South Wales to have the UK’s longest artificial ski slope

Sep 16

Plans to build a 500m-long indoor ski slope in the heart of the Welsh countryside have had the seal of approval from leading figures in the snow sports community.

Marvel Limited, the company behind the proposal, is reportedly set to invest £450 million into the ski centre in Rhydycar West near Merthyr Tydfil, as well as a number of other leisure facilities. The plans span a 575 acre site on the edge of the Brecon Beacon’s National Park, 45 minutes from Cardiff and even less from Tall John’s House.

If the proposal is successful the slope will become the UK’s longest indoor ski slope, overtaking Chill Factore in Manchester, which has an indoor 180 metre real-snow slope

The proposed development just north of Cardiff will also feature the UK’s largest indoor water park with an indoor surf simulator, an indoor bike and skate park and an equestrian centre. It has been reported that there could be a zipline and sports pitches as well.

If you're going skiing for the first time, the Ski Club of Great Britain strongly advise you to give skiing or snowboarding a go in the UK before you head out to the mountains.

If you can master basics like stopping and turning before your first holiday on snow, you can make more use of the mountain when you're there. The new GO SKI GO BOARD initiative, backed by Snowsports England, is a great way to get involved.

Indoor real snow slopes are becoming more and more popular in the UK and there are now six which produce real snow - the temperature is usually kept between -1°C and -5°C, allowing snow cannons to produce snow in the same way as those used in many ski resorts.

The new ski slope is sure to have rental facilities of skis, boards, boots and poles so you don't have to lug your own kit there. Even though you may only be on the snow for an hour or so at a time it is still important to stay warm. Think about wearing ski pants or waterproof trousers, warm gloves, warm mid-layers and a ski jacket. Although eye protection is not essential as it outdoors, it's a good idea to wear a helmet, especially when the slopes become busy.

Indoor snow slopes in the UK have helped to fuel the growth of freestyle skiing and snowboarding, with local freestyle nights and competitions helping to uncover talented young athletes.