Sneak preview - The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead

I thought I’d packed up my kit for the last time this season, but – thanks to the opening of Hemel Hempstead ski centre – it made a special guest star reappearance this week. 

Half an hour from London Euston on the train, Britain’s newest ski centre has been four years in the making. 

Constructed on the site of the original dry slope where many of you might have taken your first, tentative steps at riding, it’s an impressive facility. 

The first thing that hits you is the light. 

Snow domes can be gloomy places. Not this one. It’s so bright that you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a blue sky day. 

The second is the width. Both the main and beginners’ slopes are 32m wide, with no obstructions to break up your path. 

Having this space to play with is vital. I know I could have done with it when I was plucking up the courage to attempt turns for the first time and it’s rare to get this kind of luxury in the UK. 

But the people at Hemel know that. 

From the time of the centre’s conception, they were out and about analysing what similar facilities had to offer and dreaming up ways of avoiding the pitfalls that beset older slopes. 

Access to the top of the 160m main run is via a button lift. Even the training slope comes in at 100m and there are more than 200 instructors working at the centre. 

And what about the snow quality? When I was there, it was good. Real good.

Prices start at £18 per hour (off peak) for recreational riding, but – for improvers – the two-hour Guided Practice sessions (at £27) could be the way forward. 

These are a good middle-ground between formal lessons and free riding because you’re joined by instructors, who are on hand to question and offer advice as you go about your business on the slope. 

What’s more, the Wednesday morning Guided Practice is ladies only, so no fear of rolling into any cocky boys. 

Freestyle enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Friday night will be dedicated to jumps and rails, with the session priced at £27 for two hours and £50 for four hours. 

But it doesn’t have to be that expensive - membership of the centre comes with big benefits, not least because you get 30% off standard prices. 

But what to do once the riding’s finished? 

Unlike some snow centre bars, the one at Hemel doesn’t look like a McDonald’s. 

It’s called The Edge - Café Bar With Altitude (see what they did there?) and it’s nice, with tasteful soft furnishings and neutral décor.

It also runs the width of both slopes, so you can chill with a hot chocolate and watch your mates ride. 

Pete Gillespie of The Snow Centre (to give it its correct name) is rightly proud of what’s been achieved.

“It surpassed what I expected. It’s absolutely amazing,” he said. 

And, for me, the bonuses just kept coming. After leaving the building, I was fumbling around with my cigarette packet when I crossed the car park. 

One of the staff members stopped her car as she was driving out to ask me if I needed a light (?!!). I’ve heard about customer service, but - frankly - this was outstanding.

You can find out more about membership, booking (best done online) and info about the venue at www.thesnowcentre.com

*The Snow Centre opens to the public on May 6, 2009