Hemel Hempstead Snow Center

Work on the Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre, Britain’s premier indoor ski and snowboarding venue, just north of London is gathering pace with the opening less than five months away.
Just off the M1 and less than ten miles north of the M25 is the first in the UK to be built on a natural hill, offering scope for some challenging indoor skiing and snowboarding. With over 8000m2 of real snow the main slope is an impressive 160 metres long with an additional 100 metre nursery slope for lessons.

Fresh snow will be generated by 10 huge snow cannons and managed by an Alpine piste-basher. Skiers and snowboarders will be transported to the top by an efficient dual lift system that promises to maximise time on the slopes. Snow sports enthusiasts can guarantee priority sessions at the Centre and benefit from some fantastic discounts by becoming Founding Members in advance of the opening date next April. The first members to sign up will receive an additional 25% discount on the membership cost. Membership sales open on December 1st. Full membership cost is £100 for adults, with concessions for under 18’s, senior citizens and families – the saving of 25% discount on this price is limited to the those that purchase in the first few weeks. Facilities at The Snow Centre include ‘The Edge’, a stylish bar and cafe with views across the slopes, full equipment hire, private rooms for parties, meetings and conferences and a premier Snow and Rock outlet. It’s also the first in Britain to have a direct link-up with one of the most popular Alpine regions for winter sports. In September the centre announced it was to be twinned with the Oetztal region of Austria – which contains the popular resorts of Obergurgl, Hochgurgl and Solden -- in a first for a British snowsports centre. ‘We’re looking at a whole package of benefits for Members,’ says Marketing Director Stephen Jordan. 'Priority booking and a 30% discount on recreational sessions will give Members a real price advantage. And we’ll be operating a dedicated members-only session every weekday from 8am-9am, which will be limited to 50 people on the slopes.’ Members will also be entitled to a free recreational session on their birthday. Meanwhile work on the £23 million centre is gathering pace with the focus on preparing the interior for the moment when the snow cannons start filling the venue with a blanket of snow in February. You can also buy Gift Vouchers for the Snow Centre to the value of £5, £10, £25 or £50 – could be the ideal Christmas gift! Membership available at www.thesnowcentre.com or ring 01442 241 321. Founder Membership prices are: ** Adult £75 – full price £100 ** Junior £53 – full price £70 ** Senior £45 -- full price £60 ** Family (two adults and two children) £204 full price £272