Recreational Skiers and Snowboarders

The ski and snowboard sessions on this page are for "Recreational Standard" experienced slope users only. "Recreational Standard" means you are able to stop on demand, steer and avoid other objects and users and use a button drag lift.

Beginners: The sessions on this page are not suitable for beginners. If you are not at Recreational Standard, you must book onto a lesson; sorry but we do not allow beginners to ski or board by themselves. The best value way to learn is by taking advantage of one of complete courses. The course starts with the Try Skiing or Try Snowboarding lesson before moving on to 1 Star, 2 Star, 3 Star and 4 Star. Alternatively, we offer Private lessons.

FAQ's

Yes. All of our activities, sessions and lessons do need to be booked in advance. Everything can be booked online, via our website. 


It is sometimes possible to book recreational sessions on the door, but there is an additional charge for this.

Something comfy! You don't need specialist ski clothing, and we actually advise against salopettes and full ski jackets as they can be too restrictive. A pair of joggers or leggings is perfect as they allow plenty of movement. Try to avoid jeans as they get heavy and uncomfortable when wet.


Layering is the way to go. Loose, comfortable layers will keep you warm but can easily be removed if you get too hot. Remember, our lessons run whatever the weather, so if it's raining, waterproofs are a smart idea.


Most importantly, make sure your legs and arms are covered and bring a pair of gloves - these are essential (we do sell them in Reception too).

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your lesson starts to check in. Kitting up and dekitting is always included in the lesson time. Beyond that, our instructors will aim 


We have a few different types lessons:


Group Ski and Snowboard Lessons
These are for ages 8+ and will have a maximum of 8 people per lesson. The Try lesson is 1.5 hours. The other lessons are 2 hours long.


Private Lessons

These are for ages 8+ and you can book them for one to eight people. These are suitable for beginner skiers or snowboarders - or those with a little bit of experience. These are 1.5 hours long.


Minis Group Lessons

These are for ages 5 to 8 and will have a maximum of 4 people per instructor.  There are 1.5 hours long.


Minis Private Lessons

These are for ages 5 to 8 and can only be booked for one person (ages 5 - 8). They are 45 minutes long.


Advanced Sessions/Lessons

We offer a few instructor-led sessions for Recreational Skiers and Snowboarders such as Ski or Board with an Instructor, Mendip Ski Club and Plough to Parallel. You must be recreational standard for these lessons. This means you must be able to stop on demand, control your speed, steer and avoid other objects and slope users and use the button drag lift.

Sorry, but we cannot allow teaching on our slope by anyone other than our qualified, employed and insured instructors. We will ask your whole party to leave the slope if seen to be teaching someone who cannot ski or snowboard.

Equipment hire is included free of charge for all Skiing and Snowboarding lessons and sessions including

  • Helmets (compulsory)
  • Boots
  • Skis
  • Snowboards
  • Snowboarding pads

Recreational skiers or snowboards, you are welcome to bring your equipment. There is no discount available for bringing your equipment and Mendip cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused by our slope.


Please note we do not provide poles. Recreational skiers are allowed to bring their own poles.

All of our snowsport lesson times include kit up and de-kit. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your session time to check in and complete some paperwork.

If you are recreational standard, you are welcome to book onto any of our recreational session such as Ski or Board with an Instructor, or book a Slope Pass.  


Recreational standard means you must be able to stop on demand, control your speed, steer and avoid other objects and slope users and use the button drag lift.


If you are not recreational standard, you must book a lesson. If you are unsure of your level, we would recommend booking a private lesson so our instructors can coach and advise you what is best.