Summer League – dry/plastic slopes and indoor snow slopes.
We thought it might be useful for those new to dry slope racing to have a warts-and-all view of the various venues. (This is intended to be tongue in cheek!)
Hemel Snow Centre
Our own home slope, 160m long, various rules and regulations are imposed on race days. See invite for details.
Welwyn (Gosling)
The closest slope to Hemel, so you get a bit of a lie-in (till 6.30am at least!). The slope has two extremely inefficient poma lifts many racers choose to walk to the top instead. But when you get to the top the slope is a lovely undulating run.
Make sure you visit the loo before you arrive at the ski slope, as there are very limited facilities (one male and one female toilet, complete with wobbly seat). Most racers choose to use the adjacent tennis centre, but its a bit difficult to pretend to be a tennis player when you are wearing ski boots and a helmet…
The barbecue at Welwyn is well worth a visit!
Brentwood Park Ski Centre
The two main features of this slope are the lovely moguls and the tree right in the middle of the slope (this slope is definitely in the tree line!). The slope is adjacent to a golf driving range so if youve forgotten the kids Nintendos they can occupy themselves by hunting for stray golf balls in the bushes (but best to keep their helmets on!).
Ipswich (Suffolk Ski Centre)
Lovely long slope in a natural bowl, which is great for spectators. The cake stall here is highly recommended, but the toilet provision is even worse than Welwyn (but plenty of bushes near at hand!). Parking is on a steep grassy bank (which is fine as long as it doesnt rain…). Rumour has it there are still two cars belonging to club members stuck on it….
The local radio station usually turns up and plays fantastic music!
Norwich Snowsports Club
Fantastic clubhouse with huge panoramic windows, so its one of the few outdoor slopes where spectators can watch without getting wet. Unlike the competitors, who are at the mercy of the slope sprinkler system….
If were honest the only drawback to Norwich is that its a bit of a hike to get there.
Tallington
Located somewhere near Stamford, in Lincolnshire (were not exactly sure where because we always get lost when we go there). A relative newcomer to the Summer League, its situated on a campsite/leisure complex with a lake nearby. If youre into camping, great to make a weekend of it.
Its another short slope, served by one dodgy lift, but again not far to walk to the top.
The ski slope has a fantastic shop, so in between your three runs of ten seconds therell be plenty of time to use your flexible friend.
But on a more serious note, all these slopes have one thing in common. Theyre a great day out for both skiers and spectators, with a fantastic open-air atmosphere that you dont get at any of the indoor slopes.
Ski MK (Xscape – Milton Keynes)
The only other “Snow Slope” within the region, not as bright or airy as Hemel but slightly longer, on the whole good snow. Get to races early to grab your spot as not much room in the viewing area. People not allowed onto the snow unless racing.
Snow World – Landgraaf
Not actually part of the ERSA Series but HSRC have been racing there over the May Bank Holiday for a number of years. Well worth a visit.