Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre Dorset UK
Snowtrax Academy · Snowboard
Raise a
shredder.
From their very first wobble to spinning off the kicker, the Snowtrax Academy is where young riders are made. Friendly coaches, small groups, and a rewarding climb up the levels – starting from age 3. All the kit is sorted; just bring the stoke.
AgesFrom 3 years
Group sizeMax 6 per coach
EquipmentIncluded
Welcome to the Academy
Learning to ride,
made brilliant.
Snowtrax Academy snowboard sessions are a seriously fun way for kids to learn. Our dedicated team of snowboard instructors are experts at keeping lessons playful and interactive – all inside a structured, rewarding programme that builds real skills, week after week.
Every child works through a level structure designed just for them, earning their way up as their riding grows. They’ll find their balance, feel that first slide, link their turns, and – before you know it – be eyeing up the park. No experience needed to start. No pressure to rush.
Sessions run on our all-weather Proslope surface, so the Academy keeps climbing right through the year – rain, shine or proper Dorset drizzle.
Coached byQualified pros
The Academy Pathway
One climb,
four summits.
The snowboard pathway is a ladder any child can climb. Start at the bottom rung – whatever their age or ability – and move up to the next session once their riding levels up. Simple as that.
Read bottom to top – that’s the climb
4The summitRiders Club · Ages 8+
Snowboard Riders Club
Our highest standard. Performance-focused coaching for graduates of Junior Boarders – the launchpad for aspiring athletes, future instructors and seasonaires who want to ride hard and ride well.
Advanced · 1 hour
3Junior Boarders · Ages 8–16
Junior Boarders
The proper progression years. From the safety talk and first straight slides through to controlled side-slipping and turning to the fall line – building confident, independent riders.
Beginner → intermediate · 45 min
2Mini Shredders · Ages 4–7
Mini Shredders
Where the real riding begins. Straight runs and edge control on the nursery slope, then up the travellator for J-turns, S-turns and that first taste of carving as they climb the levels.
Beginner → advanced
1Shredder Tots · Ages 3–4
Shredder Tots
Where every Academy story starts. Pure play on the nursery slope – balancing, sliding and giggling – designed so the littlest riders fall in love with the feeling first.
Beginners · 30 min · Start here
Side route · Ages 8–16
Freestyle Academy
Got a rider with a flair for the spectacular? Once they’ve graduated Junior Boarders, the Freestyle Academy six-week course takes everything they know and points it at the park – spins, presses and rails, done safely.
Sessions in detail
Find their level.
Picking the right starting level makes all the difference to how much your child enjoys their session. Not sure where they fit? Tell us when you book and we’ll get them in exactly the right group.
Shredder Tots
Ages 3–4 · 30 minAll about the FUN of snowboarding for the very first time. Through play, coaches start with simple balance-on-board exercises and gentle straight runs on the nursery slope. No experience needed – and best repeated a few weeks before moving up to Mini Shredders at age 4.
Mini Shredders
Ages 4–7 · min boot UK8Beginners start with straight runs and heel/toe-edge side-slipping on the nursery slope. Intermediates move halfway up the travellator for diagonal side-slips, J-turns and edge-to-fall-line control. Advanced riders take on C-turns and S-turns from the very top.
Junior Boarders
Ages 8–16 · 45 minBeginners get the equipment and safety talk, then learn straight-run sliding and controlled descents using toe and heel edges. Intermediates progress to diagonal side-slips and riding heel & toe edge to the fall line – the foundations of real, independent snowboarding.
Snowboard Riders Club
Ages 8+ · 1 hourThe new high standard at Snowtrax. For young riders who’ve completed Junior Boarders (or pass an assessment), these accelerated sessions target specific performance techniques – built for aspiring athletes and future instructors chasing the highest level of tuition we offer.
Freestyle Academy
Ages 8–16 · 6-week courseA natural next step for Junior Boarders graduates with a gift for the spectacular. Across six weekly hour-long sessions, riders build on everything they know and aim it at the park – spins, presses and rails, all coached safely. The fast lane for the freestyle-obsessed.
OR BOOK A COURSE
JUNIOR 5 WEEK
SNOWBOARD COURSE.
Prefer to batch-learn and commit to a short course of lessons?
Welcome to a fun and structured children's five-week course designed to help younger children build confidence and develop their skiing skills step-by-step. With expert instruction in a supportive environment, children will learn the fundamentals while enjoying every session.
