When people think of England or Britain, the last thing that they will think of are ski slopes. They aren’t really known as the nation’s best attraction.
In fact, many British people will go all the way to continental Europe, to countries like France, Austria or Switzerland. They offer the best slopes and the most stunning mountain views than anywhere else in the world and so many go to these popular destinations.
However, you don’t really have to go that far if you want to enjoy a wonderful winter ski vacation. It has even become a popular pastime in England and many parts of Great Britain.
A little known fact is that there are actually several options that you can find in both England and Wales. Many mountains in Britain open up during the winter and become available for skiing and snowboarding.
Here is a list of some of the skiing resorts found in Britain that are gaining popularity in recent years.
Raise, Helvellyn, Cumbria
If you are looking for a great ski centre in England, then Raise is what you’re looking for. It’s one of the best known centres and has been operating since 1936. One of the things Raise boasts of is a permanently installed button lift and access to many incredible off-piste runs.
If you are interested to check out the action in Raise before going there, you can take a look at their website and view their live webcam. The website also has a map that shows all the popular runs and slopes available in the area.
Some runs are steep enough so that you can snowboard or great for expert skiers. Dress warm! The top of the mountain is very cold, if your ski jacket is not up to the task, https://www.OutsidePursuits.com has a great list of them.
Facilities that you can find at Raise include the button lift that is operated by Lake District Ski Club; and the Millenium Hut, a lodge known as the highest building in England.
For more information you can visit their website at ldscsnowski.co.uk.
Yad Moss, Cumbria
If you are looking for a huge ski slope then Yad Moss is the place to be. It boasts several slopes and runs that showcase some of the most interesting terrain this side of the channel. It is the place to make the most of Cumbrian snow where there is decent skiing and snowboarding.
Many people visit the ski slopes on a regular basis every weekend. Nearly 10,000 skiers and snowboarders visit the slope during a weekend. Most slopes can run as long as 800 meters so it’s worth a try. The snow here tends to be very wet. If you fall frequently, make sure you have some good ski pants. If you are in need of a new pair, here are some good ones to choose from.
Storey Arms,near Brecon in Wales
The country of Wales also has its own ski slopes during the winter months. You don’t have to go that far to find the perfect ski resort. In the 1980s, there was a strong skiing movement and if snow conditions persist, there may soon be a revival of that movement. There aren’t any pistes in Storey Arms but the terrain is filled with plenty of gullies and smooth running meadows for you to carve up.
Rope tows are available and operated by various ski clubs such as Plas Y Brenin and the Cardiff Ski Club have been known to turn up. It was said that back in the day, the slope hosted up to 600 people with 6 rope tows daisy-chained to the top.
Britain definitely has its own charm when it comes to ski locations. While not as extravagant or classy like the resorts in continental Europe, you definitely can still enjoy a great winter ski trip in your own backyard.