Dry/Real Snow Slopes

Dry/Real Snow Slopes: Intro

An excellent way of getting to grips with the basics of skiing or snowboarding is to take lessons on one of the many artificial ski slopes scattered across the UK.

We strongly advise taking lessons at an artificial slope. Although skiing and boarding on artificial surfaces cannot replicate the awesome sensation of real snow, artificial slopes are a very valuable learning tool.

Another bonus is that skiing or boarding on snow will seem easier and friendlier when you come to it.

Visit our UK slopes map to find your nearest slope and contact details.

UK skiing: the facts

• Dry slopes are made of a white synthetic material designed to simulate snow. This is either dendex – comprising large hexagons of plastic bristles – or the newer innovation, snowflex – a carpet-like flat matting with smaller, thinner bristles which is laid over a soft foam bed. The latter is more forgiving, but less widely found at the moment.
• Indoor man-made 'real' snow slopes use the same technology as the snow canons found adjacent to pistes in many resorts, whereby water droplets are propelled at high pressure using compressed air and frozen into crystals. There are currently four real snow slopes in the UK, in Tamworth, Milton Keynes, Castleford and the Chill FactorE. There are plans for more in the pipeline: keep checking the news section of our website for latest updates.
• Clothing – wear old trousers, a waterproof jacket, thick socks and, most importantly, a tough pair of gloves. (Ordinary wool gloves are not ideal). Some centres hire out clothing – check with your local slope beforehand. The rental shop in Xscape Milton Keynes is even run by Topshop!
• Kit – Skis, poles, snowboards, blades and the relevant boots can be hired at the slope, so no need to outlay money on expensive kit for your first foray into snowsports.
• Lessons – the cost of lessons will vary according to whether you choose a group or private lesson, its duration, and if it is at peak time. Contact the individual slope for specific information.

The Urban Ride

• The Urban Ride, formerly the British Snowsports Tour, travels around the country's artificial ski slopes, spreading the love of snowsports to everyone who's willing to listen. You can pick up information and inspiration from pro skiers, professional coaches and film-makers. The tour stops off at artificial ski slopes and other venues throughout the UK, so find out where it's stopping off in your vicinity and head over to pick up ideas and advice from the best.
• The tour is led by Warren Smith, one of the directors of the Snow's in the House ski film trilogy and founder of the Warren Smith Ski Academy in Verbier, freeskiing's home.
• Scoop up freebies from DVDs to t-shirts and stand the chance of winning brilliant prizes like a holiday to Saas Fee.
• Free taster sessions are on offer for beginners looking to give it a go – start your snowsports career in style with the top coaches.

You can also:

• Learn more about safety on the mountain: how to use avalanche transceivers and backcountry skiing gear.
• Get tips on how to take a perfect action photo.
• Discover how to shoot a quality movie of your mates.
• Watch freestyle skiers perform trick demos on a trampoline.

To find out about The Urban Ride 2009 check our News and Events pages for the latest updates over the summer and autumn.