The Snow Center (Hemel Hempstead) Review

Ground floor - Reception, Self Check-in, Money Exchange and Snow & Rock

First Floor - Entrance to the slopes, lockers, changing cubicals, toilets and equipment hire collection

Second Floor - The Lodge Bar, Toilets and meeting rooms

The Center has lots on offer on and off the slopes, from Private one hour lessons, group two hour lessons, to day courses as well as lift passes, a ringo slide for children, and a large bar/ restaurant area with great views of the slopes, it also incorporates a balcony area on the slope side for spectators. 

Lessons

You have a choice between Group and Private lessons for either Adults (over 17s) or Children. on skis or snowboard. The also offer lesson packages depending on the time of year. We found three lessons on Groupon at reasonable prices. If you go for the Groupon offer there is a dedicated page to book on and you don’t need to book all your lessons at once. I found this out after booking three level one lessons, but if you need to change them, the team are great at sorting this out for you.

There are a number of different levels to choose from depending on your experience. You can read the details of these in my progress page, just click the button below.

I have completed level one to six lessons in a group, (the maximum number in a group is ten) and on most of them I have had to repeat them, this isn’t a bad thing and of course it will depend on your individual confidence and skills, don’t let repeating put you off, you can read more about my skiing journey through my diary entries. In my own journey I have encountered different instructors (occasionally the same one) they are all great and will take their time with you if you are struggling and try different techniques to help you achieve the lesson outcomes.

Equipment

As part of your lesson or lift pass, equipment hire is included, this includes your helmet, ski/snowboard boots and your skis or snowboard. You can also hire for an addition fee jacket and pants. which is great if you want to try snow sports without the initial expense, until you decide if you want to continue of not.

You collect your clothing from the counter next to the toilets, and your equipment from the back on the first floor, if you are not sure what size skis you need they will select them for you. Don’t be offended if they ask for your weight, they need to know this to set up your ski bindings to ensure they release when they should to avoid injury. If you aren’t sure of your weight they also have scales. The equipment staff are friendly and helpful. There is also a helpful video which shows you how to put on and fasten your ski or snowboard boots, if you are still aren’t sure you can ask your instructor for help if you are on a lesson,

Lift Passes

Once you have passed your level five lesson or if you can already meet the minimum Main slope requirements of:

• Be able to control speed and direction
• Stop when required
• Perform controlled linked turns
• Use the button lift 

You have the ability to select the following lift passes:

1. One Hour
2. Two Hour
3. Three Hour Early Bird
4. Three Hour
5. Six Hour
6. Monthly - These are only available during low times mainly in the summer, for a one off fee you can then book as many lift passes as you want, you also get 10% off in the Lodge bar. You still have to book a time slot for the main slope.

You can book your lift pass in advance online which is really easy to do simply select your date and time. It is worth checking if other events are going on in the online calendar, such as Freepark Thursdays or Mogul sessions as these reduce the amount of the main slope available for skiing or snowboarding. Alternatively you can turn up and if there is availability buy a lift pass at reception.

Check In

Whether you are on a lesson or have a lift pass you will need to check in on the ground floor. You can do this at reception or the self check in terminals. With self check in you scan your QR code from the confirmation email, you now the option to save it your mobile phone wallet and scan it from there. If things do go wrong and through all my visits it’s only happened once where I scanned my code and no pass was printed, I went to reception and without a fuss printed me a new pass.

The Lodge Bar

Located on the second floor is the Lodge with large windows face both slopes as well as plenty of other seating. You can sit and watch other skiers while having a drink or something to eat before or after your session, it also gives someone who isn’t skiing the chance to watch and film you.

If you have a lesson this is where you head at the end for a debrief with the choice of free hot drink during the day or something alcoholic for later session, which are complimentary. I recommend the Pauliner very refreshing.

We have eaten numerous times in the Lodge due to lesson timings mainly, the menu has a good range to choose from all cooked fresh. I highly recommend the Lodge breakfast, just what you need before some slope time. If you have a monthly pass or yearly membership you receive 10% of too.

Annual Membership

The Snow Center offers Individual and Family memberships, with individual adult membership at £130 (at time of publication). With annual membership you get:

• 30% off group lessons and lift passes
• 15% off private lessons
• 10% off at the Lodge
• 15% off non sale items at Snow & Rock (located on the ground floor)
• Free two hour lift pass within two weeks if your birthday

If you are going to be using the center regularly then this is a good purchase as you can soon make you money back. I decided to purchase mine after my Groupon packages ended. I have used it for group lessons, lift passes and private lessons as well as in the Lodge.

When booking lessons or lift passes make sure you are logged in and select membership before choosing your date and time to ensure the discount is applied.

Conclusion