This place kicked us out from the ice rink because we fell over twice DO NOT recommend this place.

The Tamworth Snowdome was the first indoor ski facility in the UK, opening in 1994. There are now quite a few more in the UK but Tamworth is still good fun. It's also handily placed for my ski group's annual UK reunion as it's in the middle of England and we live all over the UK. Tamworth is just NE of Birmingham, a few minutes off junction 10 of the M42. It's located just outside town in a complex of leisure facilities including a swimming pool. Parking space is sufficient unless there's a big event on in town as people then park at the snowboarding centre and walk into town. The snow quality is good and certainly beats skiing on dry slopes. At lunchtime, they close the slope and groom it, which makes conditions for afternoon skiing also good. You an pre-book your ski session and the booking process is easy and painless. Your skiing time is determined by a swipecard that activates your access to the ski lift. The changing area is a little small and the floors can get wet but it's adequate. I have my own boots and the process for getting skis is quite efficient. I definitely recommend using the hire skis as indoor slopes can damage your own skis. They do take some care to make sure that your skis are on the right DIN settings. The slopes are accessed by a set of 2 travellators on one side and a shorter rope tow on the left. One possible problem is that there is a right angle bend halfway up the slope and once you get on the first travellator, you're committed to go to the top, whichn you can't see and nervous first time skiers may be a bit worried. At the top, it can get a bit icy but the gradient isn't too bad - a decent blue run. It's just long enough to have some fun and it's possible to get slight air near the bottom of the run but it's never going to be as long as a mountain run. The main issue for me is that they do a lot of teaching on the main slope and when they run lessons on both sides, the main run becomes dangerously narrow, especially with skiers coming round the right angle bend blind at high speed. There is a bar/restaurant which serves pub style lunches. Worth a leisure trip especially with other leisure facilities like Drayton Manor Park theme park and bowling nearby. read more

I last went skiing when I was in Australia, (yes, in the Winter, it snows not far out of Canberra), and was keen to ski again. I thought it a bit wasteful to pay for a flight to Oz just to ski, mind. I couldn't think of anywhere nearer to go than the Alps. There is the Ackers Trust, but with its eyesore views of post-industrial East Birmingham its not the nicest setting. The Snowdome was my saviour! I know this sounds obvious but there is real snow on these here slopes, unlike the carpet-ey dry ski slopes of Ackers. For those who are used to outdoor slopes, it's a fairly short run, but yes, it is long enough to get a real good buzz out of on skis or on a snowboard. It's steep enough for intermediate skiers and shallow enough for beginners though, and the designers have hit a good balance to cater for most abilities. Swimming and ice skating are other activities available here, but obviously in other areas within the complex! read more

BEWARE -SHORTAGE OF SAFETY I had a bad fall yesterday. My binding should have released but didn't; my left leg was badly twisted. I am immobilised today and hoping I do need not to go to A&E On the plus side the staff are friendly and helpful particularly those who 'rescued' me from the slope. Regrettably there are minuses:- For its size the slope gets very crowded so do not book at peak times and avoid weekends and Bank holidays Safety is compromised by mixing snowboarders with skiers. Why so? First because snow boarders take different lines down the slope and skiers often find themselves being 'cut up' by boarders. Secondly the weight of skis is split between 2 skis and one ski is unlikely to cause injury to innocent 3rd parties. By contrast a board is heavier than one ski and all its weight is concentrated in its short length. Snow boards are notorious for injuries, often serious, to innocent 3rd parties. The surface of the slope is in places almost sheer ice which is what caught me out yesterday Lastly staff adjust the bindings on hired skis to hired boots. Like most people I did not check this. I suspect that had I done so I would not be immobile like now. Moral check your bindings. read more

Snowdome is amazing. It would have been the most fun I ever had, had I not been coughing up blood on the slopes (Tonsillitis). I did my lessons regardless and had a few falls before retiring to the bar to watch my friends. Thank god for that bar! They also serve meals if you get hungry after all that flailing about in the snow. I think my lessons were about £11 each, which is pretty good value. I'll definitely go again one day. I do recommend you buy some proper gear to wear though. You can hire boards, skis and boots there but you'll need appropriate clothing and gloves as its freezing. I recommend TK Maxx for cheap skiwear or, failing that, eBay. Obviously there is a shop at Snowdome but it's not the cheapest. read more

