Plough to Parallel

This advanced ski lesson helps recreational skiers progress from snowplough turns to confident parallel skiing!

What is the Plough to Parallel ski lesson?

The Plough to Parallel lesson is designed for skiers who are already comfortable skiing recreationally and want to progress their technique towards parallel turns.

With a small group ratio of just 1:6, your instructor will focus on helping you refine your technique and build confidence transitioning from snowplough to parallel skiing.

Who can take part in the Plough to Parallel ski lesson?

This lesson is suitable for skiers who are already at recreational standard.

You must be able to stop on demand, steer and avoid other slope users, and confidently use the button drag lift.

It is an ideal progression for skiers who have completed our Learn to Ski Course.

How does the Plough to Parallel ski lesson work?

Your instructor will meet you in the equipment room and help you get fitted with skis, boots and a helmet before heading out onto the slope.

Equipment is always included in the lesson price. You will just need to bring gloves and wear full length sleeves and trousers.

On the slope your instructor will guide you through drills and exercises designed to develop parallel technique and improve overall ski control.

Progression

If you are looking for further opportunities to improve your skiing you can book a Private Lesson, join Mendip Ski Club, our weekly informal and fun ski club for adults and juniors, or book a Slope Pass to practise your skills.

Related Activities

It's time for adventure

FAQ's

To use our slope as a recreational skier or snowboarder you must be recreational standard. 


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.

For snowboarders, you must also be at least 1.2m tall and have at least an adult size 2 shoe - or bring your own kit.

Snowsport 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).

When you purchase a Learn to Ski or Learn to Snowboard course, you will receive a set of voucher codes and security codes by email. Each lesson has unique codes, which you use to book that lesson online.


How to book your lessons

  • Start by booking a Try Skiing or Try Snowboarding lesson and the 1 Star lesson.
  • Please do not book any further lessons at this stage. 
  • When you have completed the 1 Star lesson you can book onto the 2 Star lesson.
  • Then, continue to book the 3 Star and 4 Star lessons as you complete each lesson.

Repeating a Lesson

  • If you need to repeat a lesson, that is completely normal: everyone learns at different speeds.
  • The Learn to Ski course voucher includes one free REPEAT lesson. 
  • The Learn to Snowboard course contains two free REPEAT lessons. 
  • You also get an additional code that gives you 50% off another lesson.

Booking flexibility

Our online booking system gives you full control over when you take your lessons, so you can plan around what works best for you. Lessons run during the day, evenings and weekends, all year-round.


In order to make the most of the course, we recommend not leaving a big gap between lessons. Try and book them within one to two weeks of each other.


Voucher validity

Your course is valid for 18 months, starting from the date it was purchased. giving you plenty of time to learn at a pace that suits you.


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.

Yes, we offer ski lessons from ages 5+.  


Unfortunately we are unable to offer snowboarding lessons to children younger than 8 years old. 


Minis ski lessons are available in two options:


Minis Group Lessons

These are suitable for children aged 5 - 8 and each lesson will have a maximum of 4 children per instructor and are 1.5 hours. The course is designed so that they start with Minis 1 and then lessons are repeated until a required standard is met and the child is ready to move up to the next level. Your child's instructor will let you know when they are ready to progress. 


Minis Private Lessons

These are 1 to 1 lessons just for children aged 5 -8. Each lesson is 45 minutes long (including kit up and dekit time). 


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.

General FAQ's

Outdoor Activities can be booked as Individual Spaces or as Exclusive Groups. Anyone aged 16+ is classed as an adult when booking. We only ask for this information to allow our instructors to prepare for sessions by giving them an idea of different sizes and abilities before the session


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.


TARGET 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 & Gel 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/Nature Trail: Any age. Under 6s free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Bushcraft:  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.
  • Bristol Harbour Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Age 12+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 8+. If under 16s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.



Yes! All of our sites have plenty of free onsite parking.


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 Activity Session
We will start whenever you arrive but we are unlikely to be able to overrun.


Individual Spaces on an Activity 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 at all of our activity sites.


However, for the majority of our activities, you must make arrangements for its care during your activity session.


Dogs may join you on Frisbee Golf, Nature Walk and Orienteering. 

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.



Our activities take place at several locations.


The Alpine Lounge is the cafe based at Mendip Activity Centre in Churchill. We don't take table bookings as we have plenty of indoor and outdoor (under cover) seating, so space is not a problem!


It is also possible to book a party food package to have at the Alpine Lounge; for this, we will reserve an area in our upper seating area for your group.



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 page or SCHOOL ACTIVITY DAYS page.

Yes! You've come to the right place if you're planning a fun, offsite Team Away Day!


We are in a great location in Somerset, close to Bristol and the M5, enabling you to take a break from your regular workplace and activities, somewhere you can improve team bonding, especially for those working hybrid, remote, flexible and in-office.


You're in great company: in our 40 years of business, we've provided adventures for thousands of organisations and teams around the UK!


Enquire at this link: https://www.mendip.co.uk/corporate

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 page.

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.


Directions

Mendip Activity Centre can be found at Lyncombe Drive, Churchill. The postcode is BS25 5PQ.  



Click here for a Google Maps link. 


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Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.



Click here for a Google maps link. 


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Sandford Quarry is our private rocksport quarry which is just a 5 minute drive from our Main Activity Centre. Access is by first turning into Quarry Road in Winscombe, nearest postcode, BS25 5RN.  Please do not park on Quarry Road. 


Drive up Quarry Road for about 100m and then, enter the gates on your left. Follow the track into the quarry. You will see our vehicles and instructors. Please drive carefully and slowly, the track is uneven and bumpy in places. 


If you are walking from Mendip Basecamp, please allow 30 minutes. 


Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.

SUP Bristol is based at Underfall Yard, Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6XG


Our usual meeting place is the Cottage Inn, Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG. We'll meet you by the slipway and you'll probably see a row of paddleboards. We're a 30 minute walk from the city centre or a short ferry journey!


Click here for a Google Maps link. 

Click here for a Google maps link to the location.


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Hewish is located on Wick Road, just off the A370, near J21 of the M5. As it is a rural site, there is no exact postcode. Coming from the A370, the marked gateway is on your right, just 100 metres past the RCH Brewery. Please drive carefully and slowly on the gravel track for 400 metres until you reach the gravel car park with dark green toilet block. Your Activity Instructor will meet you there shortly before your activity start time.


Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.


Caving activity sessions take place in Burrington Combe. We will meet you at the Goatchurch Cavern carpark which is free of charge to park in. It is just off the B3134 (The Combe) road. 


Click here for a Google Maps link.  


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Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.

Mendip Basecamp is located within the grounds of Mendip Activity Centre., Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ. 


Follow signs up the drive, keeping to the right rather than entering the main carpark on the left. After a hairpin bend, you will go under the ski slope bridge and pass Mendip Lodge. 


Click here for a Mendip Lodge Google Maps link.  

Mendip Lodge What3Words: caves.wanted.snowballs


To get to Mendip Basecamp, carry on along the track, following signs for Basecamp. You will enter fields and follow a bend round as the track continues up the hill and into the Basecamp camping fields. On arrival, head for the large white marquee, the Pavillion, this is the campsite check in. 


Click here for Mendip Basecamp Google Maps link. 
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Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.