No matter the season, come rain or shine, you can get your fix of riding the slopes and put your skills to the test. Whether you are getting your ski legs back or planning your first trip enjoy the indoor UK ski slopes.
The Winter has ended but that is no need to fret. Despite the fact, we all now know that our next ski holiday is a while away and whether you are a beginner or an expert, this could lead you to experience a little seasonal affective disorder in reverse! We love the mountains and snow. But, there is no need to worry, even if we experience another heatwave like last year, you too could find yourself with your skis and boards on in 27c heat. So we thought we would put together the ultimate guide to indoor skiing & dry slopes in the UK.
When talking about indoor skiing & dry slopes in the UK, we have a little stigma. The misconception is either; for beginners, it’s a little daunting, for intermediates that it’s going to be boring and for experts, well, a total waste of time. BUT stop right there, Indoor Skiing and dry slopes are going to become your favourite past time to escape the British summer and have a little slice of winter.
So we did all the research for you, by location, level of awesome/enjoyment and all the essential variables on the UK Indoor Ski Slopes.
UK indoor ski slopes
Indoor skiing & dry slopes in the UK covers the breadth and depth of the UK from North to South, Scotland to London and everywhere in between. We can put tenner bets on the fact there will be a centre near you, and this article aims to discover the nearest indoor ski slope or the nearest dry slope to you or indeed narrow down which ones are worth travelling to for the best outta season experience. We even managed to visit a centre ourselves and find out what makes the best indoor ski slopes worth a trip.
So let’s dive in, from north to south, look out for the award badges for the best centres and which we think bring a little slice of winter to you no matter the time of year.
PS, check out the latest collection of ski jackets that effortlessly combine style and practicality. Specially designed to cater to male and female skiers alike, our collection ensures that you remain on the cutting edge of fashion while guaranteeing comfort, safety, and warmth on the slopes.
Where: The Mound Stockiemuir Rd, Glasgow
Info: Bearsden Ski Club was formed over 50 years ago by a small band of enthusiasts. Located in the middle of Bearsden the club quickly grew to be recognised as one of the major influencers in Scottish skiing, producing many world-class skiers, including Olympian Lesley Beck and Douglas Crawford. Brush shoulders with local heroes!
Best Known For: That quarter pipe lifestyle for the win!
Average Price: Call 0141 943 1500 to find out more.
Where: 16 Dumbreck Road, Glasgow
Info: Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre is the premier outdoor artificial slope in the city and the West of Scotland. Whether your adventure begins with private or group lessons, a tubing party, race training, freestyle or you’ve just dropped into the cafe/bar, Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre offers mountains of fun on Glasgow’s doorstep, all year round.
Best Known For: The grind rails are an epic place to practice.
Average Price: info@ski-glasgow.co.uk to find out more.
Where: Garthdee Road, Aberdeen
Info: “The ever-changing slopes of Aberdeen Snowsports have been an iconic landmark of the city for decades. There has been a dry ski slope in Garthdee since 1967 – in fact, we recently celebrated the 50th birthday of the slope! In the old days, it was called the Kaimhill Ski Slope and as the pictures show, the equipment was somewhat different!”
Best Known For: The ideal spot for beginner freestylers; nurture your inner adventurer!
Average Price: snowsports@sportaberdeen.co.uk for more info
Where: Glasgow, Just off the M8 at junction 25a (W) or 26 (E)
Info: Snow Factor is the only centre in Scotland, but this has worked out as a fabulous thing as the centre is fantastic and offers something for everyone! From beginner lessons, lessons for kids, free skiing on the slope, as well as some pretty epic freestyle coaching. They have park nights, but most notably, ice climbing, helping you become the most well-balanced mountaineer. It almost feels as if you are on the slopes; with the light and the excellent snow quality, it's an awesome way to spend an afternoon!
Best Known For: The freestyle camps and Ice climbing wall!
Average Price: 2hr Peak Lift Pass, £15 Fri from 6pm, all day Sat & Sun
Where: Silksworth Lane, City of Sunderland
Info: There are various activities for you to enjoy at the Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope. Home to the Northeast’s premier ski facility with three ski slopes consisting of 160 meters of floodlit and misted main slope and two dedicated nursery ski slopes. Lessons are available for all levels and are run by our highly qualified instructors. Silksworth ski centre has something to offer skiers/boarders of all levels, from complete beginners to national-level racers. Silksworth Ski Slope is also home to the RTR Ski Club (Northeast England’s premier ski racing club), established in 1975!
