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You've bought the kit; you've booked your holiday - so what next?
There is no doubt that spending a few hours getting acquainted with the basics of skiing or boarding before you leave will give you a head start for when you finally hit the slopes! While there's still nothing quite like the 'real thing', the UK has a variety of locations offering some serious slope time for beginners, improvers and freestylers alike.
Gone are the days of the stereotypical plastic dry ski slopes - artificial slopes now range from high-tech, lubricated surfaces made from plastic bristles (a bit like fake grass used in garden centres) to synthetic 'real snow' in indoor complexes.
The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
If you're a complete beginner, it's well worth investing in a couple of lessons before you go to learn the basics, as well as snow sports etiquette and safety on the slopes.
All locations have facilities to hire equipment, and often sell or rent out clothing as well - just make sure you take thick socks and a pair of good gloves along with you. Session costs vary depending on the size of the facilities but many are also open in the evenings, allowing you to pop down after work for a quick fix!
Check out local listings for artificial dry slopes and indoor snow slopes
Top UK Snow Domes
Snozone are one of the UK’s leading snow centres for indoor skiing and snowboarding on real snow.
Snozone Xscape Castleford, Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 4TA
T: (+44) 0333 0030 520
E: enquiriescastleford@snozoneuk.com
Snozone's other centre in Milton Keynes also offers skiers and snowboarders an authentic slope experience.
Snozone Xscape, 602 Marlborough Gate Central, Milton Keynes, MK9 3XS
T: (+44) 0333 0030 520
E: enquiriesmk@snozoneuk.com
Private Ski Lessons, Group Ski Lessons or Lift Passes they've got everything you need to get the most out of your snow time.
St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 9NH
T: (+44) 01442 241321
E: info-hml@thesnowcentre.com
Manchester's Snow Centre offers everything from tasters to intermediate lessons and equipment is free – there’s no excuse!
7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Urmston, Stretford, Manchester M41 7JA
T: (+44) 0161 749 2222
E: info-mcr@thesnowcentre.com
There's something for everyone at Tamworth's real snow indoor skiing venue, from toboggans to ski and snowboard lessons.
Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7ND
T: (+44) 08448 000011
E: info@snowdome.co.uk
Top UK Dry Ski Slopes
Everyone is welcome at Snowtrax, from those wishing to improve their skiing skills to the outright novice looking for ski or snowboard lessons.
Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6AW
T: (+44) 01202 499155
E: info@snowtrax.eu
Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre
Whether skiing or snowboarding, new to the sport or with many years experience, Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre is a great place to learn.
198 Fairwater Road, Fairwater, Cardiff CF5 3JR
T: +44 (0)7882 969248
E: info@skicardfiff.co.uk
The Hi Rossendale offers a range of board and ski lessons for all ages, from beginner to advanced.
Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, Lancashire BB4 8RR
T: (+44) 01706 226457
E: info@skirossendale.co.uk
Suffolk Ski and Leisure Park in Ipswich offers ski and board lessons and courses for all ages.
Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ
T: (+44) 01473 602347
E: Info@suffolkskicentre.co.uk
Llandudno Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre
Home to the longest toboggan run in Britain and a scenic PermaSnow ski slope, Llandudno Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre offers skiing, snowboarding, toboggan & sno-tubing with a fully licensed Alpine Lodge Bar & Restaurant.
John Nike Leisuresport Complex, Great Orme, Llandudno LL30 2QL
T: (+44) 01492 874707
E: jnl-llandudno@nikegroup.co.uk
Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre’s slopes cater for all levels of skier, snowboarder. It's the venue for year round snowsports. And when it rains or snows, things just get ever better and faster!
Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA
T: (+44) 01452 501438
E: enquiries@gloucesterski.com
Plymouth Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre
Plymouth Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre ius a large leisure facility & dry ski slope, offering a structured skill level system and group lessons with other participants of the same ability.
Plymouth Ski Centre, Alpine Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8LW
T: (+44) 01752 600220
E: jnlplymouth@nikegroup.co.uk
Norfolk Snowsports Club was founded in 1972 and has grown over the years to become one of the largest member run ski and snowboard clubs in the country.
Norfolk Snowsports Club, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8TW
T: (+44) 01603 662781
E: reception@norfolksnowsports.com