If you are anything like us, you will be counting down the days for the next ski season, pining over powder days, beautifully groomed slopes and of course the formidable apres ski. Fear not…. we have found somewhere to enjoy everything you are pining over right here in the UK and during the summer months!
SIL – For those not in the know, can you explain a little bit about The Snow Centre and how it all started?
TSC – Originally TSC (The snow Centre) was an existing dry ski slope and had operated for 30 years. The then owner (Mr David Surrey) had the idea of converting the dry ski slope in to an indoor real snow facility. Following a few years of planning, design and build the centre opened in May 2009 with the largest lesson slope in the UK and a large 160m Main Slope.
SIL – What does The Snow Centre offer to its visitors?
TSC – A real snow experience all year round! This can be anything from a Sledging Session or Birthday Party (low in skill but high in fun), to structured learning in both skiing and snowboarding and regular Freestyle Sessions for anyone who wants to take to the Park and develop tricks on the kickers, boxes and rails. TSC boasts one of the best snowsports schools in Europe with over 130 qualified instructors. Our team can train from beginners to aspiring experts, and even offer the training courses to become an instructor using our in house tutor team.
SIL – How do you make the real snow?
TSC – Our snow is real snow made artificially. That is to say it is just water and cold air (no chemicals). Super cooled water is pushed out at high pressure in to a chilled environment using special guns. As the water hits the freezing air it crystallises in to snow!
SIL – You offer ski and snowboard lessons to all levels of abilities, what can guests expect from their lesson?
TSC – Our Instructors aim to develop your skiing or snowboarding skills whilst having a great time on the snow! In the beginner stages a structured progression is perfect to get people to a competent level (turning and using a ski lift) so they can challenge themselves on the Main Slope. Beyond this our coaches will develop the skills enabling higher end performance. You can never stop learning. With Group Lessons available for anyone from 4 years old and Private Lessons from 3 years, The Snow Centre is a great place to learn a new skill!
SIL – Can you tell me more about the events you host?
TSC – The Snow Centre will host a wide range of events throughout the year both on and off the slope. Alongside our Lessons & Lift Passes which are available 365 days a year, we see numerous Freestyle Competitions, Moguls and Bumps Weekends, Demo Sessions to test out the latest kit and many Corporate events with a tailored package for them. Off the slope we host our Alpine Band Nights in The Lodge Bar & Kitchen including an Oompah Band, Christmas & New Year Parties plus we even hosted a wedding Reception this year.
SIL – Please can you tell me a little bit more about The Snow Centre Academy and the Hall of Fame?
TSC – We have trained kids and adults from beginner to champions here at TSC. Many of the youngsters who started with us are now in competitions and some of the adults are qualified instructors. Our academy provides a pathway to excellence. The Snow Centre has a team of Sponsored Freestyle Skiers and Snowboarders which are competing numerous times throughout the year at competitions, and we will continue to develop them with our dedicated Freestyle Coaches, some have recently been selected to train with Team GB which is amazing! Team GB Olympians Jamie Nicholls and Aimee Fuller are ambassadors for The Snow Centre and have joined some of our coaching sessions.
SIL – What is the Park and who can ski/board in it?
TSC – Each week The Snow Centre’s Park Team will create an exciting park for our guests, anyone level 6 or above can ride our parks. If you’re new to Freestyle we offer lessons aimed to take you from a Freestyle Beginner to hitting your first box or kicker and then continue developing your skills. Thursday evening sees a smaller park for beginner – intermediate freestylers and Friday night is a full slope of features aimed at beginner – advanced freestylers. Weekly Freestyle edits can be found on The Snow Centre’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/thesnowcentre
SIL – If you’re not skiing/riding at The Snow Centre which ski resort in the Alps is your favourite and why?
TSC – For me its Hintertux in Austria. High altitude glacier resort with fantastic snow ( open all year round) and great terrain. Off piste opportunities everywhere!
SIL – Finally… Skiing or snowboarding?
TSC – Skiing ; )
So there you have it! The indoor mountain. No more waiting 6 months to get your snow fix.
Ski In Luxury would like to say a big thank you to the team at The Snow Centre.