Best Known For: Skiing under the floodlights!
Average Price: Join the club to gain access.
Where: Canal Head North, Kendal
Info: Skiing used to be viewed as an elitist sport, but this has never been the case at Kendal. The club was formed with the principle of skiing for anyone who wants to have a go. This was, and always will be, the foundation stone of the club. The only change has been to embrace Snowboarding into this ethos.
Best Known For: For all, for the love of riding!
Average Price: Annual membership starts at just £35.00 per year!
Where: Nestled in the hills above Halifax, West Yorkshire
Info: Halifax Snow Sports is one of the UK’s premier dry slopes with a permanent kicker, 1/4 pipe, moguls, and a fun box. It’s a great way to learn or improve your skills, especially if you like freestyle! It’s also a great ride if you catch the slope with fresh snow on it in the Winter.
Best Known For: Heaven for freestylers!
Average Price: info@ridehalifax.co.uk for more information.
Where: Castleford
Info: “Snozone are the UK’s leading snow centres for indoor skiing and snowboarding on real snow. Snozone’s two indoor snow centres, located in Milton Keynes and Castleford, offer skiers and snowboarders an authentic slope experience. Whether it’s your first time on skis or you’re an experienced snowboarder, Snozone has a range of indoor activities to suit all ages and all abilities – they’ve taught nearly 2 million guests since opening in 2000.”
We love Snozone Castleford as not only is it situated in the Xscape centre, which is full of super fun things to do and great bars & restaurants but the centre is an excellent place to brush up on your skills without getting bored. The slope is impeccably well looked after. Whether you are a beginner or even an expert, hang out with the friendly local instructors, and you will get precisely what you need to ready yourself for the outdoor slopes! They also work extensively with Disability Snowsports, ensuring the slope is accessible and fun for all!
Best Known For: Slope quality, the lovely locals, and a low-key environment made for ALL types of rider.
Average Price: Summer SALE Alert! 3 hours slope pass for just £24.99 for Adults and £19.99
Where: Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, Lancashire, BB4 8RR
Info: Ski Rossendale as a facility where all people can come together to have fun, whilst learning to Ski and Board. It has long been an iconic leisure facility in Rossendale and the aim to once again put Ski Rossendale on the map as a ‘must Visit’ attraction within the North West of England.
Freestyle is an increasingly popular part of the ski and snowboard industry and Ski Rossendale has always been a centre that people travel to to hit the jumps. These features are perfect for learning new tricks and progressing abilities on a personal level. A large Fun Park with permanent kickers and rail, and permanent ‘bumps’ on the main slope. Come and try them out.
Best Known For: Outdoor slope, perfect for freestyle!
Average Price: £15 per 50 mins.
Where: 4 miles away from Manchester City Centre, adjacent to The Trafford Centre
Info: From Ski and Snowboard Lessons for all levels, ages and abilities, to Snow Fun activities, including the Downhill Donuts and more, Chill Factore has everything for a great day out.
As a real destination of choice Chill Factore offers some of the UK’s leading outdoor clothing shops offering big brand names, all along the authentic Alpine Street. There truly is something for everyone. At Chill Factore they cater for absolutely everyone, including people with disabilities. Home to Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) – a nationwide registered charity providing adaptive skiing for individuals with any disability, including physical, sensory and learning difficulties.
Best Known For: Park night and a day out for the whole family!
Average Price: 2-hour Lift Pass off-peak from £24
We also had the chance to interview Jacob, a local rider from the centre to get his insider knowledge. Let’s see what he had to say:
Q. What makes an indoor slope unique compared to abroad?
Q. What are the best days/nights to enjoy the slope with your friends?
Q. What top tips do you have to improve Skiing?
Q. Where is your fave place to ski in the Alps?
Q. What do you wear when you visit the indoor slope?
Jacob - Freeride Enthusiast & Chill Factore Regular
Where: Clitheroe Rd, Sabden, Lancashire
Info: Pendle is a slope built on sound investment. Member-owned and run completely by volunteers, every penny earned is re-invested back into the infrastructure. That’s why they are proud to boast that they have one of the country's best “dry” surfaces.
“We’ve already trained one Olympian, and now we’re looking for the next. Whatever you want to achieve, whether it’s a gold or just to be able to ski at your next winter holiday, we have a slope you could be proud of too!”
Best Known For: Training Olympians and nurturing talent.
Average Price: Membership from £45.
Where: The SnowDome is easy to find and just 5 minutes from junction 10 of the M42 or M6 toll road.
