Did you know that, even though the variety of snowsports and their availability to the British public is increasing, a whopping 91% of Brits still choose skiing as their snowsport activity of choice?
In short, Skiing UK is big business.
But, given our apparent national proclivities for charging down mountains affixed with skis and poles, what are we supposed to do if we can't make it to the snowy peaks of central Europe every year?
With nearly 100 dry ski slopes (UK) and snow centres across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the skiing UK scene does more than cater for both the casual and expert enthusiasts who want to practise their skills out of season.
What's more, visiting dry ski slopes in the UK and artificial ski centres was cited as one of the top ways snow sports enthusiasts keep fit before going on a ski trip, proving that both indoor centres and dry ski slopes are great for improving fitness, as well as providing great fun.
But how do you decide which skiing UK slope is best for you?
Look no further! We've researched the best indoor ski slopes, indoor ski centres, and dry ski slopes in the skiing UK scene, in addition to surveying our readers and students to gather the most up to date list of the best indoor ski centres and dry ski slopes 2018!
No need to venture off-piste in your research. Sit back, relax, and get prepared for your next skiing UK trip!
New kids on the indoor Skiing UK scene, The Snow Centre has everything an expert or beginner could need to get their snow sport fix. This includes a massive 160m main slope, in addition to training slopes, rental equipment, facilities for skiing and snowboarding, and even a couple of bars to relax in afterwards. If you're looking for the best indoor skiing London experience, or are just generally looking for the real deal when it comes to UK Skiing, you're in safe hands with The Snow Centre.
"The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is the newest Snowsports destination in the UK with the closest REAL SNOW to London. Home to a 160m main slope & the largest indoor lesson slope in the UK, the centre boasts perfect snow conditions all year round.
Hosting a range of Skiing and Snowboarding lessons for adults and children from as young as 3 years old, our venue offers lift passes, freestyle sessions, and the Ringo Slide: there is something for everyone to have a great day out, whether they are a complete beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder! Our fully qualified instructors have regular training and development sessions to ensure they provide the best possible experience for adults, juniors and families too.
A bit of a trophy venue for snowsports enthusiasts in the North of England, and one that has just celebrated its ten year anniversary, Chill Factore claim a deserved sport on our list of the best indoor skiing UK venues. Perhaps what is most impressive about Chill Factore, if we ignore their huge real-snow venue, equipped with a main slope, beginners' areas, children's' facilities (Mini Moose Land), and even an indoor climbing wall, are the range of classes and introductory courses available to prospective skiers and snowboarders.
You can, for example, brush up on your mogul skills or freestyle techniques if you are a seasoned veteran of the slopes, or if you're a beginner you can go all in with a comprehensive introduction to skiing and snowboarding. Whatever your level, Chill Factore's superb facilities and coaching staff will guide you to becoming a better, and more confident skier or snowboarder.
Run by the hugely successful Snozone group, Snozone Castleford have collected nearly two decades worth of experience as an indoor skiing UK venue. Snozone Castleford place an emphasis on teaching, and snow sports qualifications. Such is the quality of their BASI qualified coaches, Snozone have recently picked up a School Travel for Best Sporting Venue.
With ski lessons, snowboard lessons, and group activities including introductory ski classes and sledging parties, Snozone Castleford also runs a comprehensive programme of Disability Snowsports. This applies to anyone who has a sensory, cognitive, or physical impairment, and the venue can accommodate adaptive skiing and snowboarding, making it one of the most inclusive in the UK.
Billed as "Scotland's only year-round snow sport resort" the hugely impressive Snow Factor is another indoor, real-snow venue, offering a premium, authentic experience to the skiing UK scene. Given Scotland's wealth of outdoor resorts, with reliable snowfall throughout the winter months, Snow Factor has built a reputation for snowsport enthusiasts to practise their skills off-season, or for prospective skiers and snowboarders in Scotland to learn the basics of the sport.
