Even if snow hasn’t fallen in months, or you live in a mild climate, modern technology has made it perfectly possible to ski whenever the fancy takes you. Dry ski slopes covered with simulated snow or indoor slopes inside refrigerated buildings give those diehard skiers an alternative when the season is blighted with less than adequate snowfall or they simply do not live close enough to the slopes to take advantage.

The latest improvements to dry-slope technology prevents the kind of damage to skis that used to be a problem. It is also much safer for skiers should they fall on the slopes. Refrigerated indoor slopes benefit from the use of the same types of snowmaking machines used at ski resorts.

In the UK, dry ski slopes can be found in Scotland at the Midlothian Ski Centre near the capital, Edinburgh. This centre has a chair lift and five levels of slopes ranging from beginner to expert. In Ayrshire, the Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex is in the process of expanding their dry skiing facilities with a 2.9 million upgrade. The lack of adequate snow coverage and altitude means there is a wide selection of slopes to be found at other centres throughout England and in Wales.

In France, SnowHall in Amnville-les-Thermes in the Lorraine region was the first to have indoor ski facilities. At 620 metres long and 35 metres wide, the slope is maintained at a temperature of between -2C and -3 C.  There is even a special area for children under age 12 can ski.

Snowtropolis Snow Dome in Germany is about an hour outside of Dresden and has indoor skiing and snowboarding suitable for skiers of different levels. Snowboarders will not be bored with the slope’s rails, kickers, and sliders.

So, even if you live hundreds of miles away from the nearest real ski resorts, you can still enjoy snowboarding, skiing and tubing whatever the weather!