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Dry slope skiing
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There's no need to go all the way to the Alps to put on your skis and get going. North West Wales has three dry slopes where you can try out skiing, snow boarding and ski blading. Ski instructor Jason Jones, former Celtic champion, gives his tips on how to get skiing.
How did you get started?
I went skiing at Llandudno's dry ski slope when it was newly opened, and within 12 months, I was helping teach others to ski there. I was a member of the Welsh dry slope skiing team and was in the top five in Britain when I was 18.
Where did you go from there?
I passed the necessary coaching exams and have been teaching skiing and snow-boarding at Llandudno for over 16 years now.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
It's compulsory to have your arms and legs covered, even in summer. We also recommend that skiers wear good gloves to protect their hands if they fall. You can hire skis, boards and boots from the dry ski slopes. Some frequent skiers buy their own equipment, especially boots, but they sometimes save their skis for skiing on snow.
What's your most memorable experience?
Winning the Celtic Nations Championships in 1999.
Have you got a favourite place?
Llandudno for dry slope skiing and Austria for snow skiing, as the mountains and views are amazing there.
Any other points?
Everyone's welcome to come and give dry slope skiing a go. We recommend that beginners have some tuition, as only skiers who have reached level 4 competence are allowed to ski without guidance. This means that you're able to do snowplough turns, are able to stop, and use the ski lift.
Where can I have a go?
There are dry ski slopes in Llandudno, Plas y Brenin and Trawsfynydd.
Sophie Grenfell, head of the ski school at Llandudno dry ski slope, tells us about a recent big change:
You can now ski on 'permasnow'. There aren't any diamond holes with this - it's one continuous carpet all the way down the slope. There's lots of padding so it's a lot softer and safer than before.
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