I am neither sporty, nor active, and I hate the snow - so possibly not the ideal place for me to frequent. Think 'real snow' and all the activities that go with it and you have an idea of what the snowdome is all about (already reviewed by 2 others so I won't repeat). I went yesterday to a kids party with my son and I have to say they are excellent fun and something different from the normal jelly/ ice cream/ softplay formulae. They had about 45 mins on a small slope tobagganing with typical burger and chips type food after. The whole thing was well organised and executed - and shock, horror the young girls supervising and attending to the kids actually seemed to a/ enjoy what they were doing and b/like kids (why do these places usually employ surly teenagers who hate the sight of children and snarl alot generally? ). All the kids loved the adrenalin rush, burnt off loads of energy and emerged red-cheeked and healthy looking, if a little damp around the edges. The only other thing I would mention is that they do also host some quite funny 'tribute' nights from time to time in the bar/club space here. I went to see a 'Beegees' one once for someones hen night and it was hilarious - really good kitsch vibe and no hassles. Would not recommend the 'Winter Wonderland' at Christmas time though its overpriced and overrated. Much better and more magical displays I have seen for free at various garden centres to be honest. read more

SnowDome - Skating Rinks Near Me - Tamworth, STS

The Snowdome is one of a kind in the Midlands. Other than the Xscape chains and two other small centres, this is one of the only places in the UK you can come to ski and snowboard, all year round. The slopes are great, for beginners and for seasoned snowsport fans who want to practice without the cost of the Alps or Aspen. Snowboarding tutorials come with every first-timer, and the staff are really helpful, with a host of qualifications. On top of snowports, there is a very large pool, one of the biggest in the Birmingham area. It has a huge waterslide (flume), jacuzzi and a large kiddie's pool. The pool often features children's discos, adult only swim times, and a really fun 60-foot inflatable fun zone for kids to climb on and slide down into the water. With a fully, spacious bar/restaurant containing pool tables and air hockey, and a fully-equipped Starbucks, a family or group could easily spend a day at the Snowdome without being bored. In addition to the fun leisure activities, the Snowdome also has a large gym and fitness club, containing all the latest cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights. There is also a spa offering waxing, laser hair removal, hairdressing, permanent makeup, massages and lots of other spa-y things. The Snowdome can be booked in any arena (snowsports, pool, spa, bar/restaurant) for corporate event, Hen/Stag nights and children's parties. To get the most bang for your buck, memberships are a good idea. It's great fun -- we go every weekend and really enjoy ourselves! read more

I decided to let out my inner child and visit this centre for a Tobagganing session, which was great fun. I have visited this centre on many occasions, for some skiing lessons. The ski instructors were friendly professional, and patient. This centre provides a lot of activities for all ages - skiing, tubing, tobagganing, ice skating, and sledging. They also have a fitness centre, a spa and meeting and conferencing facilities on site. Fancy hosting a meeting with your colleagues then having an ice skating session after?! All activities can be pre booked on their website, which is very handy. If all that fun has worn you out you can relax in the Aspen Food restaurant, which serves hot and cold food and beverages, Starbucks, or the Rocky Mountain Bar. There is ample parking here, although it can get busy at weekends. You can park here for £1 for 30 minutes or more if you are a Snowdome customer. A superb activity centre thaat houses everything under one roof! read more

This is a great place to take the kids, which makes a change from the park, wacky warehouse etc. There are loads of things you can do in the real snow (& really cold, so wrap up warm!). My daughter loves the snow play area which is a place just to mess around in the snow and igloos. There is also an ice skating rink, tobogonning, skiing & snowboarding and a big swimming pool complete with slides etc. There is also places to eat and drink, plus a shop for all your snow gear. read more

