A 50,000-square-foot (4,645sqm), 600 foot (nearly 200m) long dry ski slope installed at Sleepy Hollow ski area in Iowa, USA, is out of action just months after it opened due to technical and construction flaws.

The slope itself, supplied by British company Snowflex, was initially used for tubing with skiing and snowboarding introduced more recently, appears to be fine, however an essential lubrication system lacks a water supply because a reservoir constructed to supply it is leaking. In addition the ski lift supporting the slope has suffered mechanical failures.

The slope, near Des Moines in Iowa, is currently closed until spring whilst the issues are resolved.

The local Polk County’s government has so far invested $6.5m into the project, about half for the site’s purchase the 76 acre site and half to install the slope and other required upgrades. Millions more will be needed to transform it into a year-round amenity.

The sloped opened last May but its first season was “drastically cut short” due to lift failure according to a recent presentation to the Polk County Board of Supervisors by Jeff Condon, leisure services manager for the county. 1,754 people visited during the 34 days the attraction was open, an average of almost 52 a day.

The attraction lost more than $1.5 million in the first year. This loss-making was anticipated however, local government said, with the expectation that it would take several years before park revenue covered the expenses.

The pond leak is being repaired, and the hill will be reopened this spring. The plan is to keep improving the site adding more attractions with a further investment of $13 million expected.