Tag Archive for 'UK'

Page 2 of 3

Indoor Skiing UK and Dry Ski Slope Directory

Published on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in Features and Ski. 13 Comments Tags: Dry Ski Slopes, Indoor Skiing UK, Skiing, Snow, Snowboarding, UK.

A directory of every indoor skiing UK centre and dry ski slope, supplemented by their contact details and location on Google Maps. You might also be interested in ski lift passes.

Indoor skiing is great because you can do it at any time of year and the snow is close to the real thing. Dry ski slopes use special mesh instead of snow, but it’s often outdoor and a more open experience. Both types are scattered all over the UK, so I thought it was about time to make a directory of them all incorporating Google Maps, so they’re easy to find. This indoor skiing uk directory couldn’t have been as extensive as it is, without the help of people commenting and suggesting additions. If there are any missing, or you have an update, please add a comment and I’ll make an update.

Indoor Skiing UK

The indoor skiing UK options are mostly in England. They’re generally centres offering other entertainment such as ice skating, along with skiing. They usually use a close resemblance to actual snow that’s kept by the interior conditions, which couldn’t be maintained outside. See the map below for all your indoor skiing UK areas, remember you can zoom in to the marker’s exact location and click on the marker for directions from wherever you live.
Link to Indoor Skiing UK map

1. Xscape Braehead, Kings Inch Road, Braehead, Renfrew, PA4 8XQ
Telephone: 0871 200 3222 | Hours: 09:00 – 23:00 (Daily)

2. Chill Factore, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Trafford Way, Manchester, M41 7JA
Telephone: 0161 749 2222 | Hours: 09:00 to 23:00 (Daily)

3. Xscape Castleford, Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford, Yorkshire, WF10 4TA
Telephone: 0871 200 3221 | Hours: 09:00 to 23:00 (Daily)

4. Ski Village, 4 Vale Road, Sheffield, S3 9SJ
Telephone: 0114 276 9459 | Hours: 14:00 to 22:00 (Wed-Fri), 10:00 to 19:00 (Weekends)

5. SnOasis, Great Blakenham, Suffolk
Telephone: 020 7491 4634 | Hours: Due to open in 2012

6. Snowdome, Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7ND
Telephone: 08705 000 011 | Hours: 09:00 to 23:00 (Daily)

7. Xscape Milton Keynes, 602 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3XS
Telephone: 0871 200 3220 | Hours: 09:00 to 23:00 (Daily)

8. The Snow Centre, St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP3 9NH
Telephone: 0845 258 900 | Hours: 09.00 to 22.15 (Mon-Thu, Sat & Sun) 09:00 to 23:00 (Fri)

Cornwall Winter Park, Address currently undisclosed.
Telephone: TBA | Hours: Opening Date TBA

UK Dry Ski Slopes

Besides indoor skiing uk, there are also outdoor dry ski slopes, which are artificial and made of a special mesh which resembles a ski slope. They are generally outdoor, so bear the weather in mind when you’re going. Below on the map, all the UK dry slopes are marked. Zoom in to get a clearer view and click the markers for more info.
Link to Dry Ski Slopes map

1. Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend, Biggar Road, near Edinburgh, EH10 7DU
Telephone: 0131 445 4433 | Hours: 09:30 to 21:00 (Mon-Sat) 09:30 to 19:00 (Sun)

2. Glasgow Ski Centre, Bellahouston Park, 16 Dumbreck Rd, Glasgow, G41 5BW
Telephone: 0141 427 4991 | Hours: Check site

3. Knockbracken Ski Centre, 20 Ballymaconaghy Road, Belfast, Antrim
Telephone: 1232 795 666 | Hours: Phone for details

4. Golf And Ski Centre, Tullymoyra Lane, Silverwood, Lurgan, Craigavon, Armagh, BT66 6NG
Telephone: 028 3832 6606 | Hours: Phone for details

5. Sportsman Inn & Leisure, Bradford Old Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6UG
Telephone: 01422 340 760 | Hours: Check site

6. Llandudno Ski Centre, John Nike Complex, Great Orme, Llandudno, LL30 2QL
Telephone: 01492 874 707 | Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Daily)

