The UK’s Best Skiing and Snowboarding Locations

Skiiers and snowboarders are already dreaming of hitting the slopes once again as winter sets in. But you don’t need to travel too far or even hop on a plane if you’re itching to take to the pistes, as the UK offers plenty of opportunities to put your skills to the test, warm up for a forthcoming resort holiday or even just try it out to see if snow sports are for you.

From real snow indoor parks to winter resorts in Scotland, you can enjoy taster sessions or skiing and boarding experience days without the huge expense of booking a trip abroad, helping you to blow away the cobwebs or just get a taste of the excitement of the slopes.

Here are some of the best places in the country to hit the slopes without leaving British shores:

Snowdome, Tamworth

The UK’s original ‘real snow’ indoor slope, it was a pioneering destination for skiers and boarders alike when it first opened its doors in 1994.

Recreating an alpine atmosphere and with expert instructors on hand to take you through the basics or help you hone your skills, it is the perfect place to learn or practice, while special events and lessons aimed at freestyle riders are also regularly held on the snowpark ramps, rails, boxes and jumps.

Chill Factore, Manchester

This striking indoor facility boasts the longest real snow indoor slope in the UK, stretching out across 180m offering a challenging introduction or a relaxing ride suitable for all abilities. The alpine village with bars and restaurants helps to capture some of the spirit of ‘real’ skiing resorts, while other thrilling activities such as snow tubing and climbing add to the excitement.

Cairngorm, Scotland

With consistent snowfalls to rival the more famous resorts of mainland Europe in recent years, more and more people are catching on to the great skiing and snowboarding opportunities offered in Scotland and the stunning peaks of the Cairngorms are among the best for experiencing the thrills of the slopes.

Just a couple of hours drive from major cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, Cairngorm mountain itself offers more than 30km of pistes, 11 lifts and a fully maintained snowboard park, meaning there is plenty to be explored whatever your level.

Nevis Range, Scotland

With a dozen lifts, including Scotland’s only mountain gondola offering stunning mountain views, the Nevis Range in the Scottish Highlands offers the perfect combination of rugged beauty and accessible skiing facilities.

Snowfall can be unpredictable but an artificial slope exists to give you weather-proof skiing or boarding all year round.

When it does snow, the wide open runs around the Snowgoose bowl are perfect for beginners and intermediates, while more challenging black and red runs and off-piste routes put expert skiers and boarders to the test.

This article has been created by Activity Superstore, the UK’s leading Gift Experience Days supplier.