What is on offer?
An Open Practice Session at the Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre. An adult pass lasts for 2 hours (Juniors 90 or 60 minutes) and to get it you need to book and pay by the Last Booking / Payment Deadline, shown on the Booking Form. An email address is provided for the 'Booking Agent' who is a Club-Snowsports member responsible for administering bookings and answering questions you may have prior to the event.
Group tuition sessions have been reintroduced at Club-Snowsports events with the relaxation of COVID-19 legislated restrictions. Please be aware of your own well being and of those around you. Take whatever precautions you feel you need to. Before attending an event at the Centre, you may wish to read the Centre's COVID Risk Assessment here. Please note that the Booking Deadline for Tuition sessions is a week earlier than for Open Practice. This is to enable us time to liaise with the Centre to confirm the best options.
Please note that Junior tuition (4 to 11 years old) will not be at a time that coincides with our event and is most likely to be in the morning or early afternoon. We can only make bookings on the same day as an Open Practice session, but you can book tuition for 4 to 11 year olds directly with the Centre on other days. Please also note that ages 4 to 11 are welcome at an Open Practice session, given they must meet the Centre's competence requirements for using the main slope. Before making any tuition booking, please contact us for advice about possible options.
Open Practice times are 16:00-18:00 on the slope. Any variation from this schedule will be notified at the time of booking.
For an Open Practice you need to be at the Snow Centre Reception and Check-In area by the Main Entrance on the ground floor, thirty minutes before the notified start time. You will be met by the person named as 'Snowsports Rep' on the Booking Form. This will be a Club-Snowsports volunteer who will meet and greet and make sure everyone gets onto the snow with the minimum amount of hassle. A mobile number for the Rep is provided so that you can make them aware if you are delayed or have to cancel. The thirty minute lead time will allow for the necessary preparations. Please note that if you arrive late it can delay others getting on to the slope as well.
Prices include your lift pass and hire of skis or snowboard, helmet and boots. Wearing a helmet is mandatory. Helmets are sanitized between each hire. You should equip yourself with suitable clothing and socks. Changing facilities are available. You will need a pair of warm, waterproof gloves; the Centre makes this mandatory. Lockers are available for personal use and have a digital combination lock. Be aware that the air temperature at the slope is likely to be well below freezing (-5°C), so good gloves, warm socks and layered clothing are the best options. Jeans are not recommended as they inevitably end up being waterlogged, but any waterproof outdoor clothing will generally be suitable. If necessary, socks and gloves can be purchased at the Centre. Please be aware that all financial transaction at the Centre are cashless, requiring a contactless debit or credit card.
Please be aware that, in the event of your non-attendance, the Snow Centre's cancellation policy will apply. This may be viewed here. In any event you should try to contact the Snowsports Rep to make them aware of your situation as soon as possible.
Where is it happening?
The Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre which is just five minutes from the M1 junction 8 or ten minutes from the M25 junction 20. Set the SatNav to HP3 9NH or use Google Maps to plan your route.
From the M1, leave at Junction 8 and follow the A414 west towards Hemel Hempstead. At the third roundabout take the first exit, sign posted ‘Bennett’s End’ and turn first right into ‘St Albans Hill’. Carry straight on at the first mini-roundabout, then right at the next mini-roundabout, to get to the Snow Centre car park entrance.
From the M25 (avoiding the Magic Roundabout), leave at junction 20, take the second exit from the roundabout (A4251). After 1.9 miles, turn right onto Nash Mills Lane. At the next roundabout take the first exit (Lower Road becoming Belswains Lane). Cross three roundabouts and after one mile, at the next roundabout, take the second exit (St Albans Hill). Cross one more roundabout and the Snow Centre is reached on the left hand side.
There is free parking on site for 240 cars.