Britain's top dry ski slopes and indoor snow centres
Aside from being a fun day out for the family, the UK’s vast array of dry ski slopes and indoor snow centres provide the perfect opportunity for a pre-season warm up or to sample skiing or snowboarding for the first time.
With slopes across the country, from Glasgow to Hemel Hempstead, it's never been easier to visit your local centre, get fit and have heaps of fun, without the hefty price tag of travelling abroad.
The Snow Centre
This is where those celebrity types trained before competing in Channel 4's The Jump. The Snow Centre has a 160m real snow slope including boxes, rails and kickers for freestylers. Lessons for all abilities are also available. Two-hour adult lift passes cost from £37.
Where is it?
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
More info thesnowcentre.com
Snozone
These two indoor snow centres have real snow slopes and new freestyle terrain built each week. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for all levels and ages, and there’s also sledging and ice sliding.
Where are they?
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire; Castleford, West Yorkshire
More info snozoneuk.com
Chill Factore
At 180m, this is the UK's longest indoor real snow slope. As well as the usual lessons and skiing and snowboarding, Chill Factore offers mogul, ski cross and boardercross sessions. Monthly and weekly lift passes are available from £60 and £35 respectively.
Where is it?
Manchester
More info chillfactore.com
Snow Factor
Scotland's only indoor real snow slope is 168m long. There's also an ice climbing wall, a Bavarian-themed restaurant and beer hall, and an ice bar.
Where is it?
Braehead, Glasgow
More info snowfactor.com
Snowdome
This leisure complex has a 170m main slope, two separate learner slopes, an ice rink, swimming pool and gym. The main slope features freestyle elements such as boxes, rails and kickers, and there is also a children’s snowplay area, tubing and tobogganing. Lessons for all abilities are available.
Where is it?
Tamworth, Staffordshire
More info snowdome.co.uk
Snowtrax
A dry slope with the UK's largest independent ski and snowboard retailer store and workshop attached. Snowtrax holds regular freestyle jam competitions, open to any skiers and snowboarders who have experience on freestyle equipment. There's also an alpine adventure park for kids in a woodland area at the bottom of the ski slope.
Where is it?
Christchurch, Dorset
More info snowtrax.eu
Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre
One of the first dry ski slopes in Britain, the original 90m slope here was built in 1969. The slope is now 100m long and hosts lessons, school events and competitions. The slope has a range of freestyle features including a full stair set, a rainbow rail, whale tail, box, kickers and a quarter pipe.
Where is it?
Cardiff, 10 minutes from the city centre
More info skicardiff.co.uk
Ski Rossendale
The North West's most popular dry ski slope has a 200m main slope as well as a freestyle park, nursery slope and quarter pipe. Lessons for all abilities are available and clubs and groups are welcome.
Where is it?
Rawtenstall, Lancashire
More info skirossendale.co.uk
Suffolk Ski Centre
This outdoor dry slope is part of Suffolk Leisure Park. The slope is 180m and there's also a toboggan run – lessons and courses are available for skiers and snowboarders of all levels from four years old and up.
Where is it?
Ipswich, Suffolk
More info suffolkskicentre.co.uk
Llandudno Ski Slope
Boasting Britain's longest toboggan run, the PermaSnow ski slope in North Wales hosts lessons for both skiers and snowboarders as well as tubing.
Where is it?
Llandudno, Conwy
More info jnlllandudno.co.uk
Plymouth Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre
With three slopes on offer including the longest artificial slope in the South West, this centre is easily accessible from Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Private or group lessons are available for all abilities.
Where is it?
Plymouth, Devon
More info jnlplymouth.co.uk
Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre
This centre on the edge of the Cotswolds is set across 12 acres. It has a 240m main slope, 250m recreational/racing slope, fun park, 40m nursery slope, Big Airbag and four lifts.
Where is it?
Gloucester, Gloucestershire
More info gloucesterski.com
Norfolk Snowsports Club
This is one of the largest member-run ski and snowboard clubs in the UK. It's affiliated with Special Olympics UK and hosts fortnightly adaptive sessions for those with disabilities. The 170m main slope hosts a number of events and is open to everyone. Beginner courses are available on the adjoining nursery slope.
Where is it?
Norwich, Norfolk
More info norfolksnowsports.com
Kidsgrove Ski Centre
Operated by volunteers from North Staffs Ski Club, the Kidsgrove Ski Centre is based in Bathpool Park in Stoke-on-Trent. There are two slopes, a main slope for all members and dedicated freestyle slope, which hosts dedicated 'Freestyle Fridays' every other week. Lessons are available as well as membership options. The club operates the slope on a non-profit making basis with all the revenue being used to further improve the slope, facilities and equipment.
Where is it?
Kidsgrove, Staffordshire
More info ski-kidgrove.co.uk
Go Ski Go Board
This campaign from Snowsport England encourages people to learn to ski and snowboard in the UK. Visit the campaign's website for advice and information on how to find your nearest slope and how to organise beginner lessons or taster sessions.