Info: The original and ultimate snow, ice and leisure experience and the leading choice for skiers, snowboarders and fun seekers alike. Real snow, all year round, provides the ultimate surface to learn and enjoy these exciting sports. The 170-metre main slope and the two Snow Academy areas (separate teaching slopes) offer a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons and sessions.
Best Known For: Family fun but with the best tuition available, great for beginners.
Average Price: 2hr passes From £19.40.
Where: Snozone Xscape 602 Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes
Info: With a wealth of experience in snow sports, coaching can help you improve your technique and give you the confidence to go faster and higher with style! Providing private lessons and group sessions to help you reach your potential. Why not try the exhilarating Freestyle coaching sessions delivered by the expert coaches and the award-winning park shaper team?
They believe snow sports should be available for everyone, so for those with additional needs. They also offer adaptive lessons on a private one-to-one basis delivered by Snozone Disability Snowsports.
Best Known For: Freestyle coaching and accessibility.
Average Price: Summer SALE Alert! 3 hours slope pass for just £24.99 for Adults and £19.99
Where: Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham
Info: 100m of fun on the dry slope is available in Birmingham. They have floodlit synthetic bristle matting slopes available for use throughout the year. The main slope is approximately 100 metres long and incorporates a drag-button ski lift. They also have a 30-metre nursery slope which is exclusively used as a nursery slope for teaching beginner lessons. The slope is available for hire too! How fun is that?
Best Known For: Available for hire, how fun would that be, sunny day, you are your mates and full access to the slope to get winter ready!
Average Price: “We have a 1-hour rate, 2-hour rate or all day rate! We recommend pre-booking just to ensure we have the capacity for you or there are no pre-booked events running.”
Where: Sir Herbert Wragg Way, Swadlincote
Info: Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is a large leisure facility & dry ski slope providing Skiing, Snowboarding, Toboggan & Sno-Tubing with a fully licensed bar and restaurant. The main slope is 170 metres long and 22 metres wide. They also have a nursery slope for beginners. They offer children’s birthday parties, and team day outs and a Function room if you are looking to throw a big party!
Best Known For: A massive 170m long! So many activities are possible
Average Price: Email for more info on lessons and private free ski time.
Where: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Info: Whether you’re a beginner, main slope ready, expert or anything in between, we have a Ski Lesson suitable for you. As Britain’s newest Indoor Ski Centre, they deliver the alpine conditions every skier and snowboarder dream of. Here you’ll find a huge 160m main slope as well as the largest indoor ski lesson slope in the UK. Both ski and snowboarding slopes are over 30m wide and maintained with the perfect snow surface- perfect for all your indoor skiing and snowboarding needs!
After your session on the slope, be sure to visit our Schuss Bar on the slope, and enjoy FREE tea & coffee during your session.
Best Known For: The closest you will get to the Alps without travelling! Excellent slope and even an apres bar!
Average Price: “Our Lift Pass Offers are promotions and have limited availability. Please book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Once our Lift Pass Offers have sold out, there may be space on our 1 Hour or 2 Hour Lift Passes.”
For skiers by skiers with incredible views
Where: The slope is located in the beautiful Bathpool Park, which received Green Flag status in 2013.
Info: The club is operated by skiers for skiers. The staff and instructors are all volunteer members who give up their time to operate the centre for the benefit of all other club members.
In 2004 we received a lottery grant which, when added to our savings, enabled us to re-grade the slope and fit a new carpet-type ski surface (Playgrass) which is safer and more like snow.
Best Known For: Revolutionary material, just like the Alps! Pretty sick view too!
Average Price: Book a lesson or become a member to find out more!
Where: 5 minutes from the A3
Info: Don’t waste valuable ski holiday time (and lift pass money). Learn the basics or blow out the cobwebs before you go! They are normally quieter and cheaper than the indoor snow slopes (and are probably closer too).
All instructors have a wealth of experience – most of them have been teaching for years.
Best Known For: “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, old or young, with a group or on your own, we’ve got something to offer you.”
Average Price: Get in touch for more info on prices and courses.
Where: London SW6
Info: What can you expect from the Chel-Ski experience? Friendly staff, great facilities, attentive and fully qualified instructors giving high-quality tuition and feedback, various challenges on the slopes, visible improvement in your technique, increased confidence, an intense workout and a lot of fun!
Best Known For: Learn new skills & an epic workout in the centre of London
Average Price: Price start at £225 for an hour with an instructor.
