The last day of the school holidays is usually a dreary one for us. Not so this winter. We were invited to spend a festive day at the Snozone, Milton Keynes, which prompted a huge amount of excitement. It would be the first time ever our children skiied.
If you want to skip the reading and just watch a video of our day, there’s one at the end of this post.
Where is the Snozone Milton Keynes?
The Snozone has two locations. One is Snozone Castleford, in Yorkshire, and the other indoor ski centre is in Milton Keynes, just off the M1, making it accessible both to Londoners (like us) and people living further north. Both Snozones are located inside an Xscape leisure complex. As well as the Snozone, Xscape Milton Keynes includes a cinema, shops, restaurants and a bowling alley.
What will I find in this indoor ski centre?
Milton Keynes Snozone has a main slope of 170 m, with two poma lifts to carry people to the top, and a lesson slope for beginners and learners.
The whole area is covered with 1700 tonnes of fresh snow. Stepping through the double doors, into what was essentially an enormous freezer kept at -5 degrees, was hardly your regular day out in the UK, and prompted lots of squeals from the children.
How busy is the Snozone?
The Snozone was bustling when we arrived. The last weekend of the Christmas holidays is one of their busiest of the year. The Snozone capacity of 350 skiers per hour, from 9am until 11pm, meant that several thousand would have passed through its doors on the day we went.
Although the Milton Keynes ski slope felt busy, and we did have to queue at times (eg on the ski lifts), there was a relaxed, friendly atmosphere inside the centre.
Milton Keynes ski instructors
Hugh Michell, Snozone’s Operations support manager, explained that staff are selected for personality as well as ski/snowboarding skill. And the workers did seem incredibly cheery. There was none of the ‘too-cool-for-school’ attitude you get in some ski resorts. Everyone at the Milton Keynes ski centre seemed down-to-earth.
Snozone instructors range from those with level 1 qualification, right up to experts like Hugh. His teaching qualifications include working with disabled children. He told me that one of his favourite students was a girl with downs syndrome. After a few sessions she grew so fond of Hugh that she wouldn’t let anyone else teach her to ski.
Ski hire
Salopettes (waterproof trousers) and ski jackets are available to hire, helmets come as standard, and you can buy gloves if you need them (it’s really important to wear proper ski gloves. It’s chilly out there!). There are no family changing rooms but we used the cubicles. They’re the size of a regular swimming pool cubicle. So they could turn out to be a little cosy if you needed to change together with your children, but you can always use the open-plan changing area through the loos if you want to spread out.
Sledging at Milton Keynes Snozone
Our first activity of the day was family sledging.
We were joined on the slopes by Michael Hepburn, Snozone’s photographer. You’re only allowed to photograph or video on the slopes on one afternoon a week, but you can arrange for Michael to join you and take snaps. I’d recommend it, if you don’t mind paying. He captured some fantastic shots that would have been difficult for me to take, unless I decided to miss out on some of the skiing and sledging.
Both children started out nervously sitting on our laps, but branched out to using their own sledges. The sledging session was great fun, and helped build the children’s confidence for the ski lessons later. They got used to slipping around on the snow, and found out that it doesn’t hurt when you fall.
Lunch
We were given lunch in the Snozone restaurant (there’s also a bar upstairs – the centre is open until 11pm during Winter). The choices ranged from breakfast dishes (pancakes – yum), burgers and the standard range of kiddie’s dishes, to more healthy options like salads.
The meals all seemed reasonably priced, ranging in price from around £4-£8. I went for a chicken stir fry, which I was pleased with. It was hearty and flavoursome, and helped warm me up after the sledging. The children had fish dippers and chicken goujons, and we had the usual response from our kids: Austin wolfed his down, while Gwen picked at hers. D chose a veggie burger, which came with fries.
The restaurant had a panoramic view of the slopes, and a small soft play area, which our two raced off to play in.
Family indoor ski lesson at the Snozone Milton Keynes
And then came the bit we’d all been waiting for. Snozone had invited us to take a family ski lesson. As this was the children’s first time skiing ever, I was curious to see what they’d make of it.
Boots, skis and snowboards are included in the cost of a lesson. The cost varies depending on how many of you are in the family group, the age of the learners, and the number of people in the group. Children can start learning to ski in private lessons or in the Snozone SnoAcademy, from as young as three. They can take snowboarding lessons from the age of seven.
Cost of one-to-one lessons
When we visited, in 2017, an hour-long beginner lesson for a child from 3-15, with one-to-one tuition, was £64.99. If you added a second child it was £102.99. Lessons at the SnoAcademy were cheaper.
The ski tuition
The first thing I learned when I put on my boots, was that they’ve changed since I last skiied seven years ago. Thankfully the Snozone staff helped bring us into the new ski century. They also made sure the children’s boots were properly adjusted.
And then, it was time to hit the slopes.
