New Initiative Encourages More People Onto The Slopes For The First Time

Over a decade ago, if you asked someone how they became interested in skiing and snowboarding, a fair few would answer that their first experience was on a school ski holiday.

For a while, this was THE school trip that everyone wanted to be on, including members of staff who were only too happy to accompany pupils for a week in the mountains.

The numbers going on school ski holidays took a hit when new legislation came in, which ruled that school trips could only be taken during term time if they could be proven to be educational.

Plus, pupils whose families were unable to afford the term-time trips could not be disadvantaged, and the school itself would have to cover their costs.

This meant the vast majority of school ski trips became limited to winter half-term breaks or during school holiday time, the festive period and Easter.

This also coincided with the growth in school trips involving other subjects – the geography field trip, art classes, and sporting activities such as football and rugby tours, hockey and netball tours… to name but a few.

A combination of parents having to choose between all the different trips on offer, and tighter health and safety legislation, saw a reduction in the number of schools taking ski holidays, although they remain very popular with those still willing to organise them.

The decline in school trips has contributed towards a fall in the number of youngsters and often their parents getting involved in skiing and snowboarding and this is a matter of concern to the UK ski and snowboard industry.

Snowsport England, the national governing body for snowsports in England, has taken positive steps with the recent launch of Way2Snow, a campaign which encourages people to learn to ski or snowboard ahead of a first winter holiday.

The Way2Snow initiative is a collaboration between several UK snowsports businesses and organisations, including The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, SnowDome in Tamworth, Chill Factore in Manchester, Ski Club of Great Britain, Disability Snowsport UK and Snow Camp.

A programme enables participants to learn to ski or snowboard at an indoor real snow facility. For £299, adults can get 12 hours of expert tuition on real snow and there is a reduced price of £249 for those aged between 11-16. Skis, snowboards, boots and helmets are free with every lesson.

There are also tailored sessions for those with disabilities and additional needs, available to book through Disability Snowsport UK.

Personally, I would have liked this programme to have included the many other artificial slopes around the country, which also provide instruction and experience to those looking to take their first ski holiday.

This is because the locations of the real snow centres could limit the number of participants who can take advantage of the Way2Snow initiative.

But I am also glad to see that some of the UK snowsports businesses and organisations have come together to boost the numbers of skiers and snowboarders in the UK.

It can be very daunting for those heading to the mountains for the first time even if they are being accompanied by more experienced partners, friends or family members.

The expert staff at Ski Line can advise you on all the best resorts for beginners and groups of mixed abilities. Get in touch using the contact details on the website. Or use the chat facility to talk about different ski areas and the accommodation available.

As well as the tuition, the Way2Snow package includes a range of offers and discounts. Packages are redeemable until 31 August 2025. To find out more, including how to book visit Way2Snow