As such, the venue has a wealth of expertly trained coaching staff, in addition to sessions covering beginner's training, kids' training, fast track lessons, and one-to-one coaching. Basically, if you want to go skiing in Scotland, but are too impatient to wait for the snow, Snow Factor should be your first port of call.
Where is it? Alford Ski Centre, Greystone Road, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8TY.
Based in Aberdeenshire, Alford Ski Centre knows a thing or two about snowsports. As one of a few dry ski slopes in the skiing UK scene that actually experiences semi-regular real snow in the winter months, Alford Ski centre are well placed to offer the many ski holiday camps and lessons that they run throughout the year. The centre also runs public sessions and private tutorials for a variety of lessons, and has the facilities to cater for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers alike.
"The Ski Centre in Alford has been the secret escape for many a skier, from beginner to national team racer, for decades. However, as Alford has grown and developed, so too has the Ski centre.
Alford Ski Centre is the go to place for ski clubs, schools, and members of the public to brush up on their skills in a (very) friendly atmosphere and stunning location. It's like our very own Mini-Alpe. Alford Ski Centre works closely with Active Schools to encourage children to engage in snowsports from an early age, dismissing the image of skiing and snowboarding as elitist sports.
We have also been the training centre for Gordon Skiers, since 1988, developing the talents of several Olympians and National Athletes. Alex Tilley is a lifelong member of Gordon Skiers and recently completed in PyeongChang representing Great Britain in the Winter Olympics.
Nobody who comes to Alford to ski ever leaves feeling like they've not had a positive experience. Our staff are all skiers and snowboarders and we encourage visitors to continue skiing into the Winter and even consider a career in Snowsports.
One of the champions of the skiing UK scene for the North of England, Stoke Ski Centre is a popular dry ski slope UK venue that quickly garnered votes when we asked our students about their favourite venues. Running sessions for parties, in addition to ski and snowboard lessons, and snow tubing sessions, the dry ski slope has everything you need to ready yourself for the winter months ahead. It also runs a hugely popular freestyle session on a Wednesday night, where snowsports enthusiasts can try out their best skills on Stoke Ski Centre's full slope set-up.
"We currently have some 12-14 unis that regularly visit us on a weekly/bi weekly basis. We believe that our central location nationally is helpful, but mainly it is because our instructors and coaches are highly qualified, committed to passing on their love of snow sports, and all gain immense pleasure from seeing clients either learn a new skill or improve those they already have.
Based in Surrey, Sandown Ski Centre is the closest outdoor dry ski slope to London. The centre is amazingly well-equipped in terms of its facilities, with multiple slopes catering to skiers and snowboarders of all ages. As such, this is one of the most inclusive facilities in the skiing UK scene. Despite these serious attributes, Sandown Ski remains all about the fun: with a number of junior clubs, race clubs, and birthday parties ensuring that beginners can enjoy themselves, while experts can compete and train at the highest level.
"We have 5 different slopes at Sandown, so that everyone from very beginners to professional athletes can Ski here and push themselves to improve. We similarly have great instructors who all have their own specialities, meaning we can match you up with someone best equipped to help you with your skiing goals.
Another of our Skiing UK North of England contingent, Kidsgrove Ski Centre has a unique community feel, stemming from their existence as a venue that is run on a voluntary basis. The slope is therefore presided over by skiers, and is run specifically for skiers.
This does not mean that the facilities are lacking, however. With state of the art playgrass surfaces, and a recently widened slope, Kidsgrove offers enough for any skier to hone their skills throughout the year. In keeping with their community ethos, the venue is also entirely not-for-profit, meaning all funds get ploughed straight back into the upkeep and development of the existing services.
"Kidsgrove Ski Centre is run on a totally voluntary basis by people who care about Snowsports. We have an enthusiastic team of instructors who are motivated by the wish to develop peoples' skiing, rather than financial gain. We have a team in the ski lodge that provides a very welcoming environment whether issuing skis and boots or serving drinks and snacks from the Oatcake Après café. Whether a beginner, casual skier, or potential expert / instructor, everyone is welcome and we can develop their skiing at an affordable price.