Austin, Gwen and I were taken onto the learner slope by Stephen, our instructor, who was great with the kids over the hour of our lesson. The learner slope was separate from the main slope, which D belted over to, so that he could brush up on his technique. He said that most people on his slope were learner or intermediate skiiers, although there were a handful of people who clearly knew their stuff. Our slope was divided into two halves, with snowboarders at the top, and skiers towards the bottom. Most people were in group lessons, and little Gwen was the youngest by far.
I felt very proud of my little girl that day. I wasn’t sure how well she’d take to skiing, but she grew more confident and excited as the day wore on. Stephen, our instructor, and Hugh with his warm greeting, were mainly to thank for putting her at ease, and helping her pick up some new skills.
Before we went, I’d had no doubt that Austin would enjoy skiing, and I was right. Not only did he like zipping down as fast as he could (Stephen tried to teach him the snowplough, but he just didn’t want to be slowed down). But he also liked the headgear.
‘I look like a ninja’ he said, when he saw this action shot.
D enjoyed getting his skis back on after a long break. For proficient skiiers, the Snozone is probably best suited to those who want to focus on technique rather than to have a good run down long slopes (which are only really available on mountains). But this visit was a good opportunity for D to shake off some of the rust that had gathered over the last seven years.
And me? Well, with Stephen’s help I just about managed to get back to where I left off: snowplough turns, with the occasional tumble, and a hankering to progress onto parallels.
Verdict on the Snozone Milton Keynes
By the end of our time at the Snozone, we were all shattered (in a good way). I would recommend an indoor session on the snow to any families that lived nearby, and were wondering whether their children would enjoy a ski holiday. It’s a good way to test it out, without going to the expense of booking a ski trip, and buying all the clothes.
The Snozone was also good for getting our children (and us adults) used to putting on all the gear, which is a bit of a skill. It also took away some of the nervousness about moving along on a slippy, slidey slope.
If I lived closer I’d also consider booking one of the Snozone’s birthday parties. There were a couple of birthday groups out with us while we were sledging, and it looked as though they were having a smashing time.
I’ve made a little video of our day. Do let me know if you like it.
Want to read more about family ski trips?
If you’re considering a trip to somewhere like the Snozone, there are some handy tips in our post on what to expect at an indoor ski centre.
If you want to read about our adventures on ski slopes outdoors, check out these features:
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, a family ski resort near Innsbruck
A first family ski holiday at Saalfelden Leogang, Austria
A Christmas ski trip to Passo Tonale, Italy with Crystal Ski Holidays
Snozone Milton Keynes invited us to spend a day at the indoor ski centre for the purpose of this review.
46 Comments
Mrs M
January 7, 2016 at 9:56 amCold. All I can think of is cold. I’ve never tried skiing but Mr M keeps threatening me with it, I know he’d love to take the children. We’d probably start off with a session like this but it’s not my idea of fun!
Nell
January 7, 2016 at 2:06 pmHa ha – well yes, it was pretty chilly! You could always opt out and watch the rest of your family from the restaurant, with a hot choc 🙂
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:33 pmYou could always watch them from the bar, a glass of gluwein in hand? 😉
Sonya Cisco
January 7, 2016 at 10:33 amGo you guys!! I would be hopeless, can barely manage walking without tripping half the time!! Might manage one of those big rings down the slope tho – my eldest boy loves going on those at our local dry slope!
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:32 pmI always think skiing is a bit like whizzing down a slide. It does help if you’re on your bottom!
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One
January 7, 2016 at 1:19 pmThis is somewhere I keep in the back of my mind for when Monkey feels like getting a bit more adventurous with life. I’ve always fancied trying those sledges out! Looks like a good time was had by all.
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:31 pmOoh yes – please let me know if you try it!
Liz Burton
January 7, 2016 at 1:36 pmI was really interested to read this as MK is only a few miles from us. None of us have ever been skiing before and my OH is keen for us to try. Good to hear how friendly and patient the staff are, that would be my biggest worry!
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:31 pmThey really were the nicest bunch of people. Coped with our kids losing their skis gazillions of times!
Izzie Anderton
January 7, 2016 at 4:36 pmWhat a fab introduction to skiing for the family… it looks like a great day out.
I’ve never been skiing but did manage to fall over and fracture my elbow on a visit to an ice-rink. I dread to think what I’d be capable of if I went skiing?!
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:30 pmAargh no, your poor elbow! It’s nowhere near as painful if you fall on snow – you should definitely give it a try.
Nayna Kanabar
January 7, 2016 at 6:11 pmLooks like a fab day out so much fun and snow.
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:30 pmIt was indeed!
Jen
January 7, 2016 at 7:43 pmThere is talk of planning for one of these being pout in for us locally. I would love to take the boys. You all looked to have so much fun. Off to watch the video
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:29 pmOoh, you should, if the plans work out. It’s like stepping into another world!
Rachel In Real Life
January 8, 2016 at 12:52 amIt looks like you had a wonderful time and the kids clearly enjoyed it. I have always wanted to go on a ski-ing holiday but now, thanks to my back, it’s probably really not the best idea for me!