7. Ski Club of Ireland, Kilternan, Co. Dublin
Telephone: 01 295 5658 | Hours: Check site

8. Kidsgrove Ski Centre, Bathpool Park, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4EF
Telephone: 01782 784 908 | Hours: Check site

9. Stoke Ski Centre, Festival Way, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5PU
Telephone: 01782 204 159 | Hours: Check site

10. Swadlincote Ski Centre, Hill Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LP
Telephone: 01283 217 200 | Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Daily)

11. Norfolk Ski Club, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8TW
Telephone: 01603 662 781 | Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Mon-Fri & Sun) 10:00 to 19:00 (Sat)

12. The Ackers, Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0LG.
Telephone: 0121 772 5111 | Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (Mon-Fri), 10:00 to 17:00 (Weekends)

13. Gosling Ski and Board Centre, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 6XE
Telephone: 01707 384 384 | Hours: 12:00 to 21:00 (Mon-Fri) 09:00 to 16:00 (Weekends)

14. Cardiff Ski Centre, 198 Fairwater Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3JR
Telephone: 02920 561 793 | Hours: Check site

15. Bracknell Ski Slope, John Nike Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8TN
Telephone: 01344 789 002 | Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Daily)

16. Sandown Sports, More Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8AN
Telephone: 01372 467 132 | Hours: Check site

17. Chatham Ski Centre, Chatham Ski Centre, Alpine Park, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 3JH
Telephone: 01634 827 979 | Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Daily)

18. Christ’s College Ski Club, Larch Avenue, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1JY
Telephone: 01483 504 988 | Hours: 09.00 to 22.30 (Mon-Fri & Sun), 09:00 to 16:30 (Sat)

19. Alpine Snow Sports, Gallwey Road, Aldershot, Hants, GU11 2DD
Telephone: 01252 325 889 | Hours: 10:15 to 21:45 (Mon-Fri), 12.15 to 18.30 (Weekends)

20. Southampton Alpine Centre, Bassett, Southampton, SO16 7AY
Telephone: 02380 790 970 | Hours: Check site

21. Knockhatch Ski & Snowboard Centre, Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, BN27 3GD
Telephone: 01323 843 344 | Hours: 18:00 to 21:00 (Mon-Fri) 10:00 to 18:00 (Weekends)

22. Plymouth Ski & Snowboard Centre, Alpine Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8LQ
Telephone: 01752 600 220 | Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Daily)

23. Suffolk Ski Centre, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 UK
Telephone: 01473 602 347 | Hours: Check site

24. Brentwood Ski Centre, Warley Gap, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3DP
Telephone: 01277 211 994 | Hours: Check site

25. Bassingbourn Snowsport Centre, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 5LX
Telephone: 08450 728 293 | Hours: Check site

26. Christchurch Ski Centre, Matchams Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AW
Telephone: 01202 499 155 | Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Mon-Fri), 09:00 – 23:00 (Sat), 09:00 – 22:00 (Sun)

27. Bromley Ski Centre, Sandy Lane, St. Paul’s Cray, Orpington, Kent, BR5 3HY.
Telephone: 01689 876 812 | Hours: 12:00 – 22:00 (Mon-Thu), 10:00 – 22:00 (Fri), 09:00 – 19:00 (Sat), 09:00 – 20:00 (Sun)

28. Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester, GL4 6EA
Telephone: 01452 874842 | Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Mon-Wed), 10:00 – 18:30 (Thu) 10:00 – 22:00 (Fri), 00:00 – 18:00 (Sat/Sun)

29. Pendle Ski Club, Clitheroe Road, Sabden, Lancashire, BB7 9HN
Telephone: 01200 425222 | Hours: Vary (See site)

30. Kendal Ski Club, Canal Head North, Kendal, LA9 7BY
Telephone: 0845 6345 173 | Hours: See site

31. Pontypool, Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB
Telephone: 01495 756955 | Hours: Vary (See site)

32. Ski Rossendale, Haslingden Old Road, Rossendale, BB4 8RR
Telephone: 01706 226457 | Hours: 13:00 – 21:00 (Mon-Fri), 13:00 – 17:00 (Sat), 09:00 – 17:00 (Sun)

33. Sunderland Ski Centre, Silksworth Sports Complex, Silksworth, Tyne & Wear, SR2 3AW
Telephone: 0191 553 5785 | Hours: Vary (See site)

