Anyone have dry ski slope/ 'snozone' experience?

[crescent]

I have to confess to not being a skier. I tried once in Aviemore, a couple of times in Japan, and once on a dry ski slope in Rawtenstall. Yes, it's been a glamorous life.

Finances and three children mean a week in Switzerland is off the cards, but someone recommended 'snozone' near Milton Keynes. I wondered if anyone had been, or if there was anywhere similar closer? https://snozoneuk.com/the-slope

Thanks for any tips!

[Louisa]

Milton Keynes uses real snow and a proper slope it's quite a unique experience for the UK, the I believe the only one of its kind, unless someone knows otherwise? I've been to watch friends participate and there's a bar area which overlooks the slope, ideal. A fast train from Euston takes 33 minutes and the ski dome is slap bang in the centre of the city (5 minutes in a cab from the station). Alternatively driving isn't a biggy either, allow a few hours once adding on getting out of London etc, 45 miles or so up the M1.

Louisa.

[Jeremy]

There are actually a few real snow slops in the UK. I've been to Milton Keynes and the one near Leeds.

They're OK... the length and gradient is similar to a beginner slope in a resort, so if you've not done much skiing then it could be ideal. But more experienced skiers would get bored very quickly.

I believe there's also a centre in Hemel Hempstead, which is a bit closer than MK.

[katanita]

New giant one coming to Stratford for 2015 too apparently http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/giant-200m-real-snow-ski-centre-planned-for-westfield-stratford-8732116.html.

Would second what Jeremy said, it's good for beginners, and they do lessons so could be worth trying that. Useful for testing kit too. Is big enough to do maybe 3 turns on the way down but not much more so anyone more advanced will be spending a lot of time on the lift, not much time skiing.

[crescent]

brilliant, thanks everyone.

I was contemplating this for DC1's birthday - he's turning 10. I cannot contemplate taking his lovely but unboundaried 'crew' either on the train or in my car for so long (3 children on, I have turned into the Grinch), but have tracked down the less salubrious but geographically closer Bromley ski centre.

Very exciting about the Stratford one, look forward to that.

[Annette Curtain]

The dry ski slope off the M20 closes when it actually snows

Oh how I love that

Milton Keynes is good I hear

[Loz]

Slightly off topic, but if you are a beginner, then Switzerland is a waste of money anyway. You could try somewhere small and cheap in, say, Bulgaria which may be more in line with your budget.