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:29 pmAh, that’s a shame. Hope you manage to make it away somewhere sunny and relaxing this year though. xx
Sarah Ebner
January 8, 2016 at 11:26 amYour pictures are fab, and you look as if you had such a great time. We loved it when we went too – such a fun, different kind of a place to visit, and I think it would be particularly good if you are preparing for a skiing holiday.
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:27 pmAbsolutely. Now I’ve been, I’d definitely put it on a pre- ski holiday itinerary.
Cass@frugalfamily
January 8, 2016 at 12:04 pmWe’ve done something similar in Manchester and we had an amazing time together x
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:26 pmThere’s nothing like a bit of slipping and sliding to help family bonding!
Jennifer
January 8, 2016 at 2:14 pmAn indoor ski facility! Great idea! After having our first green Christmas in a very long time, it’s finally cold enough that the ski hills are starting to open runs around here. Happy New Year! #PoCoLo
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:25 pmHappy Snowy New Year indeed!
Suzanne
January 8, 2016 at 8:04 pmBrilliant! We had a 3 hour lesson here before we had ever skied and it was the best thing we did. It’s really worth investing in time here before a ski holiday. Looks like you all had great fun! x
Nell
January 8, 2016 at 8:24 pmWe did! When we finally get round to a proper ski holiday, we’ll definitely be going back. I’m glad you enjoyed it there too. Looks as though you all made the most of the (lack of) snow on your own recent hol! xx
Kim Carberry
January 8, 2016 at 9:41 pmLook at all those smiley faces! It sure looks like everyone had a great time!
What a fun day out x
tracey at Mummyshire
January 8, 2016 at 9:59 pmThis looks just awesome! It’s a great way to get children onto the snow and for them to experience skiing because even just putting the kit on and the boots is quite an unusual experience, and its something you want them to get used to before forking out for a very expensive holiday!
I think your review was really thorough and it’s certainly made me think about popping along – we live about an hour away from Milton Keynes.
Glad you had such a great time!
Nell
January 9, 2016 at 3:18 pmI agree – it took a while for the children (and me!) to get our heads round putting the boots and skis on, and the children kept losing their skis. Better to get that out of the way before we went on a holiday!
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi)
January 8, 2016 at 10:31 pmThis looks like so much fun! Definitely going to have to look into doing something similar when my daughter’s a bit older. 🙂 #pocolo
Verily Victoria Vocalises
January 8, 2016 at 11:59 pmHow fantastic! What a really great idea. I have to admit to never going skiing and likely never will but this looks like good fun. The kids look so happy – so pleased they enjoyed it. #PoCoLo
Nell
January 9, 2016 at 3:16 pmThey had an absolute ball!
Kara
January 9, 2016 at 7:46 ami wish there were something like this closer to me. I really want to take the kids on a ski holiday and learning somewhere like this would be ideal!
Nell
January 9, 2016 at 3:16 pmI’d definitely go back, if/when we get round to booking a ski holiday.
Jennifer Howze
January 10, 2016 at 7:30 pmIt looks like y’all had such a good time! I’ve been curious about Snozone for ages — great to hear that it’s a good experience. It seems especially good for helping kids keep up their skiing skills if you don’t get to hit the outdoor slopes that often. x
Nell
January 10, 2016 at 8:04 pmWe had a blast! It’s worth going along. Even D (who usually hits the black slopes on holiday) had good things to say about it – and yes, it’s perfect for kids (and novices like me!) to brush up before a ski holiday, or just to keep the practice up.
Mrs Tubbs
January 10, 2016 at 7:54 pmWow, that’s near us. I wonder if the Tubblet would like to try it. I’ll have to ask her.
Morgan Prince
January 12, 2016 at 9:25 amThanks for linking to #PoCoLo hun!
It looks like you had a fabulous time. I love the photos of your children, your daughter really looks like she had a blast! What a brilliant idea for anyone who lives close by. 🙂
Nell
January 16, 2016 at 6:22 pmMy daughter still grins from ear to ear when we talk about it!
Jess @ Catch A Single Thought
January 12, 2016 at 12:03 pmThis looks like so much fun! Castleford isn’t too far from us so we might have to give it a go; I think my kids would both love it.
Nell
January 16, 2016 at 6:20 pmIt was a grand day out-let me know how you get on at Castleford!
ninjacat
January 13, 2016 at 8:10 amWhat a fun lot of activities ! :d i would love to do this.
Nell
January 16, 2016 at 6:14 pmYou should give it a try!
Ickle Pickle
January 17, 2016 at 7:53 pmThis looks like a fantastic day out – my youngest daughter would love it – she had a lesson or two at a dry ski slope near us and loved it. Love your photos. Kaz x
Nell
January 19, 2016 at 11:45 amThank you!
susanna
January 20, 2016 at 10:29 amYay! Real snow! We went to the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead last month and had a blast too. xxx
Nell
January 21, 2016 at 8:15 pmAh yes, I saw your post – looks as though you had a great time. We’ll have to try that place too.