We have been to the Snowdomes for lots of different activities over the last couple of years and have always had a great time. It is relatively easy to get to although you do have to get through the sometimes heavy traffic near the Asda/Sainsburys roundabout so allow time for this! Also the car park is always packed and you may have to park a good way away from the main enterance. You should always book your activity as they can be popular and you dont want to be disappointed. They have a good reception area and we have never had to queue for too long. We have done taboganning, ice skating, snow play and mini tubing here and have enjoyed them all. The ice skating in particular is great fun for all the family. We went on a Saturday evening and paid £20 for a family of 4 which was great value. They have a main rink which is mainly for beginners and then a circuit which goes around the outside of the rink which is for the more confident skaters. Once you have finished your activity, pop into Starbucks for a coffee or into the bar area for a pint. They do serve food but other than kids party food, we haven't eaten here so can't comment on the quality. They have a ski slope and as well as doing group lessons, you can book for a private lesson - this is not cheap at all but worth it if you are off skiing! The Snowdome is a great day out for all the family! read more

This is a great place, packed full of loads of activities. I especially love the ice skating disco. Its reasonably priced also. Last year me, my daughter & husband went to the santa's winter wonderland and we thoroughly enjoyed it, we got to meet different animals including reindeer, play on the snow and the kids get a gift at the end and theres plenty of photo opportunities, also a little pantomine. Make sure to wrap up nice and warm. read more

You can't not love the snowdome, I ski and tried boarding, swam, iceskated and tobogganed. Two of my three children seem to live on the slope and now my grandaughter goes to snowplay to enjoy real snow anytime.My wife is trys to drink starbucks(which is also on site) out of coffee while waiting for us. I wonder how extra money I would own if this place didn't exist. But it must cost a fortune to run so always good value. read more

A great place for all the family with its year round snow slope offering a range of options from learn to ski in a day for beginners to more advanced classes and lessons in groups or in one2one situations, with ski or board options and even toboggans and tyres for the kids. Depending on how you approach things, the Snowdome can be pricey, and the best way if theres more than one is to become a member and then take advantage of the initial members benefits to take friend for free and have discounted rates and to go a few times in a short preiod - perfect to either learn or refresh your skills before a holiday. The staff are friendly and helpful, you can hire everything you need - its all included - or take your own. If you're a really experienced or capable skier it can be a bit boring as the slope is designed to cater for all levels of skiers and boarders and do it safely so there have to be a few compromises on the thrills so avoid the spills. However there are more advnaced evening sessions where the set up is specifically for more advenurous stuff so if you live withing a reasonable distance, this is ideal - sadly I am a three hour drive away so its a long trek there and back. read more

SnowDome - Skating Rinks Near Me - Tamworth, STS

Lots to do here under one roof... Wrap up warm and in your old clothes and you can find yourself skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, tobboganing and even adrenalin tubbing. Its a top place to hold childrens parties as they can organise food and a liitle party after the main event. If getting involved sounds like too much hard work, you can relax in one of the food/bar area's whilst the kids get on with the fun stuff. Coming up to Christmas there's a Santa's Winter Wonderland with real reindeer. read more

I visited the snowdome on the weekend and I thought that it was awesome! I haven't even been close to a ski slope in years but I have thought about doing something a little more of an addrenaline rush that my usual gym and Thai Boxing workout for a while, plus my missus wanted us to do something together so we thought of skiing! The staff at the snowdome are excellent, they have a huge knowledge of the techniques involved in becoming good at skiing and they are happy to answer any and all questions because they seem very passionate about the sport. The slope has a very smooth surface and apart from very small icy patches it's almost perfect. I am glad I purchased snowboard pants before I went because I saw a few guys in jeans and they looked freezing from falling over a few times. For those who need equipment there is a shop on site and for after your session a coffee shop and lodge style pub. The changing facilities are quite cramped when it gets busy but the lockers are only 20p so they are more than reasonable. The equipment which is borrowed to you is clean and well looked after by the staff and there is plenty on offer to suit everybody. All in all I am very happy with my visit and I will be a regular visitor because I joined straight away to make the most of the discounts that the facilities offer. read more

Pretty good indoor ski slope with real snow though bit of a trek to get to from anywhere.

