Indoor snow sport centres are starting to appear up and down
the country. They don't call them ski slopes anymore because they're just as
much a hit with snowboarders as they are with skiers. That's one of the major
differences between the real snow slopes indoors and the old artificial outdoor
slopes - snowboarders get custom built features made from real snow -
impossible on artificial surfaces.
There are six indoor snow centres in the UK now, with The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead
being the latest to open and the nearest to London. It has two main slopes; a training
slope of 100m and a main slope of 160m, both of which are 30m wide. There are 4
lifts servicing the slopes, including two POMA rides for fast ascents. There is
also a safe and separate snowplay area for any smaller kids who are not skiing
yet.
The centre cost £23million to develop and is a British
Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) Centre of Excellence. They are able
to call on a roster of 120 BASI instructors and run a comprehensive ski school
programme for all ages. They even hold fast-track programmes to quickly take
raw beginners through all the basics. These are perfect for anyone who has
booked their first ski holiday abroad and doesn't to waste the first few days
on the nursery slopes.
The main advantage of these types of slopes is their close
similarity with outdoor alpine conditions. The latest snow generation technology
is used to create fresh snow overnight. First they drop the temperature of the
building by a few degrees to allow the new snow to form, then once the snow has
bee made, it is allowed to rise back up to minus one for the public sessions.
It's cool on the slope but not unpleasant; in fact it's quite refreshing and
you get the chance to try out your latest gear.
For snowboarders, the highlights of the week are the
dedicated freestyle sessions that are currently scheduled on Thursday and
Friday evenings. These "Park and Ride" sessions get there own dedicated areas
of the slopes, with the longer Friday night session using almost all the slope
areas. This four hour session is the favourite amongst the experienced boarders
and the centre staff built challenging layouts to suit - not appropriate for
beginners though.
Equipment hire is part of the entry fee, which varies
according to how long you want to stay on the slopes and whether you are a
member or not. Helmets are a requirement for the Park and Ride sessions (and
for all children) but they are provided.
For the Friday night session, usually once per month, the
centre hires in a huge airbag that provides the perfect opportunity for trying
out any new, risky moves.
The centre has its own café and bar, with an "outdoor"
balcony overlooking the slopes and there's also an on-site branch of Snow+Rock
if you need a retail fix while you are there.
The Snow Centre is located in Hemel Hempstead just outside London. That's a 30
minute train journey from Euston. For drivers there's a large car park onsite
with space for 280 cars.
http://www.thesnowcentre.com