Where is it? Bellahouston Park, 16 Dumbreck Road, Glasgow, G41 5BW.
In terms of centres with racing pedigree, few come as esteemed as Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre. In more recent years, ex-club members Millie Knight and Brett Wild have become renowned for winning two silver medals at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, in addition to their four gold medals at the IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup in 2017, which are now on display in the foyer of Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre.
As you might expect then, the Glasgow Ski Racing club has won multiple awards, including the best club at the English Championships for five consecutive years. The facility also runs a successful and varied freestyle training programme, for both skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. And if it's more the casual side of snowsports you're looking for, Glasgow Ski's multiple snowtubing sessions and party bookings will be enough to keep the whole family entertained.
Mendip Snowsport Centre's facilities are second to none in terms of dry ski slope centres in the skiing UK scene. Their 165m slope is kitted out with bends, moguls, bumps, and jumps, on which visitors can attend any one of a number of tutored sessions and classes with expert trainers. Experienced skiers are also free to turn up independently to use Mendip's excellent facilities, making it a great place to train in the off-season. The venue also has a dedicated toboggan slope for kids' parties and sessions.
"Mendip Snowsport Centre is hidden within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our 165m dry ski slope winds its way through mature evergreen woodland making it more interesting and challenging than most other dry ski slopes in the UK. The Alpine Lounge, our authentic roof-top lounge-bar over looks all the action on our floodlit slopes.
As far as indoor dry ski slopes go, Calshot Ski Slope was always a shoe in to make it onto our list. Based in a huge aircraft hangar, the venue's three slopes are all covered in state-of-the-art Snowflex material, meaning they are softer to fall on, and more natural for skiing (perfect for clumsy beginners and seasoned pro's alike!). The centre offers skills courses and private tuition, and also jas a thriving youth ski club for 7 to 21 year olds.
"Located right next to the Solent in historic aircraft hangars, where else can you get your snowsports fix whilst looking out over panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and beyond?
Calshot's three slopes are covered in Snowflex, a revolutionary new surface which has no holes, making it easy to ski on and softer to fall on. All slopes have lifts and are floodlit, and being inside our massive hangar offers an ideal learning environment whatever the weather. After your session, you can relax with a drink or have a meal in our fully licensed bar at the bottom of the slopes.
Another community venue, run by the members, for the members. Norfolk Snowsports Club has a wide range of slopes, offering options for beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts who wish to tackle their tricky mogul and wave slopes. The club has an active and successful race team, in addition to running regular freestyle sessions and classes. Because of their range of expertise and facilities, Norfolk Snowsports Club are one of the most inclusive venues on the skiing UK scene.
"We are quite uniquely run in that the majority of our team are volunteers, supported by a small group of paid staff. Our Instructors, boot fitters, and adaptive helpers are all committed to sharing their passion for all things snowsports!
Our 170m slope offers a wide range of terrain and excellent fun for those trying the moguls or grabbing some 'air' over the kicker. In addition to tasters & beginners lessons, we have a variety of club for members to join, from Ladies Club, Freestyle sessions, Junior Clubs and the extremely successful Race team. We host regular events, at National level, such as the All England last year, as well as regional ERSA's and Special Olympics. In addition, we have our annual renowned Farmers Jam, a brilliant freestyle event which attracts people from all over the country. Around 50 female boarders attended our 2nd Wicked Sisters this May. as we see this side of the Club continue to flourish.
Based in the North West, Runcorn Snowsports Centre is a popular venue that offers dry ski slope facilities and a range of equipment hire and snowsports classes. Tutors on site are experienced, friendly, and can teach up to a high level in both skiing and snowboarding. There are also snow tubing facilities, private lessons, and open ski sessions held twice weekly, for experienced skiers to hone their skills.
"Having been in the snowsports industry for over 30 years I have seen many changes and developments; some more successful than others. Here at Runcorn we have used this experience to improve the facilities each year.
We recognise our limitations: we are not the longest ski slope in the country but our size really does allow us to know and understand our customers. We offer small class sizes and exclusive slope use for private lessons; a truly personal service.
