Skiing on the Great Orme
It is not the first thing most people associate with a Victorian seaside resort, but Llandudno has a dry-slope ski centre operating on the Great Orme. The Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre offers skiing and snowboarding on a synthetic surface year-round, making it possible to combine a beach holiday with an introduction to winter sports, or to get some practice in before a ski trip without travelling to the Alps.
Dry-slope skiing uses a bristled synthetic matting that behaves sufficiently like snow to allow the development of proper ski technique: edging, turning, stopping, and the basic movements of downhill skiing. It is not identical to snow skiing — the surface is slower and the sensation different — but it is a genuine and useful training environment. Many competent skiers use dry slopes to maintain their fitness and technique between snow holidays, and for complete beginners it provides a much more accessible and affordable first experience than a trip to a snow resort.
What's on Offer
The centre offers lessons for beginners and sessions for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The slope is on the Great Orme headland, which means the backdrop to your skiing is the Irish Sea and the bay of Llandudno — a rather more dramatic setting than most dry slopes can offer. The headland location also means the site is exposed to wind and weather, which adds an outdoor character to the experience that indoor ski centres lack.
For families, the ski centre offers a way to introduce children to skiing in a low-pressure environment without the cost and logistics of a ski holiday. A taster lesson at Llandudno is a sensible way to discover whether a child has the enthusiasm and aptitude for the sport before committing to a full ski holiday. For adults who have skied before and want to dust off their technique, a session on the dry slope provides a worthwhile refresher.
Contact the Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre directly for current pricing, session times, lesson availability and booking. Information about the centre is available via llandudno.com. The centre's position on the Great Orme means access is easiest by car or on foot via the headland paths; check with the centre for directions and parking information.
Llandudno's Sporting Offer
The ski slope sits alongside other active pursuits available in Llandudno. The Great Orme walking routes range from gentle strolls to sustained hillside climbs. The cycling routes around the bay and the Conwy Valley are excellent, and the Marine Drive offers a flat coastal circuit that works well for cycling. North Wales Golf Club at West Shore is one of the oldest golf clubs in Wales, with a course that plays alongside the bay.
For those who want a more urban thrill, Johnny Throws at 145C Mostyn Street offers indoor axe throwing — a surprisingly engaging activity that requires no prior experience and is suitable for adults. The combination of beach, headland, cycling, golf, skiing and axe throwing gives Llandudno a broader active offer than its Victorian resort reputation might suggest.
Planning Your Visit
If you are planning to visit the ski centre, contact them directly to check current session availability and book in advance, particularly in peak season. The centre is located on the Great Orme; from the town centre, the most direct route is via the Great Orme Tramway or by following the road signs for the Great Orme Country Park. Allow time for the journey as well as for the skiing itself.
Combining a ski session with a visit to the copper mines or a walk to St Tudno's Church makes for a full and varied day on the headland. The tramway provides public transport access to the Great Orme from the town centre for those without a car. Appropriate clothing for the dry slope is advisable: ski hire is typically available at the centre for those who do not have their own equipment.
Combining the Ski Slope with Other Great Orme Activities
The Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre shares the Great Orme with several other attractions that make a combined visit worthwhile. The Great Orme Copper Mines are within the same headland area and offer a completely different kind of experience: underground Bronze Age tunnels, archaeological interpretation, and a visitor centre. The cable car from Happy Valley provides the most scenic approach to the upper Orme from the town side, though the ski centre itself is most easily accessed by car or on foot from the Marine Drive. Kashmiri goats are frequently visible along the plateau and the access roads; they are accustomed to visitors and, provided you keep a respectful distance and do not feed them, will go about their grazing with characteristic indifference. A half day that begins with a ski or snowboard session and continues with a walk to St Tudno's Church and the summit plateau covers the active and the contemplative in equal measure. The Great Orme Country Park charges no entry fee for walkers, making the surrounding area a free extension to the paid ski centre activity.
Skiing and tobogganing in more detail
Toboggan Run Ski Slope Llandudno North Wales Towns & Villages N103-958 ©Visitllandudno.com (2016)
The Great Orme Llandudno is home to the longest toboggan run in Britain, including an impressive dry ski slope, with a new ski-tech surface to enhance the customer experience.
Toboggan
Llandudno Toboggan is the longest in Britain, stretching some 700m. This exhilarating experience is one that’s not to be missed, but unfortunately, this is for dry weather only; Thus, closing times may vary. There are also some other restrictions to be aware of, such as children must be aged four or over, and children over the age of eight must ride alone. The current price starts at £7.50. However, for more information on prices and availability, please visit: https://www.jnlllandudno.co.uk/ or call: 01492874707
Skiing and Snow-Tubing
Llandudno Skiing and Snow-Tubing, has received an excellent five-star rating from Tripadvisor due to its unique and thrilling experience. Fully-trained ski slope instructors have been a primary contributor to the succession of these snow-sporting activities. They are there every step of the way to offer a helping hand to ensure safety and professionalism at all times. Notably, prices vary depending on age, such as adults, juniors, and tots. There is also an option to book group lessons or several individual block lessons, for instance, a three-lesson deal for £100 pounds for age (+16 years). However, for all other information regarding lessons and prices, please visit: https://www.jnlllandudno.co.uk/ or call: 01492874707
Alpine Adventure Golf
The ski slope complex offers the opportunity to play a competitive game of adventure golf, among other various slope-based activities such as those mentioned above. The current price per person for adventure golf is a very reasonable four pounds. So why not grab a club and enjoy a fun-filled hour or two with friends and family.
Alpine Bar and Kitchen
Take a moment and enjoy a hot or cold beverage while taking in a spectacular view of Llandudno Bay from the Alpine Bar and Kitchen some 415ft above sea level on the Great Orme. Additionally, they offer an array of tasty treats for all the family, so there’s sure to be something that takes your fancy. The centre also has a fully licensed bar with a wide-ranging selection of draught and bottled beers and spirits, perfect if you’re looking for a pick-me-up after a fun-filled day of activities.
Special Occasions
The Llandudno Snowsports centre and Alpine Bar and Kitchen is a unique place to celebrate a birthday, with everything from panoramic views to food, drinks, and activities for all the family to enjoy. It can accommodate up to 150 guests and has an indoor and outdoor balcony, perfect for group events and other occasions. However, it is advised to provide plenty of notice to avoid disappointment, to accommodate you and your party planning needs. Furthermore, for all event inquiries, please send an email to [email protected] or telephone: 01492 874707.
How to Find Us
Llandudno Snowsports Centre
Great Orme
Llandudno
LL30 2QL
North Wales
If you are travelling by Sat Nav, you should use the postcode of LL30 2LR. This postcode will bring you to The Grand Hotel entrance and then take a LEFT TURN up the hill onto Alex Munro Way. Continue up and through Happy Valley Gardens, and you will arrive at Llandudno Snowsports Centre.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ski slope in Llandudno?
Yes. The Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre operates on the Great Orme, offering dry-slope skiing and snowboarding. It is open year-round and suitable for beginners as well as those wanting to improve their technique.
What is a dry ski slope?
A dry ski slope uses a synthetic surface — typically a bristled matting — to simulate snow conditions. Skiers can practise turns, stops and techniques in all weathers without needing actual snow or cold temperatures, making it ideal for the North Wales climate.
Is the Llandudno ski slope suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre offers lessons and is suitable for complete beginners as well as those wishing to improve. Contact the centre directly for current lesson availability, pricing and session booking.
Day trips