Skiing is a fun but difficult hobby, especially as white Christmases in England are few and far between. So, if you want to practice your skills before heading to the Alps, here are some of the best indoor ski slopes in the country.
The Snow Centre
The Snow Centre is based just north-west of London in Hemel Hempstead and is renowned as one of the country's best winter sports facilities. The centre has an extensive 160 metre long slope that gains its alpine quality from snow cannon which incorporates the very latest technology in the industry.
The centre has its own snow school that is accredited by the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, so whether it is your children or yourself looking to brush up on your skills before your holiday, you know you will always receive the very best training.
Chill Factore
The north's answer to the alpine slopes comes in the form of Manchester's Chill Factore, consisting of four separate areas to cater for all skill levels. Chill Factore is home to the longest indoor slope in the country; at 180 metres long, it is a huge attraction for some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the UK.
If you need a break from skiing there are other activities too that include the 60 metre long luge slide and an indoor climbing wall.
SnowDome
Tamworth's SnowDome has not one but two Snow Academy slopes, so there is plenty of time and space to learn to ski so you really make the most of your upcoming holiday. For the more confident of skiers, the centre holds freestyle sessions every Tuesday and Saturday, when adrenaline junkies can try their hand at rails, kicker ramps and boxers.
There is also a swimming pool and bar for when you need a break from the slopes, as well as an ice rink and tobogganing facilities.
SNO!zone
With two locations, one in Milton Keynes and the other in Braehead, Scotland, SNO!zone covers all bases. Each centre is home to over 1,500 tonnes of real snow - so there is plenty to get to grips with - and both have great snow schools to teach all the basics as well as cool tricks before you take to the mountains.
As close as you'll get to the real thing, SNO!zone, at both locations, offers a real skiing and snowboarding experience that is perfect practice for any skiing holiday.
