Winter wonderland UK There’s a certain checklist involved when planning a skiing trip: snow, mountain views, professional runs, tranquil surroundings, warming aprés ski... all things you might associate with, say, an exclusive Italian resort, and always involving a flight, right?
Not necessarily. Believe it or not, the UK has a wide range of winter sporting activities available right here; to enjoy if you can’t afford to splash out on the adjoining holiday, or if you are just topping up your ‘serious’ snow-time.
If unpredictable weather means it’s got to be indoor, then it has to be real snow. That leaves the SNO!zones at Milton Keynes, Castleford and Glasgow, or Tamworth Snowdome, the Chill Factore in Manchester and The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead. All are great for getting in some practice, or for trying out family friendly alternatives like snow bobbing or tubing.
Outdoors, real snow requires the altitude and latitude of our islands’ northernmost quarters; but at least you’re still saving on the cost of airfare - both in cash and in environmental terms. So, whatever your sport, whatever your level, get out there and make the most of the UK - and the most of our short snow season.
Skiing
Scotland
The UK’s best snowfall and most dramatic scenery are found in the Scottish highlands. Stretching from Glencoe in the West, all the way to The Lecht in the East, there are five separate resorts, each with a wide variety of runs for all levels, equipment hire, lifts, refreshments and ski schools. Each resort has its own website, with up-to-the minute weather-cams. The Ski Scotland tourist board says: “If it’s off-piste you’re after, then the Nevis range is for you. There is a large area to the back of the mountain, but just be sure to ask staff if conditions are suitable that day.”
The best way to keep ahead of the unpredictable weather is to buy an annual Ski Scotland All Area Season Pass: valid from December 2009 until October 2010 and costing £439 for adults (£247 for children). You gain access to all Scottish ski centres, for a fraction of the price of a break abroad, and without having to queue for a pass each morning.
0845 22 55 121 - Visit Scotland
Snowboarding
Yad Moss, Cumbria
Yad Moss is a good all rounder, with long, wide slopes, varied terrain, a canteen, the longest lift in Europe, and two piste-bashers (Kassbohrers) to even out the snowfall. A recent Lottery grant has enabled these upgrades, making Yad Moss one of the premier ski and snowboard destinations in the UK.
The long lift and steep slopes make it less suitable for beginners, but for experienced boarders there is plenty. There’s ample room to manouvre; the slopes are west-facing, receiving most of the weather, and there are no noisy equipment-hire lodges or ski-tutoring, so you really do feel like you have the hill to yourself.
Cross-country skiing
Inverness, Scotland
Cross country (or Nordic) skiing is best shared with friends who can admire the scenery with you, help you keep pace and offer encouragement. It's the oldest form of skiing there is and suitable for all ages and levels.
There are ski tracks already prepared in the forests around Inverness, but if you’re up early enough to catch any overnight snowfall, you could be the first to make your mark. Classes, refresher courses, equipment hire and accommodation are all available at www.slochd.co.uk.
Dog sledding
Cairngorm, Scotland
This is arguably the frostiest region in the country, deep in the western highlands - though the dogs couldn’t care less about the weather. They run equally well on muddy grass, which is why this winter sport is offered year-round.
At the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre, over 30 professional sled dogs from all over the world are on hand to take you on a choice of adventures, encountering scenery and wildlife from a whole new perspective. You can ‘safari’ through herds of wild red deer, experience a hands-on kennel tour, a two-day trek with an overnight stay in a basic cabin, or you can go floodlit, at night.
Suitable for all ages, but not for those weighing over 15 stone. Dress accordingly - it’ll be cold, muddy and wet.
Bobsleigh
Bath
Bobsledding is hard to do without snow and ice, but nevertheless, Britain has a strong bobsleigh team, and has even won an Olympic bronze medal, thanks to Sean Olsson.
The Team Bath Sports Training Village at the University of Bath has played a big part in team GB’s success. It boasts the UK’s only push-start practice track, at 140 metres long, and there is huge support from a specialist team, including sports doctors, nutritionists and performance video analysts.
Get in touch with Team Bath for details of public or club hire of the facilities. The bobsleigh team are always on the lookout for new talent, so this could be your time to shine. hq@bobteamgb.org
www.bobteamgb.org; http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1690163.stm
Snow holing
Cairngorm, Scotland
Back in the snowiest place in the UK, this excursion offers something a bit more challenging: a snowshoe trek across the highest plateau, carrying a hefty rucksack, followed by a night spent in a self-made communal snow hole lit by reflected candlelight, and then a trek back!
It’s not for the faint-hearted, there’s a day’s essential skills training beforehand, and a certain level of stamina and fitness is recommended. You will learn good snow hole design and construction, which is a must for the keen adventurer.
http://www.responsibletravel.com/Trip/Trip101343.htm
Ice swimming
Also known as winter swimming, ice swimming guidelines state that water conditions must be six degrees centigrade or below to qualify. This rules out most commercial pools, but winter swimming in the sea counts, so get down to Brighton beach on New Year’s Day to join the other fans!
The UK annual ice swimming championships are held at Tooting Bec Lido in south London. The official race stroke is ‘head up’ breaststroke, which retains more heat in the body. Immersing the head underwater has a severely detrimental effect.
Skating
Temporary ice rinks used to be reminiscent of Christmases in New York. Now they have sprung up in every major town and city in the UK, and have become a seasonal institution.
The Ice Cube in Leeds is the largest temporary ice rink in the UK. Over 1200m2 of real ice in the heart of this historic city makes for an impressive installment, and there’s even a nursery rink for younger skaters. The Ice Cube is open from January 16th to March 7th 2010.
For those with a more competitive streak, how about Wembley Stadium’s brand new Ice Track? At 350m, around the edge of the pitch, this will be the longest UK ice rink, and more of a serious event. Open December 11th 2009 - January 3rd 2010.
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube/
http://www.wembleyice.com/skating
Tobogganing
Tobogganing can be done at any of the larger indoor snow centres or dry slopes in the UK, or indeed on any decent hill on a ‘snow-day’. Since snow-days are so rare, however, this sport is best undertaken at an artificial slope, where state-of-the-art toboggans and runs are provided. Great for all skill levels, and especially the kids (or big kids).
http://www.sheffieldskivillage.co.uk/children-families/snowtube/
Winter hiking
Winter hiking is like normal hiking, only more dangerous, especially at high altitudes. This is because of freak weather conditions that can occur, and because you need to be properly dressed and equipped. If guidelines are followed, it can be more fun, and the views more breathtaking, than at other times of year.
For the best terrain and scenery, where else can beat Snowdonia? This vast, unpopulated expanse of rolling hills leaves so much to be discovered, yet is mostly gentle and always glorious. Various trails are offered for differing skill levels, but above the snow line is the most challenging. Layer up, waterproof your boots and don’t forget your first aid kit.
For more information, visit: www.iknow-wales.co.uk/tourist_information/snowdonia_north_wales/snowdonia_north_wales/snowdonia_adventure_weekends.htm