| Reviews: 17 |
| Buckinghamshire |
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  2 of 5 30/03/2005 @ 00:10:33 |
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| Price Per Hour |
| £11 for one hour, £14 for two |
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| Times Visited |
| 2-5 Times |
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| Review Detail |
As Joystik said, there's a main slope, a beginner's slope that spreads across the entire width of the three slopes over a hump at the bottom, and two other slopes that always seem to be used for either rubber rings or toboggan/scooter type things. It seems this is where they make their money, because they sure as hell don't seem too interested in boarders or even skiers. There's no music on the slope - even on board night (Sundays).
Since I only used the main slope that's all I can really comment on, but anyhow... Most people will say it's Dendix, which is normally the kiss of death in the first place, but in all honesty all Dendix will do is highlight any poor form you've got, so if you can't ride Dendix it's really telling you something. At the same time though, if you can ride Dendix you can ride anything.
The main feeling I got from this slope is that it's too narrow and far too short. The management ask that you don't straightline it (called 'shussing' apparently) but that's probably because it only takes ten seconds to get from top to bottom. It's not built onto a natural hill, rather it's a wooden hill built about 40ft off the ground - bizarre. The narrowness stops anyone but the most confident from going down two at a time since overtaking is pretty tricky in the ten seconds you actually have to ride down the slope.
The actual surface of the slope seems well maintained, since the bristles look pretty new and there aren't any wires sticking up to catch your base unawares (yes, I did use my own board - the Oxbow boards they have just aren't worth the trouble), but the problem is that they don't have any consistency to how the water the slope, so what generally tends to happen is that you'll pick up speed, then sloooooow down, or else hit a fast patch, go to brake, and end up on your knees because there's just no traction. It's always fun trying to stop - you get this 'shudder-der-der-der-der' going through your legs - very disconcerting.
To sum up, this is fine if you want to get back into boarding the week before you go away, but it's just not worth it if you want to go regularly - I'd give up going here for 2-3 times a month and go to board night at MK every month instead. The slope stinks because of the sprinklers and it's getting a little on the gungey side. |
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| Strengths |
| It's cheap, but then it has to be really considering what it is. |
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| Weaknesses |
| I'm trying to keep an open mind, but this wasn't really an enjoyable experience. It's ridable, but not in any 'fun' way - the slope's too short, poorly watered and it's far too narrow. There's no creativity in how the slope's been designed either. Gungey and smelly. No music. No slope patrol - or even a liftie (isn't that against health and safety?). |
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| Similar Slopes Visited |
| Avon ski centre - so much better. Still Dendix, but the slope layout is so much more creative, the lifts are better and they have some good toys out most of the time. |
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 3.5 of 5 12/02/2004 @ 10:29:32 |
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| Price Per Hour |
| £11 per hour |
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| Times Visited |
| 6-15 Times |
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| Review Detail |
1x main slope
1x learner slope
3x taboggan/ringo slopes
Centre is close to Bournemouth and although the centre is usually very busy the main slope is rarely busy. Includes a Bar and restuarant, shop and decent viewing area outside.
Plenty of parking |
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| Strengths |
Well maintained, fast slope
friendly staff
beer |
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| Weaknesses |
Dendex
Can get very busy with way too many beginner skiers
Straight slope so not very interesting. |
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| Similar Slopes Visited |
| plymouth |
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