Snowtrax is the ideal place to brush up the whole family’s skiing skills before hitting the slopes

With its pretty alpine backdrop, modern, wooden terrace and a range of different slopes, Snowtrax is THE place to hone your skiing skills. Whether you’re a complete novice, need to brush up your technique ahead of a skiing trip abroad or want to introduce your children to the sport the centre, at Matchams, Christchurch, has something to suit every need.

Lessons in both skiing and snowboarding are offered by the Snowsports School’s professional instructors with a real passion for the sport, either on a one-toone basis, or in a group setting. You can even learn to ski in a day, or book in for some holiday coaching sessions, offered for those who can already ski or snowboard and are looking to improve their technique or learn something totally different, such as racing through poles or to slide down a rail.

Youngsters can join in Alpine Stars for skiing or Junior Boarders for snowboarding programmes, which run on a Saturday and Sunday for children from the age of two or four respectively. The idea of these sessions is for children to learn in a fun and active environment around youngsters of a similar age and ability. For those looking for something a little different, why not have a go at riding the ski-bobs or spinning down the slopes on a ringo? Young visitors will be suitably impressed by the centre’s Alpine Adventure Park, complete with swings, trampolines and a huge fort.

Snowtrax even hosts birthday parties for ski-mad youngsters. Adrenaline junkies are catered for with Team Snowtrax, an independent club which meets regularly at the centre to introduce ski racing to young and older people, and to promote snowsports in all its forms.

The coaching staff are skiers with more than 70 years skiing experience, having a mixture of qualifications via Snowsports England and BASI. Some of the club’s top racers are also on the coaching staff.

A range of improvements have recently been introduced at Snowtrax, which aims to offer an “action packed, exhilarating day out that the whole family will enjoy”. During last summer, the centre completed an improvement project to change the surface from the old, steel-framed material to Proslope, the next generation artificial surface, which has proven to be safer, faster and has even encouraged many more people to take up snowsports, along with advancing the skills of those who can already ski or board. The project also included the installation of a new moving carpet lift, which makes it even easier for beginners and skibobbers to get to the top of the hill.

For the less-keen skier, or those simply wanting to soak up the atmosphere, you don’t need to hit the slopes to enjoy an après ski drink or bite to eat. The Austrian-themed Alpine Bistro, with its recently refurbished kitchen, serves up a range of dishes inspired by those at traditional ski resorts. There is a fine selection of wines along with real ales and warming hot chocolates with all the trimmings for cold days. Snowtrax also has its very own store, to pick up all the latest in skiwear, although skis and boots can all be hired through the centre.

Snowtrax is in Matchams Lane, Christchurch, near Bournemouth Airport. Visit Snowtrax.eu or call 01202 499 155. For the Snowtrax store, visit www.snowtraxstore.co.uk