A new initiative to try to go more people to try skiing or boarding in England has been launched by Snowsport England with the hope of capitalising on an anticipated increase in snowsports due to the Sochi Olympics.
The Go Ski Go Board initiative aims to make trying snowsports for the first time simpler, less intimidating and more affordable for first timers.
This is to be achieved by offering free 'taster sessions' on indoor snow slopes and dry slopes in England and then offering six hour blocks of lessons for first timers – typically four 90 minute sessions, which include slope time, rentals and tuition for a flat rate of normally around £80, although prices vary.
Those wanting to try the scheme should enter their postcodes on the simple www.goskigoboard.org.uk website which will then locate the centres closest to their address. Click on one and details of the centre and a list of GoSkiGoBoard schemes available are displayed.
A quick click around by J2Ski found lots of courses on offer, but no free taster sessions, perhaps that will change by the time the scheme officially goes live on 1st September or perhaps we were just clicking in the wrong place.
Although the scheme seems to be primarily designed for first timers the organisers also say it's available to all levels of skier or boarder wanting to improve their standard.
Snowsport England is the National Governing Body of snowsports in England.