It's probably easier to cover the facilities that Plymouth Ski Centre doesn't have, such is the standard of this premier skiing UK venue. With state of the art dry ski slopes, including some of the most daring and challenging artificial routes in the country, this venue is ideally suited to those who really want to test themselves before embarking on a ski vacation.
That isn't to say that Plymouth Ski Centre haven't placed an emphasis on development and training. With classes running throughout the year at a variety of different levels, and some of the best and most welcoming tutors in the country, this facility is perfect for any snowsports enthusiast, regardless of experience or ability.
"I would say that we are uniquely positioned as the most southerly snowsports facility in the UK, making us the slope of choice for Devon and Cornwall. We have one of the longest main slopes in the UK, a large rideable area (total of 4 slopes), and an iconic steep and challenging top section of the main slope.
For skiers in the North West, Oval Ski Club is a fantastic, all-encompassing dry ski slope venue with a range of coaching options and a successful club reputation. Located in the Wirral, the club operates on a not-for-profit basis, with all funds going towards the upkeep of the club and the facility.
Community then, is at the heart of this venue, with regular, volunteer-led sessions ranging from junior club, adult club, and open practice times. Oval Ski Club also run a variety of competitive and recreational race events, to introduce a variety of new skiers to this form of the sport.
While there may be a great variety of options in the North of England when it comes to skiing and snowsports, it's fair to say that there's not many that match the size and scale of Silksworth Ski Centre. With two nursery slopes for beginners, and a massive 165m dry ski slope for more experienced athletes, the venue is well prepared to accommodate skiers of all abilities.
As the only ski slope in the North East, the facility attracts the best instructors in the area. Essentially, if you're looking to get started at one of the leading skiing UK venues, you won't go wrong with Silksworth Sports Complex.
"Silksworth Sports Complex and Snow Sport Centre is the home of skiing in the North East of England. With our 160m main slope and two beginner slopes, Silksworth provides the ideal venue for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy snow sports.
Everyone Active's qualified colleagues are on hand to guide and support you through all aspects of your time at the centre. Whether it's our friendly and informed front of house staff when booking, our skilled attendants who will support in equipment selection, or our instructors team who will tailor lessons to suit all your needs, everyone is here to help.
All three slopes have are equipped with high-quality matting, allowing for the optimum skiing experience, as well as floodlights and up lift. The main slope also benefits from a full mist system and Poma lift. Everyone Active also offer a vast range of lesson and activities to encourage people from across the local community and beyond to get active and involved in winter sports, whatever the season.
Gloucester Ski and Snowboard centre is an all encompassing venue in the west of England. Facilities include a massive 255 metre main slope, a Snowlflex kitted funpark including grind rails, quarter pipes and a kicker, two nursery slopes, an AirBag for practising daring flips and tricks, and a whole host of equipment for sale and to hire. This, in addition to fully licensed bars and restaurants, makes Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre one of the most comprehensive venues in the UK. This also means, of course, that the facility can run all the training sessions and coaching you might need, including learn to ski and snowboard sessions for beginners, kids-specific groups, and adult classes. There are also two active clubs on site, Gloucester Ski Club and Gloucester Freestyle Club for those looking to take their snowsports to the next level.
"Gloucester has four slopes, one of which is the longest in England and Wales at 255 metres. This slope and the marginally shorter freestyle slope, with its fun park, regularly host national race and freestyle events. A nursery slope for beginners and a tubing slope are further additions to Gloucester's armoury. With a licensed café/bar, the My Race ski shop and Battle Hill laser tag all on site, this venue is as well equipped for skiers and boarders, as it is for the après scene.
The slope has a fantastic core of instructors who have a wealth of experience and lessons cater for ages 3 and up. The slope owns a BigAirbag, so every Wednesday throughout the winter and the first and last Wednesday's of the month in the summer, you can come and practice tricks without worrying about having to perform that perfect 10 landing.
