Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre Dorset UK
Ski taster session
First time?
Skis on.
Always fancied giving skiing a go? This is your way in. Forty-five minutes, skis on your feet, an instructor by your side and your very first run down the slope – no experience, no kit and no pressure. Just you, the skis, and the start of something.
Duration45 minutes
ExperienceNone needed
All the kitIncluded
The taster
Your first run,
start to finish.
The Ski Taster Session is built for complete first-timers – the people who've watched it on TV, scrolled it online, or always meant to try it on holiday and never quite did. Here's where that changes.
In one 45-minute session you'll click into your skis, find your balance and take your first slides down our all-weather Proslope – the same surface our racers and instructors ski on, designed to be kind to beginners. No mountain, no plane ticket, no waiting for winter.
All the gear is sorted for you, a friendly instructor keeps it relaxed and safe, and by the end you'll know exactly why people get hooked. Fair warning: most first-timers come off the slope already planning the next one.
SurfaceAll-weather Proslope
Who it’s for
Never clicked in?
Perfect.
No prior experience required – that's the whole point. Tasters run in age-matched groups so everyone's learning alongside people at exactly the same stage. Pick the group that fits, then grab a slot when you book.
Groms · 5–11
Kids who want a proper go on skis. Runs during school holidays – loads of fun, zero experience needed, and a brilliant first taste of life on the slope.
Juniors · 12–16
The teen taster, also running in school holidays. The ideal low-commitment way to find out if skiing is your thing before signing up for more.
Adults · 16+
Always meant to try it? Adult tasters run at weekends. Bring a mate, make it a thing, and tick "learn to ski" off the list in 45 minutes.
The good bit
That first
glide.
There’s a moment – skis sliding, weight settling, slope rolling past – where it just clicks. That’s the feeling everyone’s chasing. In your taster, it’s closer than you think.
What happens
Your 45 minutes,
mapped.
No idea what to expect? Good – that’s normal, and that’s exactly what your instructor is for. Here’s roughly how a taster flows from the moment you click in.
Step 01
Get kitted
Boots on, skis matched to you, helmet sorted. Your instructor clicks you in and shows you how to move around comfortably on the flat.
Step 02
Fall like a pro
Yes, you’ll probably topple over – everyone does, and it’s genuinely fine. First thing you’ll learn is how to go down and get back up safely, so the rest feels easy.
Step 03
"Pizza" & "Fries"
The famous terms used around the world: skis in a “pizza” wedge to slow down and stop, “fries” to glide straight. Control your speed and you’ve cracked the hardest part.
Step 04
Ski it out
By the end you’re sliding the beginner slope under your own control and grinning about it. Hooked? Your instructor will point you to what’s next.
Kit & what to wear
We've got the gear.
You bring the rest.
Everything technical is provided – you just need to turn up dressed to move. Here's the split.
Included – sorted for you
- Skis – matched to your size and ability
- Ski boots – fitted at reception before you ski
- Helmet – because looking after your head is cool
- A friendly instructor – keeping it safe, relaxed and fun
Wear & bring
- Long sleeves and long trousers – tracksuit bottoms or joggers, not tight jeans
- Gloves – anything that covers your fingers (available at reception if you forget)
- Long socks – they make the ski boots comfier
- Old clothes you don’t mind getting mucky, and waterproofs if rain’s forecast
Turn up around 15 minutes before your session so there's time to get booted and briefed. Skiing in the rain? No problem – sessions run whatever the weather, and the slope actually runs faster when it's wet.
At a glance
The taster,
in short.
One session, all the essentials, none of the faff. Tasters are booked in advance – pick from the available dates and times in the booking system, where current sessions and prices are always kept up to date.
Kids’ and juniors’ tasters run during school holidays; adult tasters run at weekends. These sessions are seriously popular, so book as early as you can to land the slot you want. For general centre hours, see our opening times.
Duration45 minutes
ForComplete first-timers
ExperienceNone needed
AgesFrom 5 years
SurfaceAll-weather Proslope
Group sizeSmall groups
EquipmentSkis, boots & helmet
BookingIn advance
Seasonal offer
Adults & kids · 45-minute taster sessions running this half term. Book today – current dates and prices are live in the booking system.
On the slope
First-timers, in action.
The questions everyone asks
Taster FAQs.
None at all – the taster is made for people who’ve never set foot on skis. If you’ve skied before and want to push on, our Learn to Ski course or private lessons are the better fit.
Comfy clothes you can move in: long sleeves, long trousers (joggers or tracksuit bottoms rather than tight jeans), long socks and gloves – anything that covers your fingers. Forgot your gloves? Grab a pair at reception. Old clothes are ideal, and bring waterproofs if rain’s on the way.
Roll in about 15 minutes before your session starts. That gives you time to get your boots fitted, meet your instructor and hit the slope right on time rather than rushing.
Sessions run whatever the sky’s doing. Here’s the secret: the Proslope surface actually runs faster and smoother when it’s wet – so a bit of rain is no bad thing. Just bring waterproofs and you’re golden.
Tasters start from age 5. They run in age-matched groups – 5–11s and 12–16s during school holidays, and 16+ adult sessions at weekends – so you’re always learning with people at the same stage.
The lot: skis, boots and helmet are all provided, and a friendly instructor runs the whole session. You just turn up in the right clothes – everything technical is sorted.
Easiest way is online – book your taster here, pick a date and you’re set. Prefer a chat? Call the team on 01202 499155. Full payment’s taken at the time of booking to lock in your slot.
Plans shift – we get it. Give us at least 24 hours’ notice and we’ll happily move you to another session. We don’t do refunds, but we can issue a voucher as long as that notice is given.
Knew you would. Most people go from a taster straight into Learn to Ski to nail their first proper turns, or book private lessons to progress fast. Younger skiers can join the Snowtrax Academy.
Still got a question? The team’s on the slope 7 days a week. 01202 499155
Gift voucherGift someone their first runA ski taster makes a brilliant treat-day surprise. Buy a voucher and let them pick their own slot.
Gift voucher Where it leads
After the taster.
Learn to Ski
Ready to go properly? Our beginner course takes you from first slides to confident, linked turns over two days.
ExplorePrivate Ski Lessons
Want to fast-track it? One instructor, focused entirely on you – the quickest way to progress.
ExploreKids & Junior Skiing
For younger skiers who caught the bug, the Snowtrax Academy builds them up safely, grouped by age and ability.
ExploreYour first run
is waiting.
Book your ski taster online in minutes, or call the team seven days a week. Sessions fill fast – grab your slot before someone else does.