With the ski season fast approaching and the white stuff already falling (and predicted to fall) in many parts of the UK, LGT felt it was time to dust off those ski boots and head to the Tamworth Snowdome just off the M42 for a bit of pre holiday practice.

There is a wide variety of sessions on offer from weekly lessons to half day and one day combined, leading up to more specialist sessions either in a group or individual basis. Alternatively, if you feel you are already well equipped for the slopes (experience wise) then you can just pay to ski for the hour without tuition.

We first e-mailed the Snowdome to check what level lessons we should attend, the reply was prompt and informative. We then telephoned the Snowdome to book a combined half day session, again we were told time, temperatures and generally what to expect for our 2 hours.

The equipment desk was well manned, luckily the guys were there to guide you through the minefield of equipment and we decided that it was best that I used the beginners’ skis.

Lockers are available at £0.20 (Nov 2005) for you to store all of your belongings in whilst hitting the slopes.

Our instructor (Stuart) asked us a few basic questions, and within a few minutes we had all grabbed hold of the tow rope to demonstrate our snow ploughs. Snow plough turns followed and before we knew it we were all skiing in a controlled fashion down part of the slope.

The next challenge was to get onto the escalator and head to the top of the slope, our instructor advised us how to get up to the top of the slope and calmed our nerves once we were there.

Our first time down the slope was very sedate, and we stopped at a convenient point part way down to elay any fears. However, before long we were up and down the slopes like ‘professionals’ and thoroughly enjoying our experience too.

If you’ve never skied before but fancy having a go, Tamworth Snowdome is an excellent place to start out. Having skied on a dry ski slope before, the advantage that real snow gives you over a dry slope is immense – you get a real feel of how you and your skies react on snow (and on the odd icy patch) which really prepares you well for when you do hit the pistes.

However, as the Snowdome is a confined area it can get quite busy and you may wish to check when booking your session when the quietest time is.

LGT getting ready for the après ski!!

LGT's KT visited the Snowdome November 2005 anonymously