Indoor Snow Centre – Q & A

Do I Need to be able to Ski or Board?

No. All indoor snow centres offer ‘snow fun’ or ‘snow experience’ sessions where you just get to see, touch and play with the snow, perhaps trying tubing (a kind of soft, circular toboggan) or joining in a snowball fight or making a snowman. Of course indoor snow centres are a great place to learn in a controlled environment.

How cold is it?

Temperatures vary but typically the air temperature is a few degrees below zero. As you’re usually moving around exercising you often find you actually get quite hot with minimal ski or board clothing on, but it’s still important to keep warm clothing on of course. When you leave the slope you’re often sweaty and many indoor slopes offer shower facilities.

What Do I Need To Bring?

Most indoor snow centres can provide everything you need and in many places skiwear as well as skis or snowboard and boots rental are included in your entry price. However you may be able to bring your own skiwear and equipment if you want to, you need to check direct with the centre you plan to visit exactly what their particular requirement is.

Is It Expensive?

The price is relative and again varies depending on the centre, but you should not find it costs much more than a few hours trying any sports activity and usually much less than a day pass for a regular ski area or to visit a theme park. Often centres offer lower prices outside peak periods or for first timers so make sure you check what’s available before you book a particular time.

Should I Book Ahead?

You can usually walk in and get on the snow straight away but it is wise to book to make sure you are getting the best deal and because sometime the slope is being used for a private function or is just being used by snowboarders etc. You can also check to reserve the right size equipment for you.

How good is the snow?

Snow made indoors 20 years ago was made with synthetic materials and chemical mixes but today in most centres it’s difficult for most people to tell the difference between natural fallen snow and machine made snow.

How does the experience compare the skiing outdoors?

Of course the slopes are shorter and you’re in a giant building that has a similar large recreational building feel to a swimming pool or an ice rink. So in some ways it’s totally different, but in others you are still skiing and boarding on real snow so the thrill you lose from not being in the mountains can be compensated by the buzz of being on the snow in an urban, and therefore often slightly surreal environment. For those who like to test their tricks in the terrain park, indoor snow centres can offer a close match to the outdoor experience.

How big is the slope?

The slope sizes vary from some little places that are just about 50m (160 feet) long to big centres with slopes 550m (170feet) long. Most new centres are somewhere around 200m (650 feet) long. Most centres have straight slopes but some such as Ski Dubai and the Tamworth Snowdome have bends in them. Some have permanent terrain parks and there’s a wide range of lifts from conveyor belts to six-seat chairlifts to get you back up the slope.

Does it get boring?

A lot of people fear that skiing or boarding on a relatively short and gentle slope will be a dull experience. It certainly does not compare to a long, steep, outdoor run but few people find they are bored skiing indoors . That’s because it’s a different experience more like going for an hour or two to a swimming pool or an ice rink to enjoy your favourite sport rather than going for a day or a week to a ski resort. Most people just find being on the snow, skiing or boarding, a big enough thrill in itself when usually they only get on the slopes one week each winter.

Is it just skiing and snowboarding?

No, most centres offer dozens of other on0-snow activities, some every week, others on special occasions. See our “50 things to do on indoor snow.” list.