//East

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Gosling Sports Park Ski & Board Centre

Located in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, the Gosling Sports Park Ski & Board Centre is the largest outdoor dry slope facility in the region.

As a major hub for snowsports development in the East of England, it features a sprawling 160-metre main slope and a dedicated 70-metre nursery area, providing the perfect environment for both adrenaline-seekers and cautious beginners.

The centre is renowned for its comprehensive tuition programs, including specialized Kindergarten sessions for toddlers and a highly active Junior Ski Club.

As the home of the Welwyn Race Team, the facility maintains a high technical standard, offering a fast and reliable surface for those looking to sharpen their edge control.

Beyond the slopes, its location within a large sports park means you can pair a ski session with everything from tennis to a spa recovery session, making it a premier destination for active families.

Take to the 160-meter dry ski slope at Gosling Sports Park

KEY INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

Gosling Sports Park is conveniently situated just off the A1(M) at Junction 4. It is approximately a 10-minute drive from the centre of Welwyn Garden City and about 30 minutes from North London. The park offers extensive on-site parking for visitors.

SLOPE DETAILS

  • Main Slope: 160 metres – One of the longest dry slopes in the area, offering varied terrain for intermediate and advanced practice.
  • Nursery Slope: 70 metres – A spacious, gentle area dedicated to beginners and young children.
  • Skill Level: All abilities, with specific programs for ages 3 to 50+.

LIFTS

  • Poma Drag Lifts: Reliable platter-style lifts that serve the main slope, providing essential practice for mountain T-bars and buttons.

SNOW / SURFACE

The facility utilizes a classic Dendix diamond-pattern surface. To maintain a smooth, “snow-like” glide and minimize friction, the slope is regularly lubricated with a water system, ensuring consistent speed regardless of the weather.

FEATURES & FACILITIES

On-Slope

  • Welwyn Race Team: Expert race training sessions held every Friday evening.
  • Junior Ski Club: Structured Saturday sessions for ages 6–16 (pre-booking required).
  • Fun Rings (Tubing): Supervised sessions on inflatable rings for ages 7+.
  • 50+ Sessions: Thursday morning social skiing (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) including coffee.

Off-Slope

  • Sports Park Amenities: Access to tennis courts, football pitches, a velodrome, and a golf driving range.
  • The Retreat Spa: Features a thermal spa pool and heat rooms for post-ski recovery.
  • Children’s Play: Jungle Mania soft play and trampoline park located within the same complex.

SUMMER OPENING TIMES

(Effective May – September 2026)

  • Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
  • Wednesday & Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

PRICES

Last Updated: May 5, 2026
Note: Rental of boots, skis, and helmets is included in the session price.

Session Type Member Rate Non-Member Rate
Adult Recreational (1hr) £8.00 £10.00
Junior Recreational (1hr) £5.00 £8.00
Junior Ski Club (1hr) £10.00 £15.00
Kindergarten (Ages 3-5) £10.00 £15.00
50+ Session (inc. Coffee) £12.00 £12.00
Fun Rings (1hr) £10.00 £10.00

LESSONS & COURSES

  • Adult Beginner Course: £110 (Members) / £130 (Non-members). 8 hours split over 4 evenings.
  • Junior Beginner Course: £60 (Members) / £80 (Non-members). 6 hours split over 3 weeks.
  • Junior Half Day Course: £60 (Members) / £80 (Non-members). 6 hours split over 2 Sundays.
  • Private Tuition: 1.5-hour sessions available for both skiing and snowboarding.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

  • Quietest: Wednesday and Friday afternoons (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) offer the most slope space for recreational users.
  • Social Peak: Thursday mornings (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) are popular for the 50+ social community.
  • Family Peak: Saturday mornings are very busy with Kindergarten and Junior clubs.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

  • Booking Advice: All sessions must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. For clubs and courses, ensure you book by Thursday evening for the following weekend.
  • Arrival: Arrive at least 20 minutes early for all club sessions and lessons to ensure equipment fitting is completed before the start time.
  • Minimum Standard: To ski recreationally, you must be able to link snow-plough turns, control your speed, and use the Poma lift independently.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Gloves: Mandatory for all slope users (not provided).
  • Full Coverage: Long sleeves and trousers are required to protect against friction.
  • Thick Socks: Long socks that reach above the ski boot line are recommended.
  • Change of Clothes: The water lubrication can leave you damp!

HOW TO BOOK

For course dates, recreational bookings, or group enquiries (School/Corporate), please call the team directly at 01707 384384.

WHO IT’S BEST FOR

  • Families: The combination of skiing, soft play, and trampolining makes it an ideal all-day destination.
  • Senior Skiers: The Thursday morning 50+ sessions are widely considered the best social ski sessions in Hertfordshire.
  • Young Children: One of the few centres to offer dedicated “Kindergarten” coaching for children as young as 3.

Enjoy a fun family day out or professional group lessons in a safe, controlled environment.

FAQs

Is there snowboarding at Gosling?
While group snowboarding courses are currently on hold, Private Snowboarding Lessons and recreational boarding sessions are available for those who meet the minimum safety standards.

What is the minimum age for Fun Rings?
Fun Rings (tubing) are suitable for children aged 7 and over. They provide a safe, exhilarating experience on the dedicated training slope area.

Is equipment hire included?
Yes. All prices for recreational sessions, clubs, and courses include the hire of skis/snowboards, boots, and helmets.

Do I need a lesson if I have skied before?
Not necessarily. If you can confidently link turns, stop under control, and use the Poma drag lift, you can book a “Recreational” session without an instructor. If you are unsure, a quick taster session is recommended.

Can I host a birthday party at the ski centre?
Yes. Gosling offers specialized Fun Ring parties for groups of up to 20 children. These include supervised tubing on the slope and the option to add catering or hire a dedicated party space afterward.

COMPARISON LINE

Compared to other South East outdoor centres like Bowles or Knockhatch, Gosling offers a larger total slope area (230m combined) and significantly more extensive off-slope facilities including a spa, velodrome, and elite tennis courts.

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LAST UPDATED: May 5, 2026