Nestled in the heart of the picturesque National Forest, Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre offers an exceptional year-round outdoor snowsports experience.
Located in Derbyshire, the venue is highly accessible for enthusiasts travelling from nearby major cities like Derby and Leicester.
This premium dry slope facility features an artificial Perma-snow surface designed to replicate the feel of real powder snow, allowing for regular recreational progression whatever the season.
The centre caters explicitly to all demographics, ranging from absolute beginners stepping onto skis for the first time to intermediate riders looking to dial in freestyle tricks, as well as families looking for adrenaline-packed tobogganing and snow-tubing sessions.
Supported by a fully licensed Alpine Lodge bar and restaurant, it acts as a comprehensive hub for local winter sports development, social ski clubs, and high-energy recreational group outings.
KEY INFORMATION
- Address: Sir Herbert Wragg Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LP
- Phone: 01283 890089
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: jnlswadlincote.co.uk
- Social links: Facebook
GETTING THERE
The centre is prominently situated near the middle of Swadlincote town centre, just off the A511, making it a straightforward drive from both Derby (approx. 30 minutes) and Leicester (approx. 45 minutes). Free on-site parking is available for all visitors. For those choosing public transport, regular local bus routes connect Swadlincote with Burton-on-Trent and Ashby-de-la-Zouch, both of which host regional railway links.
SLOPE DETAILS
- Main Slope Length: 160 metres
- Intermediate/Beginners Slope Length: 60 metres
- Layout: A spacious, multi-lane main descent tailored for sweeping turns and race training, accompanied by a dedicated, gentle nursery slope area layout isolated for novice training and safety.
- Skill level: Suitable for all skill levels, from absolute beginners (Level 1 / Level A) up to advanced parallel skiers and freestyle snowboarders.
LIFTS
- 3 x Ski Tow (Button/Surface lifts)
SNOW / SURFACE
The facility utilises a specialized Perma-snow dry slope surface. Unlike older, abrasive plastic matting systems, Perma-snow features a dense, cushioned white carpet layout that retains moisture more effectively when misted, providing a smoother glide, enhanced edge control, and a much softer landing profile for riders of all abilities.
FEATURES & FACILITIES
- On slope: * 650-metre Cresta Run toboggan track featuring sharp twists and high-speed banked turns.
- Dedicated Sno-Tubing lanes and a Viper Drop slide.
- Swad Arrows Ski Racing Club development pathway.
- Off slope:
- Alpine Lodge Bar & Restaurant serving hot meals, dynamic snacks, and alpine beverages with clear panoramic viewing windows overlooking the main slope.
- Private function rooms available for children’s birthday parties and corporate bookings.
- Full disabled access configurations across the main chalet building.
OPENING TIMES
Special Note: Please be aware that the last entry onto any slope activity is strictly 1.5 hours before closing time.
Standard Term Time
- Monday to Wednesday: CLOSED
- Thursday & Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last entry: 8:30 PM)
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM)
Derbyshire School Holidays
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM)
- Thursday & Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry: 8:30 PM)
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM)
PRICES
*Prices last accurately updated: May 2026
Group Lessons & Day Courses
| Activity / Level | Age Group | Duration | Price |
| Level 1 Group Lesson | Adult (16+) | 60 mins | £38.00 |
| Level 1 Group Lesson | Junior (8-15) | 60 mins | £27.00 |
| All Other Levels (2+) | Adult (16+) | 90 mins | £48.00 |
| All Other Levels (2+) | Junior (8-15) | 90 mins | £37.50 |
| Tots (Levels 1 to 4) | Tots (4-7) | 45 mins | £23.00 |
| Tots (Level 5) | Tots (4-7) | 45 mins | £23.00 |
| Day Course (Intensive) | Adult (16+) | Full Day | £150.00 |
| Day Course (Intensive) | Junior (12-15) | Full Day | £120.00 |
Private Lessons
| Lesson Type | Participants | Duration | Price |
| Private Adult & Junior | 1 Person | 60 mins | £90.00 |
| Private Adult & Junior | 2 People | 60 mins | £157.00 |
| Private Adult & Junior | 3 People | 60 mins | £195.00 |
| Private Adult & Junior | 4 People | 60 mins | £215.00 |
| Private Tots | 1 Tot | 45 mins | £39.50 |
| Private Tots (Equal Levels) | 2 Tots | 45 mins | £69.50 |
Download the Full Schedule: For a complete breakdown of activities, seasonal sessions, and events, view the official Swadlincote Summer 2026 Programme PDF.
