What level are you?
Walking with your snowboard: Be able to walk and turn on the flat, and walk up hill with your snowboard attached to one foot.
Straight run: Be able to slide straight down the slope using a “run-out” to stop.
Awareness of the Snowboard code: Understand the safety rules of the slope.
Location: Nursery Slope
Side slipping – toe and heel: Be able to slide down the hill at slow speed whilst balanced on heel or toe edge of board using the edge to control speed.
Diagonal side slip – toe and heel: Be able to slide diagonally across slope in both directions on both toe or heel edge.
Falling leaf – toe and heel: Be able to turn your board from a side slip to a steep angle and back again.
Garlands – toe and heel: Same as falling leaf except a garland is in one direction multiple times.
Use of lift: Be able to use drag lift comfortably and unaided.
Location: Nursery and Main Slope
Falling leaf – toe and heel – into fall line: Be able to move the snowboard from a level side slip, both toe or heel, into the fall line (straight down the hill) while maintaining good posture and balance, then return back to controlled side slip using a controlled skid.
Garlands – toe and heel – into fall line: Same as falling leaf, just in same consecutive direction.
Location: Main Slope
Basic turn: Be able to get you board from level side slip to straight and back out on opposite edge making a C-shaped turn, e.g. heel edge-straight-toe edge. You will learn to be able to do this starting on either edge.
Linked turns: Be able to link 2 basic turns together to make controlled S-shaped turns, e.g. hell edge-straight-toe edge-straight-heel edge.
Intermediate turns: Be able to do linked turns at higher speed without slowing down as much between turns.
Open Practice
Open practice is recreational use of the slope, without tuition. It’s available to experienced skiers and boarders in 1.5 hour sessions. (Ages 4+). Usually available at anytime during our opening hours, however sometimes the slope may be closed to recreational users in the event that it is privately booked or there is a race event on. For the enjoyment and safety of all of our customers, anyone wishing to enjoy the slope without tuition must be an experienced slope user who meets our minimum skill levels. Therefore, you must be at Level 4 standard for skiing or Level C standard for snowboarding to use the slopes without supervision.
We have a misting system on the Main Slope so there’s no reason not to Ski or Board over the summer months!
Equipment hire included in our Open Practice slots.
Adult & Junior Group Lessons
Our structured group classes, enable you to progress through our skill level system with other participants of the same ability. There is a maximum of 8 pupils on each group lesson (A-D). A taster lesson is 1 Hour. Following lessons are 1.5 hour. We ask you arrive 30 minutes prior to the lesson start time to be kitted up. Lesson length includes de-kit and de-brief time at the end. As everyone progresses at a different pace, it is possible a certain lesson may need to be repeated. Call us on 01283 890089 to book your lesson or click below to book online or view the timetable.
Multi-lesson deals are currently only available over the phone. For more information please call us on 01283 890089
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a good form of learning for those that wish to progress quickly or just want a re-assessment of their ability. More than one person can take part in a private lesson we just ask that the participants are at the same skill level. Lessons are 1 Hour. We ask you arrive 30 minites prior to your lesson start time to be kitted up. Lesson length includes de-kit and de-brief time. (Slope time approx. 50 mins). There is a minimum age limit of 9 years for snowboarding. Call us on 01283 890089 to book your lessons or click below to book online.
Multi-lesson deals are currently only available over the phone. For more information please call us on 01283 890089
Family Lessons
Planning a ski trip for your family? Need a bit of practice before your trip or just want to have some family fun? Book a private lesson for your family. Family can be either 2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult + 3 children. More children? Pay an extra £10 per child per lesson. Call us on 01283 890089 to book your lessons or click below to book online.
Multi-lesson deals are currently only available over the phone. For more information please call us on 01283 890089
Day Courses
Get ready for your ski holiday or learn a new skill and cover the basics of snowboarding in just one day! Perfect for those with limited time or who live some distance from our slopes. The course aims to take you from a complete beginner to open practice standard in a day and covers all the elements included in our level 1-4 lessons, enabling you to link turns and control your direction and speed. All our day courses have a maximum of 8 participants ensuring you get plenty of individual coaching and are designed for all ages from 12 years upwards.
Our Day Courses are on alternate Sundays from the end of October through to March and include a hot lunch and breaks for refreshments and drinks, welcome and de-brief. Also included in the cost of the course is one free open practice snowboard session.
Please call us on 01283 890089 for available dates and to book.
A typical day would be as follows:
- 9.30 am – Arrival and welcome
- 9.45 am – Equipment allocation
- 10.15 am – Snowboarding
- 12.30 pm – Lunch
- 1.15 pm – Snowboarding
- 2.30 pm – Afternoon break
- 3pm – Snowboarding
- 4pm – Course debrief
- 4.30pm – Finish
Please note a reasonable level of fitness is required to snowboard all day. We also offer group individual lessons and private lessons. Whilst the aim of the day is to reach our level 4 standard and be eligible for open practice sessions, some people may need a further lesson to attain this level.
Passed level 4? Let us guide your next steps on your journey to becoming the snowboarder you want to be. As well as the individual group level 5 lessons already in our programme why not take a look at our dedicated development courses…. Coming soon!!
Please note a reasonable level of fitness is required to snowboard all day. We also offer group individual lessons and private lessons. Whilst the aim of the day is to reach our level D standard and be eligible for open practice sessions, some people may need a further lesson to attain this level.
Questions & Answers
What should I wear?
To take part in a ski or snowboard lesson you must have long sleeves, long trousers and gloves. If it is hot weather then leggings/tracksuit bottoms and long-sleeved t-shirts are perfectly fine to wear.
Can I bring my own equipment?
You can indeed. However due to the nature of dry slope skiing and snowboarding wear and tear is increased so we recommend that you save your kit for the mountains and use ours on the mats.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Helmets are optional at the slope, however if you are taking part in freestyle or race clubs then a helmet is a must. We do not provide helmets.
What is the minimum age for skiing/snowboarding?
We can take children as young as 3 years and up for skiing and children from 9 years and up for snowboarding.
How early should I arrive for my lesson?
We ask that you arrive 30 minutes before the lesson start time to allow sufficient time to check in at reception and be issued with your equipment. Late arrivals may not be permitted to join the session.
How old do you have to be to take part?
Toboggan: Minimum age 4yrs (4-7 must ride with an adult 16+ with the adult being in control at all times).
Sno-Tubing and Drop Slide: We can take children from 4 years of age upwards.
What surface do you have?
We use PERMA-SNOW on our nursery slope. This provides a great learning surface for skiers and snowboarders before progressing to our main slope which is a SkiTech Diamond Mat Surface.
What are the major differences between a snow and a dry slope?
Despite what level of skier or boarder you may be on snow, on a dry slope you will start at a level lower. On snow you can get away with minor flaws in your technique, whereas on a dry slope you cannot. A snow surface is a lot faster and easier. The snow building up under your skis or board, along with the reduced friction can help you make the turn or the stop, whereas on dry slopes you have to turn the ski and edge the board using technique, which may take some time to get used to if you have only ever skied on snow.