This is a new generation of indoor skiing
Where: Dukes Meadows, London
Info: They are not like traditional indoor ski centres or dry slopes. Due to the unique capabilities of our constantly revolving slope, they can maintain full control over the skiing environment. From the gradient of the slope to the speed at which it runs, they ensure that the conditions are perfectly suited to your development. All ski lessons include full instruction with qualified snow-sports instructors at a maximum instructor-to-pupil ratio of 1:2. Looking for a private ski lesson? No problem, they offer those too.
Best Known For: This new generation of indoor skiing experience uses a continuously rotating ski track (think giant treadmill…) that brushes aside the need for snow, especially the queues and lifts that slow down your lessons.
Average Price: 30 min group lesson starts at £40.50.
Where: Esher hill in Surrey
Info: They have four dry ski slopes for all abilities. Whether you are a complete beginner or more advanced, they welcome everyone. They have many professional instructors capable of teaching across all levels. They have a vast range of junior ski courses and adult ski courses. Learn to ski with a packaged course or one-to-one private ski lessons; they can tailor lessons to suit your needs.
Best Known For: Views over the London skyline- a pretty unique place to ski!
Average Price: 30 min group lesson starts at £40.50.
Where: Happy Valley Gardens, Great Orme, Llandudno
Info: The longest toboggan run in Britain and a scenic PermaSnow ski slope. Offering skiing, snowboarding, toboggan & sno-tubing with a fully licensed Alpine Lodge Bar & Restaurant. The views are pretty unique and with the Welsh hills, it’s not dissimilar to the Alpine mountains just on a smaller scale.
Best Known For: 200m of Alpine-style slope ready to be experienced
Average Price: Available in 1.5-hour sessions to suit you!
Where: Fairwater Park, only ten minutes from Cardiff City Centre
Info: The main area of expertise is introducing people to snow sports and sharing our passion for skiing and snowboarding. Providing activities for all levels and ages in individual, group and recreational settings. We run over 11,000 sessions a year and provide special deals for schools and businesses.
Instructor courses, school events and competitions are run at our slope throughout the year. They also have a very successful junior ski school on Saturdays and Sundays.
Best Known For: Put your skills to the test.
Average Price: Contact them on info@skicardiff.co.uk for more info.
Where: Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset
Info: “Learning to ski is a great experience; our professional ski instructors are passionate about the sport.” Everyone is welcome here at Snowtrax, from those wishing to improve their skiing or snowboarding skills to the outright novice looking for their first ski or snowboard lessons! You don’t even need to hit the slopes to have a great time; relax in our Alpine Bistro and indulge in one of our alpine-themed gourmet burgers, or just soak in the scenery with a freshly ground cup of coffee.
Best Known For: For experienced skiers to build skills
Average Price: 2-Hour Session from £12.90
Where: Brentwood, Essex
Info: Whether you are looking just to have some fun, brush up on your skills or prepare for a winter holiday, they are the best – the easiest to get to and the most affordable choice in the southeast. They are open to everyone – and if you can already ski or snowboard, you can come without the need to book; alternatively, if you are a beginner and would like to give it a try, they offer a range of one-off lessons as well as courses to get you started.
Activities offered: With two interlinked main slopes, a separate nursery slope and a separate tubing slope, you can Skiing Snowboarding & Tube all year round. As a family-run business that has been here since the late 70s we are passionate about Snowsports and want to promote the grassroots of Skiing and Snowboarding here in the UK. Teaching Skiing from the age of 4, Snowboarding from the age of 8. And Tubing is available to anybody from age 6 years old with adult supervision. Encouraging a fun family environment that can offer Skiing and Snowboarding to all. Lessons run seven days a week, as do recreational sessions.
Wednesday nights, all year round, a Freestyle night runs, open to all experienced Skiers and Boarders. A Thursday morning throughout our Winter timetable is a Ladies' Morning for Skiing from Beginners through to regular, more advanced skiers.
We host the Southern Special Olympic Ski Team training monthly and Essex Race Club’s training here three times a week at the slope. The Eastern Region and London and South East Race circuit run races here yearly, as do KINGS, the university circuit.
Best known for: Unique and exciting venue with killer views
Average price: Recreational sessions – starting from £16 for 2 hours.
Learn to ski or board for as little as £50 per hour.
Where: Capstone Road, Gillingham, Medway
Info: They have been in business since November 1985, and with this legacy, a quality, fun and friendly establishment is open to all. Enjoy that epic toboggan run, free ski and board with your friends to brush up on your skills or enjoy a lesson with a local veteran. A great local spot in Essex.
