//East

//East

Mendip Snowsport Centre

Nestled within 250 acres of ancient woodland in the Mendip Hills National Landscape, Mendip Snowsport Centre is the largest and most diverse outdoor activity hub in the South West.

Its standout feature is a technical 165-metre main slope, the only all-season dry ski slope in Somerset, offering a high-performance Dendix surface designed for everything from first-time turns to advanced technical training.

Mendip is far more than just a ski hill; it is a full-scale adventure resort. It features specialized Mogul runs, three dedicated nursery slopes, and a massive range of off-slope activities including caving, climbing, and the award-winning Mendip Basecamp campsite.

For those seeking a social atmosphere, the Alpine Lounge café-bar overlooks the slope, providing the perfect “après-ski” environment for families and groups.

KEY INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

Located in Churchill, North Somerset, the centre is just 20 minutes from Weston-super-Mare and Cheddar. It is easily accessible from the A38 and M5, offering ample free parking and an on-site lodge and campsite for multi-day adventures.

SLOPE DETAILS

Mendip’s layout is designed for progressive skill building:

  • Main Slope: 165 metres – A challenging Dendix run with technical variety.
  • Mogul Run: A rare feature for UK dry slopes, perfect for advanced technical practice.
  • 3 x Nursery Slopes: Separate gentler zones to ensure beginners are not intimidated by faster skiers.
  • Surface: Dendix – The industry-standard diamond matting that provides reliable edge-grip in all weather.

LIFTS

  • 2 x Tow Lifts: High-capacity button lifts that allow for continuous laps on the main slope and mogul area.

FEATURES & FACILITIES

On-Slope

  • Learn to Ski/Board Courses: Comprehensive 2026 bundles that take you from zero to “1-star” competency.
  • Tobogganing: Fast-paced fun on a floodlit slope for ages 4–12 (Exclusive sessions available for 4+).
  • Racing Club: A hub for local competitive talent and slalom coaching.
  • Minis Skiing: Specialized private lessons for ages 5–8 to ensure early success.

Off-Slope (Mendip Activity Centre)

  • Alpine Lounge: Serving pizzas, paninis, and locally roasted coffee with panoramic slope views.
  • Mendip Basecamp: An award-winning family adventure campsite (open May–September).
  • Activity Hub: On-site access to archery, axe throwing, air rifles, caving, and climbing.
  • Retail Shop: Fully stocked with essential snowsports gear and hardware.

OPENING TIMES (SUMMER 2026)

Hours may vary during Bank Holidays. Last hot food orders are 1 hour before close.

Period Mon – Fri Sat & Sun
Term Time 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
School Holidays 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM* 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Alpine Lounge 9:00 AM – Close 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Note: Closing time is 6:00 PM on Tuesdays during holiday periods.

2026 SNOWSPORTS PRICING

All snowsports include equipment hire (skis/boards/boots/helmets).

Lesson & Course Bundles (Ages 8+)

Course / Lesson Type Price Details
“Learn to Ski” Course £229 Includes Taster session, 4 x 2-hour group lessons, free repeat lesson, 50% off extra lessons, and a £100 Annual Pass discount.
“Try Skiing” Taster From £50 Introductory session for beginners.
Private Ski Lesson From £55 One-on-one professional instruction.
Minis Private Lesson From £39 Specialized instruction for ages 5-8.


Recreational Slope Passes

Pass Type Price Details
Annual Slope Pass £299 – £315 Long-term access pass.
2-Hour Slope Pass From £34 Standard recreational session.
Tobogganing & Drink Voucher From £20 Includes 30-min session plus a drink.


LESSONS & COURSES

Mendip uses a structured curriculum to ensure beginner confidence:

  • Ski 1 Star Course: The standard path for adults and children (8+). Vouchers are valid for 18 months, allowing for flexible booking.
  • Snowboarding Course: Includes a “Board with an Instructor” session and two free repeat lessons to master the basics.
  • Minis Program: Private coaching tailored for younger bodies and shorter attention spans (ages 5–8).

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

  • Booking: Pre-booking is essential via mendip.me.
  • Clothing: Long sleeves and long trousers are mandatory. Gloves are required (available for purchase on-site if needed).
  • Equipment: Helmets are provided and compulsory for all under-16s and all beginners during lessons.
  • Spectators: Welcome for free; the accessible viewing platform and Alpine Lounge offer the best views.

FAQs

Can adults go tobogganing?
Standard tobogganing is for ages 4–12. However, adults can participate if you book an Exclusive Half Slope Group Session, which has no upper age limit.

What is the “Mogul Run”?
It is a section of the slope with artificial bumps (moguls) designed to teach advanced skiers how to navigate uneven terrain and improve short-turn technique.

Is there a height limit for snowboarding?
Yes. To ensure safety and equipment fit, snowboarders must be at least 1.2m tall and have a minimum shoe size of Adult 2.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, Mendip is a dog-friendly site, especially at the Basecamp campsite and outdoor viewing areas, though they must remain on leads.

COMPARISON LINE

Compared to other local dry slopes, Mendip offers a significantly more “resort-like” experience. While smaller clubs focus purely on the ski hill, Mendip integrates high-quality coaching with a vast array of land and water-based adventures, making it the premier choice for families in the South West.

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LAST UPDATED: May 10, 2026