Dean Trail Volunteers plan to rebuild Ski Run, the Forest of Dean's original downhill trail, by autumn 2027, and their crowdfunder is now open.

Dean Trail Volunteers (DTV) used FOD Fest on 26 and 27 September to announce a full revamp of Ski Run, the original downhill trail at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. They need donations to pay for materials and contractors, and have opened a Ski Run Crowdfunder.

Forestry England describes Ski Run as a fast, technical double black with steep drops over roots, flat-out straights and tight corners, finishing on tabletops. DTV says years of riders and weather have left it badly eroded, and that it needs serious work to last.

Photo: a rider on the famous roots of Ski Run, courtesy of Pedalabikeaway.

What DTV is planning

The aim, in DTV's words, is "a world-class double black trail" that keeps the character and race pedigree of the original, is more sustainable, and brings Ski Run up to the level of the recently rebuilt GBU. The plans include:

• A start ramp, and a qualifier section that may get a wooden lily pad feature.
• A rebuilt mid-section with drainage repairs, and either a rock garden or a North Shore section with a gap jump.
• The eroded fire road roll-out restored to its original line and firmed up.
• The Gully, a new rock garden that could bring in some very big rocks.
• The Roots Roller repaired back to its original line, with rock added at the top and the second line closed off.
• A double jump on the long straight.
• A double diamond wooden drop and a brand-new wall ride.
• A technical jump line to finish.

When

DTV wants the new Ski Run to open in autumn 2027, with contractors on site from early 2027. Ski Run is open as normal for now.

How to help

Donations pay for the materials and the contractors, and DTV says it will be able to get match funding, so every donation counts for more.

DTV will also run Ski Run dig days through its Eventbrite page. It is also looking for people with CDM experience, CAD skills for the wooden features, professional carpenters and fundraisers. Details are on the DTV Ski Run revamp page.

DTV is the volunteer charity that builds and looks after the trails at the cycle centre, and received the King's Award for Voluntary Service in 2024.

Donate to the Ski Run revamp on Crowdfunder