Things to do with kids and teens near Dorchester, Dorset
Dry ski slope near Dorchester
Ringos
Ski and snowboarding lessons and freestyle sessions
Equipment hire available
Some age restrictions apply
All activities must be prebooked by phone (see below)
On-site parking and toilet facilities
Basic café – not always open
Open daily from 10am
Hidden in the Dorset countryside within the grounds of Warmwell Holiday park lies Dorset Snowsports Centre – a 110m dry ski slope offering ski and snowboard lessons (group and private) for all levels, and ringos (like sledging, but in a giant rubber ring!) to holiday park residents and non-residents.
Kids age 8yrs+, teens and adults can book a half-hour ringo slot, involving being launched down the main slope at speed (loads of fun!) for only £9.50 per person. A member of staff is on hand to help load the ringo riders at the top (midway up the slope, actually) and gives them a good push, adding in a spin at the end of the session just to really make sure they’re really dizzy. I have to hand it to the staff member on our visit for making an effort to make it extra fun for our group of tweens. A great idea for an activity as part of a birthday party or group day out.
Younger children aged 3-7 years can also book on to the ringos activity but will use the much smaller separate slope. One of the reasons for this, I think, it because younger children may struggle to drag the full size ringos back up to the top of the main slope as they’re a bit heavy and unwieldy.
Useful to know: the main slope is kept damp with a misting system so slope users can expect to get a bit wet. Waterproof overtrousers may be a good idea, or take a change of clothes for afterwards. Gloves and long sleeves/trousers and trainers highly recommended as the slope is rough on bare skin.
Ski and snowboard lessons can be booked privately or as a mixed group for £32.50pp (equipment included); or if you’ve got some ski or snowboard experience with a reasonable level of proficiency you can book on to one of the hour-long recreational sessions which run in the daytime and after dark.
Loved the atmosphere with the music pumping, it was a good place to take older kids who are nearly of teen age – not too junior. The on-site café was closed during our visit in January but usually offers basic snacks and drinks alongside a chocolate bar vending machine. Parking is free and right next to the slope.
ALL ACTIVITIES MUST BE PREBOOKED – CALL 01305 854216.
Check out Dorset Snowsports Centre's latest Facebook posts here.
Want to extend your day?
Head into Dorchester town centre, a 10-minute drive away, for lunch at Zizzi’s, Pizza Express, or Nando’s at Brewery Square. Or visit the Odeon cinema to watch a film.
Or –
Pop in to nearby Kingston Maurward Animal Park – it’s free to enter and wander around the grounds of the stately home. There’s a small soft play centre (for under 9s), a small outdoor playground and a selection of animals to meet along the way.
Comments