The Rocket's modest launch pad

PENDLE, England — Nestled in the rolling countryside of Ribble Valley in northwest England is a modest ski slope about 140 meters long, 10 meters wide and surrounded by roaming sheep.

It's a gentle hill, featuring three tiny inclines at the start and a mostly flat section to finish. In parts, grass protrudes through the plastic matting that provides the rough, bristly surface for the course.

There is no snow here. There's rarely any of that in England, after all.

One word is often used to describe Pendle Ski Club: humble.

"And I don't think we'd change it for the world," says John Holmes, an instructor and volunteer at the facility. "It's a unique environment, but it's one where you can succeed. You really can."

Dave "The Rocket" Ryding is proof of that.

To the astonishment of many of his rivals who grew up in classic winter-sports countries like Sweden, Austria and Norway, Ryding has risen to become Britain's most decorated slalom racer after starting out on Pendle's quaint, unassuming dry slope from the age of six, and continuing well into his teens.

His resume includes being the only British winner in the nearly 60-year history of the Alpine skiing World Cup. That victory came in Kitzbuhel, Austria, one of the world's most famous and challenging circuits.

Ryding is now 39 and, in the final weeks of his career, a potential medal contender at the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

"People know my story and they can't really believe that it was possible," Ryding told reporters.

"It has definitely defined who I am as a ski racer, and also has got me a lot more credit than, say, if I was from Austria or somewhere like that.

"I'll be known as the guy who grew up on the dry slopes. It has never been done before and, hopefully, it keeps influencing the next generation."