Unfortunately, the UK has only a very limited supply of actual ski resorts for budding snowboarders to use, with most opting to take a short trip to mainland Europe. Considering this is due to the UK’s landscape and climate, it’s not going to change anytime soon, so snow-hungry guests have to find alternative places in the UK to scratch off their snowboarding itch. Over the last decade, companies have realized that the UK landscape and climate do not offer enough opportunities for snowboarders and have filled this gap in the market with separate tracks covered with real snow. Although they are obviously not on the scale of a natural ski resort, these covered snow spots at least allow snowboarders to make use of their gear more than just the annual trip to France or Switzerland, allowing them to keep and develop your skills ready for that long awaited trip abroad. They also allow people interested in snowboarding to try it out in a safe and controlled environment that is not too far from home and allow them to hire all the necessary equipment. This article gives you information on three of the currently operating UK covered snow spots so you can find the nearest slope and try snowboarding.
Based in Tamworth, West Midlands, the Tamworth Snowdome is perfectly located to be easily accessible from much of central England. Since its opening in 1994, the SnowDome has become a leading choice for both skiers and snowboarders due to its 170 meter main slope that provides real snow 12 months of the year. Tamworth SnowDome is also ideal for beginners, offering two 30-meter and 25-meter teaching runs along with a variety of snowboarding lessons taught by qualified instructors. As a user, you can use your own snowboard and boots, but SnowDome is provided free of charge if required, including a protective helmet for people who intend to use the range of ramps or rails. In addition to the slopes, SnowDome also offers a fully equipped fitness room that includes a 25-meter pool, spa and gym.
At a whopping 180 meters, Chill Factor has the longest inland real snow slope in the UK. Located just off the M60 in Manchester and next to the Trafford Center shopping center, Chill Factor is an easily accessible option from much of the North West. The culmination of Chill Factor is the main slope of 180 meters by 40 meters that rises to a height of 40 meters. It is served by two ski lifts that are suspended from the ceiling so as not to occupy any space on the slope. In addition to the main track there is a 40m beginner slope, a 40m tube slope and a 60m toboggan, which is the only one of its kind in the UK. So the Chill Factor more than adequately meets all of your snowboarding needs, but it doesn’t stop there with a variety of other activities to entertain you, such as a climbing wall, assorted cafes, restaurants, and clothing stores.
Based in Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Center is the UK’s newest real snow center and the closest to the London conurbation. The main slope, which is 160 meters long and set at an angle of 15 degrees, has two POMA elevation buttons to reach the top. For the beginner, The Snow Center has a 100 meter training track, the longest in the UK, with two rope trailers to take you up. The Snow Center offers private and group lessons suitable for adults and children of all levels with all necessary equipment included in the price. For those of you who just want to enjoy the snow, The Snow Center has a ton of other activities to get involved in, like Rubber Ringo and Zipfly Sledges.
As you can see, there are options available in the UK for the frustrated snowboarder. While they may not give you the same enthusiasm as going down a mountainside, they at least give you a chance to practice and maintain your skills and enjoy the real snow. Combine this with the myriad of other facilities and amenities, the covered real snow slopes are a great day out for snowboarders and non-snowboarders alike.