Perfect for beginners and those looking to progress through the early stages of skiing.
Commitment to all five weeks is essential.
Duration: 45 minutes x 5 weeks
BOOK 5 WEEK COURSE
Age groups of5-10 or 11-15
The good stuff
Big grins,
real skills.
The Academy isn’t just lessons – it’s the place your child finds their people, earns their next level, and builds a love of riding that lasts a lifetime. Every session, they leave a little braver.
On the slope
Young riders, in action.
Parents, relax
In safe,
capable hands.
We’ve been coaching young riders for years, and your child’s safety and enjoyment come first – always. Settle in with a hot chocolate from the Alpine Pub and watch the progress happen from the side of the slope.
Qualified, friendly coaches
Kids who want a proper go on skis.
Small groups, big attention
Kids who want a proper go on skis.
Safety, built in
Kids who want a proper go on skis.
For parents
Relax & let
them learn.
Good to know
- Dedicated, fully trained children’s snowboard instructors
- A structured level system – children earn their way up at their own pace
- Small groups, matched to ability – max 6 per coach
- Not sure of your child’s level? We’ll help place them when you book
- Shredder Tots (ages 3–4): a gentle, play-based first step
- Snowboard, boots and helmet are all provided
What to bring
- Warm layers – a long-sleeved top and trousers (no tight jeans)
- Gloves
- Long socks
As with all our Academy sessions, the snowboard, boots and helmet are provided – children just need warm, comfortable clothing. We also recommend wrist guards, available at reception. Please confirm anything specific when you book.
At a glance
Kit-ready in minutes.
Snowboard and boots are included with every Academy session – our rental shop has it covered. Just dress your rider for the weather: long sleeves and trousers (old clothes are perfect), warm layers and gloves. Waterproofs are a smart shout, because the slope actually rides better in the wet.
Mini Shredders need a minimum boot size of UK8. Full payment is taken when you book; give us 24 hours’ notice and we’ll happily reschedule. Session times and prices live in the booking system – for general centre hours, see our opening times.
ProgrammeSnowtrax Academy
AgesFrom 3 years
Group sizeMax 6 per coach
LevelsBeginner → advanced
EquipmentBoard & boots included
BringWarm layers & gloves
Wrist guardsRecommended
BookingOnline, in advance
Parent questions
Good to know.
Long sleeves and long trousers – old clothes are ideal – with warm layers suited to the weather, plus gloves. Waterproofs are a good idea on wet days. We strongly recommend wrist guards too, which can be bought at reception. Snowboard and boots are provided.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the session starts. That gives us time to fit boots, sort kit and get your rider onto the slope relaxed and ready to go.
Group Academy sessions have a maximum of 6 children per coach. That keeps the ratio low so every child gets real attention, plenty of slope time and the right amount of encouragement.
The Academy starts from age 3 with Shredder Tots, moving up through Mini Shredders (4–7), Junior Boarders (8–16) and the Snowboard Riders Club (8+). Most children begin at the entry level for their age and climb from there. If you’re unsure where they fit, just ask when you book and we’ll place them in the right group – being on a session of the correct standard makes it far more fun for them.
Sessions run whatever the weather – our Proslope surface actually rides better in the wet. Just send your rider in appropriate waterproof clothing and they’ll have a great time.
Absolutely – and we’d love you to. There’s plenty of space to watch from the side of the slope, and the Alpine Pub is right there for a hot drink while your rider racks up the runs.
Book online through our booking system, or call reception on 01202 499155 if you’d like a hand choosing a level. Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Give us at least 24 hours’ notice and we’ll happily reschedule – we don’t offer refunds, but can issue a voucher where that notice is given.
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 More snowboarding
Keep riding.
Snowboard Taster
Not sure if it’s for them yet? A 45-minute taster is the perfect, pressure-free first slide on a board.
ExplorePrivate Snowboard Lessons
Want one-to-one focus? Private tuition (from age 4) is the fastest way to build confidence and skills.
ExploreFreestyle Snowboarding
Ready for the park? Freestyle sessions take confident riders into spins, presses and rails.
ExploreStart the
climb.
Book your child’s first Snowtrax Academy snowboard session online in minutes, or call the team seven days a week and we’ll help you pick the perfect starting level.