plenty for the ski and snowboard freestylers too. The slope have announced plans for a permanent airbag measuring 19m x 5m, which will be in place for the opening event.

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