Oct 23, 20245 min read

Learn To Ski Before Your First Trip - 3 Excellent Reasons To Train On A Dry Slope

Find out why you should learn to ski or snowboard before your first snowsports holiday, and how learning on a dry slope can make the transition to snow easier.

A mixed group of 7 girls and boys stand in a row on a dry ski slope, wearing snowsport helmets and holding their skis. They are enthusiastically smiling and throwing their hands in the air.

Learn to ski and set yourself up for a great holiday

Few things are more exhilarating than swishing down a scenic, tree-lined ski run as the sun shines and the crisp clear air tickles your nose. Powdery snow plumes behind you as you carve down the slope, and the views are breathtaking. Everyone remembers their first ski holiday; quality time on the slopes creates a new avenue of adventure and opens a whole world of possibilities.

Get ready and get ahead

One key thing that helps make a snowsports holiday a success is preparation. If it’s your first ski trip, professional snowsports instructors suggest at least 6 hours of lessons for beginner skiers and snowboarders before they strike out on the slopes. Fortunately, there are several snowsport venues here in the UK, so you can develop the key skills before hopping on a plane. Learning the basics before you go on holiday ensures you have the skills and safety awareness to have as much fun as possible. It’s also the perfect way to refresh your skills if it’s been a while since your last ski trip, or for advanced skiers and snowboarders to stay on top of their technique.

Many UK snowsport venues offer ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rentals and recreational slope time. Some use real snow surfaces in covered snowdomes while others utilise open-air all-weather dry slope surfaces, which can influence the cost of the venue. Before looking at the 3 reasons you should learn to ski before your first trip, we’ll briefly discuss the differences between snowsport providers in the UK.

Where can I learn to ski or snowboard in England?

With several venues dotted around England, you should be able to find one near you. There are covered snow domes often located near large cities, and open-air dry slopes serving local areas. Factors such as cost and location will likely influence your choice, but it’s good to understand the difference between snow domes and dry slopes to help you decide where you can learn to ski in the UK.

What is a dry ski slope?

A dry ski slope is usually outside and operates similarly to any snowsports venue. You can rent equipment, take lessons, and practise your skills during recreational sessions. There is a lift or ski tow to the top of the slope, a spectators’ area, and often a cafe for apres-ski drinks and snacks.

The main difference between a dry ski slope and a snow dome is the surface used by the provider. Unlike enclosed, temperature-controlled venues that utilise manufactured snow made by snow machines and pumped by fans, dry slopes are open-air and use large mats covered in bristles that behave similarly to snow. Open year-round, you can learn to ski or snowboard at any time of the year.

Two teenage girls are on snowboards, wearing helmets, kneepads and gloves. They are moving down the dry ski slope, listening to the instructor who is facing away from the viewer and guiding the two learners.

3 reasons you should learn to ski or snowboard on a dry slope

A dry slope is an excellent place to learn the basics of snowsports and continue to learn advanced skills. You will develop the techniques and safety awareness you need to have fun on the slopes, and when you arrive on your holiday you can build on that experience and take more advanced lessons on snow.

1. Snow is easy when you learn to ski on a dry slope first

Before zipping off to a busy ski trip destination, most people find it useful to develop a sense of how their bodies react and move with equipment and surface, and learn basic slope etiquette around using lifts and navigating a route down. Many snowsport instructors agree that perfecting these techniques on a dry slope makes those skills a piece of cake on snow. The bristle-mat surface runs a little slower than snow, so learners can focus on developing skills and later find it easy to adjust to snow on holiday.

Dry ski slope surfaces are also excellent for learning about grip and pressure, which helps learners build muscle memory and learn how to use their ski or snowboard equipment efficiently. It’s a great opportunity to get used to the equipment and get familiar with the sensations of turning and stopping. Plus, dry ski slopes are often quieter than busy major ski resorts, which makes for a relaxed learning environment where you can go at your own pace. Most people who have learned to ski or snowboard on a dry slope find that their technique on snow is much better as a result.

2. Make your holiday more enjoyable in the long run

A strong skillset means safe execution of technique and slope awareness, which overall means you will get more runs in and be able to spend more quality time on the hill. You will have existing skills to practise and be prepared to take more advanced lessons. You will also learn about your snowsport fitness and understand your physical limits, which reduces discomfort and increases your self-awareness so you can pace yourself throughout your trip.

3. Affordable and accessible

Dry slopes are affordable and accessible due to lower running costs and convenient locations, and they provide excellent value for money with inclusive lesson and equipment packages. They are also quieter as they don’t need the fans and snowblowers to maintain the surface, and you can enjoy skiing outside all year round. You can dress for the weather as long as your arms, legs and hands are covered, and you can choose when to invest in dedicated equipment before hitting the snow. The instructors at dry slopes are knowledgeable and well-practised, and often go to Scotland, Europe and further afield on their ski trips; and are a useful resource for learning what to expect.

When can I visit a dry ski slope in the UK?

Anytime! It’s a good idea to book lessons before your trip so you have time to learn and get used to the equipment. There are often lesson packages that include equipment rental, and many slopes offer recreational snowsport sessions where skiers and snowboarders can practise their skills.

‘I did the Learn to Ski course, which was excellent - very reasonable price, decent dry ski slope and good instructors. [The] final class was with Martin who was excellent, really enjoyed whole experience and I am ski ready for my holiday.’

A group of seven people stand in a row at the bottom of a dry ski slope, wearing snowsport helmets, ski boots and skis. They wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and gloves and are listening to an instructor who is positioned up the dry ski slope and is demonstrating a ski technique. The group is mixed, with adults and young people.

Learn to ski at Mendip Activity Centre

Mendip’s dry ski slope is conveniently located near Bristol, just outside Weston-Super-Mare. Learn at your own pace with private lessons, take an introductory Try Skiing or Snowboarding session, or join one of the Learn to Ski or Snowboard courses, designed to teach the basics and prepare you for your first snowsports holiday.

Suitable for ages 8 and up, Learn to Ski or Snowboard packages include equipment rental, lessons, recreational slope time, discounts, and more. They are an excellent value way to prepare for a ski holiday. Children between 5 and 8 can join the Minis group lessons or private sessions, so the whole family can learn to ski or snowboard before your trip.

For experienced skiers and snowboarders, Mendip offers advanced lessons, and recreational slope time with an instructor on hand for tips and advice. You can also join the Mendip Ski Club, which hosts sociable recreational skiing and snowboarding sessions on Thursday evenings.

You can book your ski or snowboard lessons anytime here or email us at hello@mendip.co.uk if you have any questions.