The Best Indoor Ski Slopes in the UK

Whether you’re an annual visitor to the Alps or looking to dip your toes into the (icy) water for the first time, the seasonality of skiing can be frustrating. Most ski resorts only have perfect snow at a particular point in the year, so what can you do the rest of the time? Luckily, the UK is brimming with outstanding indoor skiing and snowboarding centres running all-year-round. So, strap your feet in; these are the best indoor ski slopes in the UK

Chill Factore - Manchester

At 180 metres, Chill Factore is the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope, making it as close as you’ll get to the real thing. Beginners are more than welcome, with a much smaller 40 metre slope and ski and snowboarding lessons available. Luging, tubing, and a climbing wall give you the chance to partake in plenty of other winter activities, while a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops mean you can make a day of it.
How to get there: From Manchester Piccadilly, walk to India House and take the 250 to the Trafford Centre. From there it’s just a ten-minute walk.

Snow Factor - Glasgow

If you’re looking for the real experience in Scotland, Snow Factor is the place to visit. It’s Scotland’s only indoor real snow slop, and with a 168 metre piste it’s more than suitable for advanced skiers. Beginners are welcome with ski and snowboarding lessons for all levels and age groups, while sledging and ice climbing offer different activities to try. That’s not to mention the country’s first ever ice bar, with walls, tables and even glasses made from the frozen stuff.
How to get there: It’s just a 30-minute bus journey from Glasgow Central Station

Snowdome - Staffordshire

With its Snow Academy and two separate 30 metre and 25 metre slopes, Snowdome is the ideal indoor skiing and snowboarding centre for beginners. Lessons are available for all skill levels, and you can even obtain instructor courses if you’re looking to teach abroad. But that doesn’t mean it’s only for beginners; Snowdome offers a 170-metre main slope for advanced skiers and snowboarders. For other activities, look to their ice skating, swimming, tubing, tobogganing and sledging.
How to get there: If you’re travelling from Birmingham New Street, take the CrossCountry train to Tamworth Train Station. It’s just a 30-minute journey followed by a short walk.

Snowtrax - Dorset

Skiing isn’t all about the slopes, but the experience that comes with it. Snowtrax attempts to recreate that, with the centre overlooking a small lake and an island surrounded by wintery pine trees. Visit the UK’s largest independent ski and snowboard retail store to purchase new gear or take part in activities in the alpine adventure park. With lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as events and competitions for the more advanced skiers, Snowtrax is the complete package.
How to get there: It’s just a 12-minute journey from Bournemouth Train Station.

Snowzone – Various Locations

From Milton Keynes to Madrid, Snowzone has been providing indoor dry slopes to local communities across the UK and now Europe for years. Each centre has a unique feature, where it’s the revolving dry slop in Basingstoke or the rookie site with freestyle features in Castleford. All locations are perfect for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders alike, while their renewable energy policies make them attractive for environmentalists.

 Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre - Cardiff

The original Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre slope was one of the first built in the UK. At just 90 metres in 1969, it’s since grown to 170-metres long and 30-metres wide – similar in size to a standard blue run. Separate 30-metre and 25-metre slopes are perfect for beginner lessons, while regular events and competitions will satisfy advanced skiers and snowboarders. There’s also a tubing zone if you want to partake in a different activity.
How to get there: It’s just a 20-minute bus journey from Cardiff Central Station, followed by a ten-minute walk.

Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre - Gloucester

Home to the longest indoor dry slope in England, Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre is the best way to get your ski or snowboard fix without the need for real snow. At 255 metres long, the main slope can give even advanced skiers a run for their money. The centre is set over 12 acres of land, making it feel like a mini resort in the Cotswolds. Take part in tubing, freestyle sessions and snoxross bikes for something a bit different.
How to get there: It’s just a 20-minute bus journey from Gloucester Train Station, followed by a ten-minute walk.

The Snow Centre - Hertfordshire

If you’re London-based and ruing the lack of snow England’s capital brings you, The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is the closest thing you’ll get. It’s home to a 160-metre real snow slope as well as the largest indoor lesson slope in the UK – perfect for beginners and intermediates. Events like Park & Slide and Ladies Mornings are inclusive and fun, while free ski equipment with every session is a welcome addition.
How to get there: It’s just a 15-minute walk from Hemel Hempstead town centre.

If you’re planning a trip to one of the best indoor ski slopes in the UK, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.

The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best castles in the UK, the best theme parks in the UK, or the best waterparks in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.