One might think that in order to go skiing you would have to travel thousands of miles away, to France or Switzerland. What many might not know, is that it’s actually just a 30-minute train ride from London Euston to Hemel Hempstead. Just take the London Northwestern Railway and you’ll find yourself at Snow Center. It offers private and group lessons ranging from all levels while containing a separate slope for the avid skier or snowboarder. Booking the two-hour level 1 ski lesson which costs £55 (£86 including rental ski clothes), is much cheaper than the alps.
I decided to try it out and went in with mixed expectations. Arriving at the Snow Center the fantastic architecture that stuck out from the station, greeted by welcoming and enthusiastic staff explaining exactly where and how to pick up the gear. Arriving with enough time to settle before the lesson I headed up the ski ‘lodge’ with a tremendous view of two ski runs watching the ‘pros’ go down one, which was a fantastic sight to behold. While the other slope was designated for lessons.
Cosmo Osworld, who is a ski instructor at Snow Centre, means it is good to get some lessons before the real thing, “It’s always quite tricky to pick it up in one lesson, however, it’s great to have the initial feeling of the skis and understanding the basics before going on a trip. I think the best way to pick up skiing is just to trust yourself and just have fun while not putting too much pressure on yourself.”
Entering what seemed to be a large locker room I collected; ski trousers, jacket, gloves, helmet, skis and boots. Ski instructors Julie and Rob briefed us all on the lesson plan; how to enter the dome, how to correctly put on all ski gear and how to conduct yourself in a safe manner. The group comprised around 10 of us, all just as green and keen, however, some looked a bit more timid than others. Entering the snow dome you’re struck with the icy -4 breeze. Walking in ski boots is a feeling that takes a few minutes to get used to as your ankle mobility is quite restrained, so you walk in a heel-to-toe motion (luckily being the avid high-heel wearer that concept made sense.)
The lesson started by learning how to clip and unclip the boot to ski, then instructed to walk/slide the ski to allow a better sensation of the motion and feeling, then putting both on following the same step, walking/sliding in a circle which few found challenging. Learning snowplough or pizza is the most effective and beginner way to slow down and stop. Rob stated that the best way to ski is “well if you know how to stop and slow down you are already a quarter of the way there.”
Once understanding the basics, it was time to hit the run, taught how to walk sideways up a slope was a new experience. I was the first to go down the slope which was surprisingly easier than I thought and gave me a complete rush (even though it was a 5-meter drop). With a few of our group taking a few slips and tumbles we started to go higher. Taking the ski lift to the halfway mark I felt extremely comfortable and natural skiing with the instructors giving me great feedback.
However, looking back I can now see a few faces that had quite a bit of worry while others were rather sweaty faces as some picked up skiing faster than the other. Talking to Julie she would give fantastic feedback which was a bit of an ego boost; “Are you sure this is your first time skiing? You definitely should have taken a level 2 or 3 class. I’m highly impressed with your ability to pick this up so quickly, skiing is such a passion of mine and I’m so glad to see that you find the same fun and passion.”
I was so impressed with the patience and teaching methods of the instructors; they have a fantastic team that also caters to those with not only physical disabilities but also catering to children with special needs which is definitely a very admirable hosting facility. Post lesson each person had a fantastic debriefing with the instructors breaking down each area and where you need improvement as well as where you excelled. The snow dome caters to everyone, and the overall experience is incredible, with very competitive prices within the current economic climate, I would highly recommend a London day out in the snow.