Plymouth Snowsports Centre

What it’s like

A dry slope where you can toboggan, sno-tube, ski or snowboard without waiting for winter or a flight abroad.

You get thrown down a dry slope on a toboggan, ride a sno-tube for half an hour, or book onto a ski or snowboard lesson, all outdoors and all year round. Tobogganing starts at 4, though anyone aged 4 to 7 has to ride with an adult, and it's only from 8 that they let kids go it alone. A single ride is £5.50, but if you're staying a while the 5-ride pass at £18 works out cheaper, and tubing is £13.50 for 30 minutes per person.

The ski and snowboard side is where the real commitment is, both in time and cost. Group lessons run from £30 for a junior hour, and there are proper progression packs if your child wants to keep coming back, up to £169 for four adult lessons. There's even a tots course for 4 to 7 year olds, five lessons at 45 minutes each for £97.50, which is a decent way to get a small skier past the wobbly stage. Trainers are compulsory, no open-toed shoes, and you'll need long sleeves, trousers and gloves, so pack like you mean it even in July.

It's outdoors, so weather plays a part, though they don't cancel just because it's raining, only if conditions turn properly unsafe. Parking's free, and there's a café and restaurant on site if you need to refuel between sessions. Saturdays run late, 10am to 9pm with activities kicking off at noon, while Sundays don't open until 4pm, so check the day you're going matches what you had in mind.

Birthday parties come in three tiers, from £21 a head for tobogganing or tubing up to £39 for the Ultimate Package with lessons thrown in, and a meal and dessert are included in all of them. There's a non-refundable £59.50 deposit, and no party bags or cake are provided, which is worth factoring into your own party budget.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

4 up, with a tots ski course for the youngest skiers

Booking

All activities available on walk-up basis

Parking

Free parking available

Food

Café and restaurant on site serving burgers, toasted sandwiches, drinks, snacks and meals

Parties

Three party packages: Tobogganing/Sno-Tubing (£21pp), Slide & Ride (£28pp), Ultimate Package with lessons (£39pp)

• Pack proper clothing, trainers, long sleeves, trousers and gloves are all required even in summer
• Sunday sessions don't start until 4pm, so it's not a morning option that day
• The tots ski course (4-7 years) runs across 5 lessons, useful if you want steady progress rather than a one-off go
• Party balance payments are due 14 days before, with refunds only up to 48 hours out minus a 25% fee

Plan your visit

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