34. Bowles, Sandhill Lane, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LW
Telephone: 01892 665665 | Hours: See site

35. Folkestone Ski Centre, Radnor Park Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5HX
Telephone: 01303 850333 | Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Mon-Fri), 10:00 – 18:00 (Sat/Sun)

36. Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot Spit, Fawley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1BR
Telephone: 023 8089 2077 | Hours: See site

37. Avon Ski & Action Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, North Somerset, BS25 5PQ
Telephone: 01934 852335 | Hours: See site

38. Dorset Snowsport Centre, Warmwell Road, Dorset, DT2 8JE
Telephone: 01305 853 245 | Hours: See site

39. Swansea Ski Centre, Upper Bank, Swansea, SA1 7DB
Telephone: 01792 645639

40. Clifton Hill Sports Centre, Belmont Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 2DJ
Telephone: 01392 253353 | Hours: See site

41. Oval Ski Club, Wirral, Liverpool, Merseyside, CH63 7LF
Telephone: 0151 645 2452 | Hours: See site

42. Telford Snowboard & Ski Centre, Court Street, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5DZ
Telephone: 01952 382688 | Hours: See site

Introducing Zorbing or Sphereing – The Human Hamster Ball

Published on Friday, May 9, 2008 in Features and General. 8 Comments Tags: Games, Sphereing, Sport, UK, Zorbing.

When I first saw Rover from The Prisoner, I thought it was terrifying and I had nightmares throughout my childhood of being chased by a giant white ball. It wasn’t until Jackie Chan rolled in a giant hamster ball down a hill at the start of Operation Condor, that I began to forget my fear and learn to love what would soon be named Zorbing / Sphereing. This guest post from travel expert Kwesi Greenidge gives the run down on just what Zorbing is and where you can get to experience it.

Zorbing / Sphereing

Have you ever stared down at a hamster in its exercise ball and thought I’d love to do that? Well now you need wonder no more. There are an ever increasing loyal number of extreme sport fanatics who are paying for the privilege of being pushed down a hill in a huge plastic ball. This is Zorbing – a recreational activity that emerged in the early 21st century.

What is Zorbing / Sphereing?

Dwayne van der Sluis and Andrew Akers conceived the idea for this type of sphere in the mid-nineties in Auckland, New Zealand, calling their invention the Zorb. Originally designed to to come up with a solution to walking on water Zorbing has grown rapidly and is now practiced all over the world. Zorbing sites can be found in England, Scotland, New Zealand, Sweden, Estonia, Australia’s Gold Coast, the Czech Republic, Japan, Thailand and Slovenia.

The Zorb or Sphere is made from light weight flexible plastic and comprises of a sphere which houses the rider inside another larger sphere which stands 3 meters tall. The two spheres are connected by thousands of nylon ropes which give the structure its light yet cushioning properties. Riders are strapped in to an almost seated position in preparation for this thrill ride. Those with no fear, there are variations of rides where passengers can ride Zorbs without being strapped in!

zorbing

Hydro-Zorbing

If the thought of being strapped in a ball that is hurtling down a hill at 30 mph isn’t extreme enough for you then you may want to give Hydro-Zorbing a try. Hydro-Zorbing takes you from being a hamster to being… well laundry in a very strange washing machine! Hydro-Zorbing puts you on the spin cycle with the added element of water splashing around in the rider chamber! If you’re feeling a little nervy about the descent from the top to the bottom of the slope, fear not because you and a friend can share the Zorbing experience together. The Zorb is capable of carrying up to three riders quite comfortably and this option is perfect for reminding your mates about the petrified expression you had staring back at you!

Where Can I Go Zorbing?

The price of a single Zorb ride starts from around £35, with a double Zorb ride with a friend varying between £50 and £60, depending on the type of Zorbing experience you want.

Zorbing venues are located up and down the country with more and more sites popping up all the time. Here are some of the establish venues:

  • • Bockhampton, Dorset
  • • Brighton, West Sussex
  • • Chepstow, Gloucestershire
  • • Leeds, Yorkshire
  • • Macclesfield, Cheshire
  • • Newcastle, Northumberland
  • • Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
  • • Oxford, Oxfordshire
  • • Perth, Scotland
  • • Stevenage, Hertfordshire

For more information about UK Zorbing and how to get involved, check out Zorb South and Orb 360.