Best Known For: Main bristle slope is 200 metres long; we also have the longest toboggan run in the UK
Average Price: For more info on freestyle skiing, call 01634 827 979.
Where: Warmwell Holiday Park
Info: The Snowsports Centre at Warmwell is one of the UK’s top ski and snowboard slopes, with an amazing 110-metre outdoor ski slope and a nursery slope where you can learn the ropes with one of the friendly instructors. On top of skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy rings, swiss bob and even sledging!
Best Known For: Try out your skills on the Fun Park and Jump Zone.
Average Price: You’ll be able to get 20% off your session passes. Call 01305 854 216 to find out more.
Where: Bourne Hill, Ipswich, Suffolk
Info: Open practice is available to all competent skiers and snowboarders, from those developing their new skiing and snowboarding skills to the more advanced racers and freestylers. There is no need to book for general practice; each session lasts up to 1.5 hours. equipment hire is included in the price.
The practice is available during any of our opening times. However, Saturday’s practice is unavailable until 12.30 pm due to Children’s Workshop Sessions and Vikings Ski Race Training.
Best Known For: The main slope is 180 metres long, incorporating a contoured ‘red’ run, a softer ‘blue’ run
Average Price: Annual membership starts from £40
Where: Alpine Park, Plymouth
Info: The Centre is open throughout the year for Tubing, Tobogganing, Skiing and Snowboarding. Lessons are available for every standard, including advanced racing and instruction training.
The Centre features four slopes and two lifts, offering unrivalled skiing in the West Country. The tobogganing and tubing facilities are amazing too! Super fun.
Best Known For: tobogganing and tubing facilities are next level!
Average Price: Available in 1.5-hour sessions to suit you! Contact jnlplymouth@nikegroup.co.uk for more info.
Where: Robinswood Hill, Gloucester
Info: “Gloucester Ski & Snowboard centre has always been a focal point for many of the younger community in the surrounding area, and we believe it is about time it was given some love and attention.
The newly revamped venue will feature a refurbished T-Bar café/ restaurant with lots of tasty food and both hot and cold drinks suitable for whatever English weather is thrown at us! As well as regular events, and guest appearances from famous faces, we have invested in a GIANT Air Bag, which is always open for public use – come down and check it out! We guarantee you will enjoy it!”
Best Known For: THEY ARE GETTING AN AIRBAG! Great value too!
Average Price: Contact enquiries@gloucesterski.com for more info.
Where: Norwich, Norfolk
Info: “Once you have completed your beginner’s lessons, you can join the Club and attend our supervised sessions. This is where our instructors help you ski confidently, progressing from the nursery slope onto the main and making you look great and feel ready enough to book your first ‘snow’ holiday. You can also then look to join our various coaching sessions such as Fast-Track to Parallel, Junior, Ladies or Masters Clubs or the Race and Freestyle Coaching to improve you further and get you bombing down the big slope with the air of confidence one would expect of an expert on the slopes! “
Best Known For: Progression!
Average Price: Adult Beginner Ski Timetable starting at £75pp
We have the inside scoop for you all; we heard on the grapevine or shall we say, on the Ski Pole that there is a new centre under development! Introducing Midlothian Snowsports Centre. The latest name in ski centres in the UK, the new kid on the block bringing EVERYTHING you would hope for in a dry slope. Think the Uk’s longest Alpine Coaster, Zipline, activity dome, slope extension and much much more. This will put Midlothian firmly on the map, easily accessible from Edinburgh, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.
We cannot wait to see what events they have in their calendar given the incredible winter sports talent coming from Scotland; this will ensure local riders and pros alike can practice and who knows. . . represent for British snowsports!
What is the benefit of indoor skiing and dry slopes?
Indoor skiing and dry slope facilities allow you to practice and enjoy skiing year-round, no matter the weather. They provide the perfect environment to hone skills, stay fit, and enjoy a dose of winter fun even during the off-season.
Do indoor ski centres provide equipment?
Yes, most indoor skiing centres in the UK provide essential skiing equipment for rent, such as skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets. It's recommended to check with each centre directly for availability and costs.
That’s it for the moment, guys, we hope you find this article useful! If we have missed your favourite local slopes, please let us know and we shall put it in. If you are heading to a local ski slope, indoor or out, send us a pic, tag us online and let us know how you got on tag @dopesnow or @ridestore using #Dopesnow #Ridestore.
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Thanks, and ride on!
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