Indoor Ski Slope - UK

[PPatel89]

Hi, glad I have joined this forum.

I have been skiing a good few times when younger - been to Tignes, Val Thorens and Banff in Canada. Completely stopped when I had my three kids. Husband is now pestering for a family ski holiday in the new year - just wanted to ask a few questions and I wonder if you experts could help.

How many lessons will it take to get a 6, 8 and 11 year old confident with the slopes?
Where is best for lessons in the UK? - I have heard of SnowDome, Tamworth and Chill Factore, Manchester. I live just outside of Carlisle and willing to travel - here is the map
Best Skiing destinations for young ones?

Be great to hear all of your advice and tips.

 

[marzNC]

Welcome! Get ready for a great adventure.

Very hard to predict how quickly a kid will take to skiing. Not just a matter of learning the skills, also a personality factor. Are your kids boys or girls or both? What other sports or individual activities do they enjoy? My daughter enjoyed swimming and gymnastics when she was little, and loved skiing from the first day under age 6. A friend's son had played ice hockey and took to skiing very quickly at age 6. Getting my daughter's girlfriends on the slopes as tweens (8-12) was harder, even with lessons.

For which resort for the family ski vacation, are you asking for suggestions for Europe?

 

[Cygnet]

Where is best for lessons in the UK? - I have heard of SnowDome, Tamworth and Chill Factore, Manchester. I live just outside of Carlisle and willing to travel ...?.

I have heard good reports of the facilities at Chill Factore, Manchester and have friends who occasionally visit there from London. For an indoor slope it is quite big and I think snow quality is ok. I don’t know anything about instruction there or how busy it is at weekends/school holidays.

Have you considered the artificial outdoor slope near Carlisle? Our own World Cup ski racer, Dave Ryding, started skiing on a dry slope when he was 6yrs old and he hasn’t done too badly! https://www.carlislesnowsports.co.uk.

I don’t know how many lessons your children will need - I’m sure there will be regular children’s classes and half-term courses at both places. Be warned - skiing can be addictive and they may want to ski every week!

Have a look at Where To Ski and Snowboard. https://www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com/. Check out the sections on families and beginners, as well as their resort reviews. I have also found a useful article on benefits of dry slope for children. https://www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com/features/why-its-good-to-get-your-children-to-slope-off/

Let us know how you get on.