A SKI centre in Dorset has acquired the manufacturer of what it says are the most advanced synthetic slope surfaces in the world.

Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre, in Matchams Lane, Hurn, has bought Proslope, which makes advanced ski slope matting.

It says it will now be looking to double the number of UK slopes using the company’s surfaces.

It says Proslope matting is at the cutting edge of dry ski slope matting design, offering a better experience for anyone from absolute beginners to seasoned Freestyle professionals.

Snowtrax managing director Colin Iseard said: “As one of the leading outdoor ski slopes on the south coast, we have studied the ski and snowboard surface offering for a number of years.

“There is nothing in the market that offers the same excellent surface composition, durability and fun factor as Proslope matting.

“Over the years we have worked closely with Proslope and I am delighted to say that through our acquisition of the company, we will be looking to improve other outdoor ski slopes across the country.”

Snowtrax has been the test bed for the Proslope surface since 2011.

In 2014, the ski centre resurfaced its 110ft main slope and beginner teaching areas with Proslope matting, which it says hugely boosted the “customer participant and enjoyment factor”.

It says many dry slopes in the UK are struggling to improve lesson attendance because of the opening of indoor ‘snowdomes’.

It says Proslope offers advantages on cost, maintenance and customer satisfaction.

It cited ski instructor Warren Smith, who said: “First impressions of Proslope matting are that it grips so much better in the turns and feels a lot safer than the other surfaces I’ve ever skied.

“I would 100 would want to run my academy ski coaching on this surface. It’s a real goer.”

Snowtrax said it would initially look to double the number of slopes using Proslope, with the aim of dramatically increasing the number of people learning to ski or snowboard outdoors.

It says this would boost the talent pool for future Team GB Olympic squads.