Whilst at university in Birmingham, I had my first snowboarding lesson and six years on I'm still going strong. I've visited many indoor snow slopes and outdoor dry slopes and none compare to Tamworth in my opinion. The quality of the snow is better than any other indoor snow slope I've tried and the added extra of the bend halfway down is a nice touch. For the more advanced, the beginners ramp and rail night is a good way to improve and for beginners the level of teaching I received was extremely good. The hire equipment (and I can only talk about the snowboards here) is extremely good quality as well. I've not experienced the snowmobile track or childrens' winter wonderland but they look like fun and the bar is more than adequate for those not wishing to brave the freezer! read more

Quite impressed by prices etc. The quality of activities are excellent but I can't say the same about service. Places where teenagers 'run the show' and aren't being supervised are usually not very friendly and try to hide away so they don't have to help you. The ice rink is lovely, but unfortunatelly no matter when you go its filled with chavs. Not snowdomes fault I know but it doesn't always make the experience nice if you were after a family day out or are bringing younger children. read more

Been here on a number of occasions and if you asked me several years ago I would probably have given it 5 stars - however the one in Manchester offers a far superior slope and environment with nicer surroundings at pretty much the same price. First timers might find it a little confusing and intimidating - although to be fair you're unlikely to be alone if it's you're first time. The slope itself is narrow compared to Manchester and can get very icy toward the bottom where everyone converges for a single exit (i've seen a number of accidents here). read more

Great for learning to ski or board, very impressed with the slope, indoor and outdoor viewing(its cold outdoors bring a hat), cafe is good value, not a rip off, just had a sausage hot baguette for £3. super day out. read more

Great tuition and good facilities. All of the equipment is of a decent standard too. Only had to make one complaint to management about numbers of children in a lesson and the management reacted swiftly to address this. Well done. read more

Tamworth Snowdome- For a while there it was the only ski slope with real snow in the whole of the UK. Then Milton Keynes got one and the title was gone forever. The snowdome is located within a huge leisure centre in Tamworth. There's a gym, swimming pool, and indoor fitness centre. The Snowdome is a large slope where you can ski or snowboard..on real snow. There are also certain times for tabogonning, which is where you sit on a little plastic tabogon which will take you sliding down the slope. Tubing is fun and consists of a similar scenario as at water parks where you get a big rubber ring and hurl yourself down a slide, except here you're going down the snow. If you fancy watching the fun you can grab a beer or a tea or coffee and sit in the bar where there is a good view of the bottom of the slope. There's also a pool table so you can have a few games and they do snack food like burger and chips. There is also a small ice-skating rink downstairs, where they do special deals and skating to music at the weekend. They have recently opened a hairdressers in the complex and there's a large shop selling board and surf wear. read more

ive only ever been to snowdome to use the ice skating part. its such a laugh, really enjoyable to go with friends, cheap too. when me and friends go, we always have a good time, and then go to the bar after to cool off. theres so many things to do here its amazing, im going to try something else next time i visit there.its within walking distance to town centre for busses. read more

The snowdome is quite an expensive place to go but for a one-off visit it is worthwhile. The ice skating is pretty standard to most ice-rinks except for the fact that around the ice-rink is a skidoo track. The skidoos are extrememly expensive but when you consider that this is quite an unusual experience in the UK let alone indoors you can see why it is so expensive. The indoor ski-slope is also quite good, although I never got the chance to go on that. However, my brother did, and apparently if you dont mind a fair bit of waddling around and falling on your bum then it is quite fun! read more

good place if you like snow lol but theres more than snow boarding to do there

i took my wife who is in a wheelchair and my grand daughter to the winter wonderland ,the staff could not have been more helpful .every time we moved there was someone to help ,they made it a really great experience, the christmas show was superb ,i cannot reccomend it enough and a great photo to remember the day read more

cold but exciting and safe fun if rules complied too. it is great for families or small groups. 4 - 16 year olds and adults of course.you need to wrap up warm with thermal underwear and gloves. not suitable for children under 4 due to temperature and action. read more

if you like skiing, then obviously a great place for you.real snow offers great experiences for everyone, especially kids who dont get to see much of it here in the UK. aswell as snow activities, they have got a swimming pool. read more