Members of Norfolk Snowsports Club (NSC) say they are frustrated after being told they must now pay an additional individual membership fee to the sport’s national governing body in order to continue using the facility at Trowse.
The popular dry slope is one of only a handful of specialist ski training centres in the country and is widely regarded as a major hub for grassroots and competitive snow sports.
Under the new requirement, members must pay for individual Snowsport England membership on top of existing club membership and session fees.
The move, described as “unexpected” in an open letter published on NSC’s website, comes at a time when rising living costs are already putting pressure on families and young athletes.
One parent affected by the additional charge said she feared she may no longer be able to afford for her family to take part.
“It’s not cheap, but my kids love it here so we have found ways to cover the annual club membership and weekly session fees for five of us,” she said.
“But to be hit by yet another charge out of the blue feels very unfair, and I’m just not sure I can justify it anymore.
“I feel sorry for the club because it works so hard to attract and keep members, and something like this risks making the sport unaffordable — especially for families like mine who would need to pay for five separate governing body memberships.”
Previously, clubs paid an annual affiliation fee as a requirement of public liability insurance.
Under the new rules, insurance cover is dependent on individual club members holding Snowsport England memberships.
In a notice to members, NSC chairman Nick Watson warned the changes posed a “serious and credible” risk of “adversely impacting both recreational and competitive snow sports in England”.
He said the decision had been made without prior consultation with clubs and that following the announcement he had contacted Snowsport England to express concerns about the likely impact.
Skiing lessons at Norfolk Snowsports Club where members have been hit by extra charges. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK PHOTOGRAPHIC 2)
Following talks with representatives from clubs across the country, some revisions to the restructure were introduced, including a lower-tier £4.99 annual membership for beginners and discounted rate of £9.99 for volunteers.
However, most members will still face annual additional costs of between £19.99 and £119.99 per participant.
Snowsport England said the move would strengthen insurance cover, safeguard standards and help fund development within the sport.
But for some young athletes, the extra cost could prove prohibitive.
One teenage skier training at the club said: “It’s disappointing because it already costs a lot and most of us do other sports too.
“I want to keep training because I love skiing, but it is already such an expensive sport that I know my parents will struggle to find the money to pay for me and my brother and sister.”
Mr Watson said the club would continue to support members through the changes.
“We remain committed to providing the best possible experience on and off the slope,” he said.
“We hope members will continue to find NSC a supportive and fun place to be, and that their snow sports journey will not be impeded by these changes.”