Learn to Ski or Snowboard in 2025!

Plough to Parallel

Plough to Parallel - Advanced Ski Lesson

How does it work?
This is a ski lesson with one of our qualified instructors, designed for those already at recreational standard.

This lesson will be run on a small ratio of just 1:6, designed for skiers who are looking to progress from plough skiing to parallel turns. This lesson would be a perfect progression for someone who has completed our Learn to Ski Course.

Our experienced, qualified instructors will meet you in our equipment room and get you kitted out with skis, boots and a helmet. Equipment is always included in our prices - you'll just need to bring a pair of gloves and wear full length sleeves and trousers.

Is it right for me?
You must be at a recreational standard and able to stop on demand, steer and avoid other objects and users and use a button drag lift.

Progression
If you are looking for other opportunities to improve your skiing, you can book a Private Lesson, have a go at Mendip Ski Club, our weekly informal and fun ski club for adults and juniors, or book a Slope Pass.

FAQ's

No. 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 always included in the cost and we would always recommend using our skis and boards. However, if you are using our slope as a recreational skier or snowboard, you are welcome to bring your own boots, helmets and pads. There is no discount available for bringing your equipment. 


Mendip cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused by our slope. 



Something comfy! You definitely don't need anything special and we strongly advise against salopettes and proper ski jackets! A pair of joggers or leggings are ideal as they give you plenty of movement (avoid jeans whenever possible) and loose layers that will keep you warm but that you can easily remove if you start getting warm. If it's raining, we'll still go ahead with lessons so a set of waterproofs is always a good idea.

As long as you are warm and comfortable, have your legs and arms covered, and you have a pair of gloves, you are good to go!

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


Click here to view our snowsport selection and book online. 


Click here to read more about our snowsport courses.

All of our snowsport lesson times include kit up and de-kit so you just need to arrive 5 - 10 minutes before your session time to check in and complete some paperwork.

It is really tricky to tell what level lesson would be suitable for you if you have previous experience as it will be different for everyone. We would recommend booking a private lesson so our instructors can coach and advise which level of group lesson is best for you.

Our group ski and snowboard lessons will only ever have a maximum of 8 people per instructor.


Private lessons can have up to 8 people (age 8+). 


Minis group lessons will have a maximum of 4 people per instructor. Minis private lessons are for just one person (ages 5 - 8). 


All slope users must wear a helmet whilst on the slope. We always include helmet hire at no additional charge. Gloves must be worn whilst on the slope, please bring these with you or they are available for purchase onsite.

The actual content of each session can be found by clicking on the individual sessions on our activity planner. 


In terms of the timings of each session, here is a rough breakdown...


-You are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of your session so that you can fill in any relevant paperwork, make sure you are wearing the correct clothing, and head into the kit room ready for the instructor.


-Kitting up and de-kitting time is included in the lesson as it is an important part of the learning process. You will be taught how to kit yourselves up safely, and how to remove your kit without damaging it. That whole process gets quicker as you progress through the course, but it can still take up to 45 minutes depending on your group.,


-A debrief is also included in the lesson time, where the instructor will advise the group on what lesson they should book next.


-Based on all of this, we expect participants to have between 75-90 minutes on the slope for our 2 hour sessions, and between 45-60 minutes for our 1.5 hour group sessions. 

General FAQ's

Outdoor Activities can be booked as Individual Spaces or as Exclusive Groups, with some age limits. 


SNOWSPORTS

-Tobogganing: Ages 4-12. If booked as an exclusive Half Slope Group Session, ages 4+ with no upper age limit.
-Skiing Lessons: Ages 8+
-Snowboarding Lessons: Ages 8+ height minimum 1.2m Shoe Size min adult size 2
-Minis Private Ski Lessons: Ages 5-8.
-Recreational Skiing/Snowboarding: Ages 5+ and must be recreational standard.


TARGT SPORTS

-Archery, Axe Throwing, Air Rifle: Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. At least one adult must be participating.
-ArcheryActive, Nerf Battles: Age 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.
-Frisbee Golf: Any age. Under 6s play free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

LAND ACTIVITIES


-Orienteering: Any age. Under 6s free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
-Bushcraft & Survival Skills:  Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating. 


ROCK SPORTS

-Rock Climbing, Climbing Tower, Caving, Try Caving, Abseiling (20m/65ft): Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.

-Abseiling (50m/150ft): Ages 10+


WATER SPORTS


-Assault Course, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Raft Building Canoeing: Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating. 



When booking, the website will display where your activity takes place. Your booking confirmation email will also show this. 


Many activities take place at the main Mendip Activity Centre including:

Snowsports, Tobogganing, Frisbee Golf,  Archery, Air Rifle, Axe Throwing, Bushcraft, Orienteering and Try Caving.


There are also a number of off-site activity locations including: 


Hewish Activity Site: Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Raft Building and Assault Course 

Sandford Quarry: Climbing and Abseiling 

Burrington Combe: Caving (3-hour sessions)


Click here for directions to all our Activity Sites.

Yes! we have plenty of free onsite parking at all our activity sites.


We strongly encourage car sharing and sustainable forms of travel. Read more here.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a very popular activity and, especially during peak times, we have very little flexibility in being able to push your start time back. Where possible, we will get you onto the toboggan slope as soon as possible once you arrive. We will try to be as accommodating as possible and if there is availability later in the day, we will move your session to a later start time however please be aware that this is not always possible. 


Frisbee golf or recreational snowsports

We are likely to be able to change your start time at arrival as long as it is within our opening hours and on the same day.


Private session
We will start whenever you arrive but we are unlikely to be able to overrun.


Individual spaces on a session

We will do our best to fit you into the session at a point that does not disrupt it too much for other participants. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we're sorry but it is very unlikely we will be able to fit you into the session due to missing the safety and equipment briefing and kit up.


If you cannot make your session, or to request an amendment: 

Please contact our friendly team by email or online chat for help.




To cancel, rearrange or amend your booking please let us know by emailing hello@mendip.co.uk as soon as possible. 


To view our Terms & Conditions click here  



Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you onsite including in our Café, the Alpine Lounge.

Dogs may join you on Frisbee Golf and Orienteering Activities only. For all other activities ensure you make arrangements for its care during your activity session.

Yes! Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of providing outdoor education and adventure opportunities to schools.

Our year-round school residentials provide young people with unrivalled opportunities and educational experiences gained through adventure. We work closely with schools to design a residential visit that fits the groups goals, desires and aims.


For more information or to make an enquiry, visit our SCHOOL RESIDENTIALS website 

After you book an activity online we immediately email you a Booking Confirmation. If you are unable to locate this in your inbox, first check your spam/junk email folders. If you still cannot locate, it's possible your online booking may not have been fully completed. 


Check whether the session you were trying to book is still available online. If it is, try to make the booking again. If it's not, please contact our friendly team by email or online chat for help.



Can't find the answer to your question?.. our friendly team will be happy to help! 


The quickest way to get in touch is Email or use our Live Chat


If you would rather, call us on 01934 834877 and follow the instruction to leave us a voicemail.


Yes! Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of working with youth groups including Scouts, Guides, Cadets and Sports Teams. We can deliver outdoor education and adventurous activities during the evening, at the weekend or as part of a camp. If your group are looking to achieve a new badge, this is something we can help with.
For more information or to enquire, visit our YOUTH GROUPS website.