Alternative Activities
- Sno-Tubing (30 mins): £13.50
- Toboggan Ride (Cresta Run): 1 Ride: £5.50 | 4 Rides: £17.00
- Slide & Ride Combo (30 mins Tubing + 3 Toboggan Rides): Single Ticket (8+): £23.00 | Family Ticket (2+2): £65.00
Equipment Hire
- Ski/Snowboard, Boots, and Helmet Hire: Included completely free of charge in all session and lesson bookings.
LESSONS & COURSES
Swadlincote offers structured development pathways for both skiers and snowboarders. Adult and junior lessons track from complete beginner status through turn linking and parallel completion. Specialized Tots Ski Lessons (Ages 4-7) run in shorter 45-minute blocks (£23.00) to keep early engagement high. For those wanting rapid progression, the Learn to Ski/Board in a Day intensive courses run on weekends, spanning from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM with lunch breaks factored in.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
- Quiet times: Thursday and Friday afternoons right at opening (4:00 PM) during regular term time offer highly tranquil slopes with minimal queue lengths for the lift tows.
- Busy periods: Weekend daytime blocks (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) and school holiday weekday afternoons are highly active with children’s parties, holiday camps, and family toboggan slots.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
- Booking advice: Advanced reservation over the phone is essential for all structured lessons, holiday camps, and combo activity packages. Walk-ins for open practice are subject to strict capacity caps.
- What to expect: A welcoming, highly energetic outdoor environment. The slope area is exposed to weather conditions, so checking local Derbyshire forecasts prior to arrival is advised. Ensure you arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled slot for boot fitting and equipment allocation.
WHAT TO BRING
- Full-length trousers (Mandatory for all slope activities)
- Long-sleeved top or jacket (Mandatory to protect skin on the dry slope surface)
- Full-fingered gloves (Mandatory; must be worn on the slope at all times)
- Sturdy trainers (Required if participating in tobogganing or sno-tubing)
- Change of clothes (Recommended during wet or misty operations)
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your lesson, open practice pass, or family toboggan package, contact the Swadlincote reception team directly by dialling 01283 890089. Online bookings are currently unavailable, meaning all slots must be confirmed and securely processed via telephone or by visiting the site chalet counter in advance.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This venue is absolutely perfect for families and active groups looking for multi-activity outdoor entertainment, as well as local Midlands-based learners seeking a cost-effective, high-quality training ground to confidently master ski or snowboard basics before heading out to major alpine resorts.
FAQs
Is this slope good for beginners?
Yes, the centre features an isolated 60-metre nursery slope specifically optimised for beginners. The unique Perma-snow surface is much softer and more forgiving for novice falls compared to traditional hard plastic dry slopes.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advanced booking via phone is strongly recommended for all activities and is strictly mandatory for group lessons, private instruction, and school holiday camps.
What are the age restrictions for tobogganing?
Children aged 4 to 7 years old must ride the Cresta Run toboggan twinned with a paying adult. Children aged 8 years and older must ride solo.
Is equipment included in the pass price?
Yes, the hire of skis, snowboards, boots, and safety helmets is fully wrapped into the entry prices for all open practice, lessons, and course sessions.
Can I use the slope if I cannot link turns?
To access the main slope for open recreational practice, you must have achieved a minimum proficiency level (Ski Level 4 / Snowboard Level C), meaning you can safely control your speed, stop on demand, and link structured turns unassisted. If you are below this level, you must book a structured lesson.
COMPARISON LINE
Compared to other UK indoor snow centres that rely on real refrigerated snow, Swadlincote Ski Centre offers a significantly more affordable entry point for consistent skill building, paired with rare outdoor gravity attractions like the 650m Cresta Run toboggan.
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INTERNAL LINKS
LAST UPDATED
May 16, 2026