Hemel Ski Centre
Hemel Ski Centre
St. Albans Hill
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP3 9NH

Frequently Asked Questions


Table of Contents

  1. How do I learn to ski or snowboard... ?
  2. Where can I find out about lessons... ?
  3. Why do I have to wear gloves etc... ?
  4. Who do I contact... ?
  5. What is the progression from beginner to advanced... ?
  6. When is the next open day... ?
  7. When can I bring my children to lessons...?
  8. Are there any special courses for the school holidays...?
  9. Are you open all year...?
  10. Can I have private lessons...?
  11. Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong...?
  12. Do you have a ski school...?
  13. How many instructors do you have...?
  14. Do you have food and drink facilities...?
  15. Can I book rooms for special occasions...?
  16. How do I join the Hemel race Club...?
  17. Am I too old to learn to ski...?

How do I learn to ski or snowboard... ?

Come along and book on a beginners course, or come and chat with any of the Instructors and staff at the ski centre about your needs. Alternatively, telephone on 01442 241321. You can see the courses available from the navigation buttons on the left of this screen.

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Where can I find out about lessons... ?

See the navigation buttons on the left of this screen. Adult, Junior, Snowboarding, Clubs and special bookings, all contain the information you require. You could also call in and see us and chat about your needs. To find us, go to the Home page and you will find a map near the bottom of that page.

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Why do I have to wear gloves etc... ?

A dry ski slope surface is in fact a honeycomb of plastic bristles. Not unlike a giant toothbrush! , but much stiffer. We must insist that gloves, long sleeves and long trousers are worn whilst on the slopes as this will help prevent injury should you fall over.

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Who do I contact ... ?

Anyone at reception will be happy to discuss your individual requirements and any special bookings you may have. You can view the scope of facilities by going to the Special Bookings page. They are both supported by a very keen and dedicated staff, they are there for you!

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What is the progression from beginner to advanced... ?

Hemel Ski Centre operate a system of course levels. You can see these by going to the Courses & lessons page. We progress carefully ensuring that new skills are fully learnt and practiced. You will be able to see exactly what you need to achieve to progress up the levels. All courses are structured in such a way that you will work with others of a similar ability.

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When is the next open day... ?

 Please contact the Ski Centre on 01442 241321 or e-mail communicate@hemel-ski.co.uk

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When can I bring my children... ?

Every Saturday and Sunday morning we run a 'junior activities' programme. Your child can join an appropriate group according to age and ability. In addition Saturday afternoons we run junior development groups. These groups are specially designed to expand the skiing abilities of your children and we usually allow entry after completion of our level 8 ability and over 6 years of age. Please see the junior activities page.

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Are there any special courses for the school holidays... ?

Yes. If you have a look at the junior lessons, clubs and special bookings pages, these will explain in more detail what is involved.  Many children come back again and again for these courses and make many new friends.

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Are you open all year... ?

We only close on Christmas Day, race days and during the summer some parts of the day are allocated for club events. If you have a look at the opening times in the 'home' page (navigation button is on the left of your screen) it will give you all the times you can come and ski. For dates and times of courses, have a look at the pages relating to your requirements.

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Can I have private lessons... ?

Yes, many do! We have a very talented and highly qualified team of instructors, who can address your individual requirements. Contact the ski slope to discuss your needs.

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Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong... ?

Yes, our team of Instructors are able to help diagnose what is preventing you from getting the most out of the sport. Come along, have a chat about your skiing or snowboarding, what is troubling you and we will have a look at your skills and advise on the best course or private lesson.

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Do you have a ski school... ?

We pride ourselves on the quality and structure of our ski school. All our Instructors are trained to a very high standard and many are able to perform training at advanced levels, even on snow! They are continually undergoing training and assessment to ensure that you will receive the very best tuition available in the UK.

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How many Instructors do you have... ?

We have over 100 Instructors on our books! Many work on a regular basis so clients get to know them and we can provide close attention to your progression. In the peak season, we have the ability to call upon Instructors to fulfill our commitment to your booking requests.

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Do you have food and drink facilities... ?

We run a ski bar which is open evenings and during the day at weekends. The ski bar will provide bar drinks and food during the day.  You can sit and relax and watch other skiers while you enjoy your favorite tipple. Please telephone to check on opening times.

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Can I book rooms for special occasions... ?

We have many rooms for your parties, meetings or other functions. We can cater for your individual food requirements and layout the rooms for classroom, conference room or make available for disco's and parties. You can even book the entire slope for your corporate events. Please call us on 01442 241321 or e-mail  [email protected]

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How do I join the Hemel race club... ?

You will need to be invited. Most of our club members have attended skiing courses and weekend development groups or holiday courses. They have been assessed during these courses and have been invited to attend race training. Our senior Instructors and Coaches commit a great amount of time to training juniors and adults to prepare and perform in race conditions. If you join you will be expected to make an equally high commitment. Many of our racers have accomplished places in the England and Great Britain squads! We can boast one of the most successful of all race clubs in the UK. 

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Am I too old to learn to ski... ?

As long as you are reasonably fit, have a desire to experience an exhilarating and enjoyable sport, you are not too old! We have taught many people well into their sixties and seventies. Our Instructors are experienced in the training and instruction of people of all ages.

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Copyright © 2000  [Hemel Ski & Leisure limited]. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 28, 2003 .