Torquay Alpine Ski Club bills themselves as "Snowsports in the English Riviera," which is about as idyllic as it sounds. The popular facility is kitted out with Dendrix surfaces, which many people believe to be the most realistic artificial substitute for snow.
The venue is also an exponent of snowsports to be used as a regular form of exercise, rather than just a one-off weekend activity. As such, they run a range of ski and snowboard lessons, in addition to informal ski coffee mornings, and race training for those looking to get a competitive edge.
Warmwell Snowsports Centre is a well-known name in the Skiing UK scene, particularly in the South of England. With a huge 110m main slope, in addition to nursery slopes with specifically designed teaching lanes, and a fun park and jump zone for more daring skiers, there is enough space and enough facilities to please everyone. The venue also runs a wide array of snow sports, including snow tubes, sledges, and snowboarding.
"Situated in the heart of Warmwell Holiday Park in the Dorset countryside, just minutes from the Jurassic Coast, Warmwell Snowsports Centre offers a unique and unrivalled setting for a dry ski slope. It is the ideal destination for an active holiday, where snow sports enthusiasts can combine a break with easy access to the slope.
As one of the original dry ski slopes on the skiing UK scene, it was inevitable that Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre made it onto our list. Having more recently been taken over by Snowsport Cymru Wales, the 100m main dry ski slope is run largely by volunteers and local snowsports enthusiasts.
That does not mean, however, that the range of services is diminished compared to other commercial venues operating around the UK. The venue runs a popular and successful Cardiff Ski Club on Tuesday nights, catering for talented newbies, and international level competitors alike, in addition to hosting snow tubing parties for children, and instructor courses for those looking to brush up on their skills.
Brentwood Ski Centre garners a lot of plaudits, both with our students and readers, and in the wider Skiing UK community, for being an inclusive venue. Their huge range of classes and beginners' sessions are perfect to get people into snowsports, and they also have a great reputation for teaching mainstream, learning difficulties, and special needs school groups and individuals.
The centre isn't just restricted to skiing, either. With regular snowboarding and tubing sessions, and weekly school visits, the venue is as comfortable hosting Olympic level skiers, as it is teaching young children the benefits of engaging with snowsports.
"Brentwood Park Ski and Snowboard Centre represents the grassroots of Snowsports. To Ski and Snowboard effortlessly on a dry ski slope, your technique has to be near 100% spot on: you just can't cheat! We love to teach beginners and hope that they pick up 'the bug' for Skiing and Snowboarding' from our talented instructors. As a family run business we get to know our customers on a more personal level, they come back to us year after year.
Our Winter Season is spent in the main teaching schools that are heading away on their annual ski trip. Schools understand the benefits of having the children taught here with us first, it allows the children to progress much quicker in the mountains because they have the basic foundations already.
We host Essex Race Club 3 times a week for their training and facilitate many of the Summer Races from the ERSA and SERSA circuit. Universities with both Ski and Snowboard race teams use our coaches and train with us for the Kings Races. With our instructors here qualified with both UK and Overseas qualifications, their experience and knowledge is greatly valued and respected.
Before you head for the hills to your nearest skiing UK venue (either indoor, real, or artificial), it's worth bearing in mind that skiing and snowboarding are just like any other sport – although they are undoubtedly fun, exhilarating, and accessible, they require some level of fitness to really make improvements.
If you're wondering how to make sure you're ready for your first skiing or snowboarding lesson before heading out to the nearest indoor skiing near you, bear in mind that a large part of skiing and snowboarding is about balance, which therefore requires core strength and functional fitness.
To find out more about how to improve these specific areas, without needing expensive gym memberships, check out our ultimate guide to home workouts.
Increasingly, we're seeing more and more of our students specialising in training athletes in niche sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and indoor climbing, following their graduation.
If you fancy an exciting and flexible career training top level athletes in a sport which you are passionate about, get in contact with our enrolment team by requesting a free prospectus to talk about embarking on a career in fitness instructing and personal training!
They will tell you all you need to know about acquiring your level two and level three personal training qualifications, and where your career can take you next!
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