The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is a man-made indoor snow sports facility which is located in Hertfordshire in England. It is classed as one of UK's premier indoor ski and snowboarding destinations. It features a 160 metre main slope which gets covered in real snow all year round, while also having separate slopes which are gentler for beginners training.

Key features:

• Real snow - Unlike artificial slopes which are dry, it offers authentic skiing and snowboarding through the use of real snow
• Two main areas - It has a main slope with a height of 160m which contains a 30m drop. Recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers. While having lessons slopes which are shorter and shallower for beginners. Offering an experience for everyone
• Equipment hire - Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and clothing are available to rent. Allowing for people to try skiing before committing to equipment.
• Lessons and Coaching - Qualified instructors are on site who can provide private and group lessons to all ages and skill levels.

Beginner Friendliness:

The Snow Centre has been known for being on of the best place within Southern England for beginners to learn skiing. Due to having lesson slopes, beginners are able to learn at their own pace in a safe and controlled environment. With have instructors who are experienced in working with people skiing for the first time. As well as having structured progression programs available for those who wish to partake in them.

Who it is ideal for:

• Beginners who are yet to have ever tried skiing.
• Families - special sessions are offered which are catered towards kids and family groups.
• Intermediate skiers who are aiming to practice or maintain skills before going on a trip abroad.
• Advanced skiers who are wanting to refine technique, especially when it is no longer winter season.

Not ideal for:

• Freestyle skiers who are looking for extensive park features. Due to limited space, small freestyle features are set-up but not commonly done.
• Those who are after long alpine-style runs due to the slope length. They are great for practice but is not comparable to mountain resorts.

For an inside view, look at the following video:

Whistler is known as North America's largest and most iconic ski destination. It is located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia Canada which is around a 2 hour drive from Vancouver. Offering over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain which includes two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, which is connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. It is heavily reliable on its heavy snowfall which lasts often from later November throughout April or longer. Meaning it has a longer winter season then the average winter season. Whistler is a natural, compete skiing location.

Key features:

• Massive terrain variety - Whistler has 200+ marked runs, involving runs which are gentle groomers to steep bowls and chutes. Some trails can stretch up to 7 miles long (e.g. peak to creek)
• Peak 2 Peak Gondola - Gondola is a word record holding life which links 2 mountains. Containing spectacular views of valleys and peaks.

• Lessons and services - Contains a high regarded ski school with lessons for both adults and kids. Teaching skills from first turn to advanced skills.

• Off-Slope activities - Offers more than just skiing. You can experience other winter activities such as snowshoeing, bobsleigh and cultural exhibits at Whistler. 

Beginner friendliness:

Whistler is beginner friendly to an extent. It has designated beginner areas with gentle slopes, magic carpet lifts and instruction zones on both mountains. Ensuring as much safety as possible for beginners who choose to adventure to Whistler. The ski school is known for being excellent at teaching first-timers, giving opportunities to learn. As well as having certain green runs, such as around the Olympic chair zone, are perfect for early progression.

Though despite this, only around 20% of the terrain is truly beginner friendly. Most the mountain caters towards intermediate and advanced skiers. As well as some green runs can feel bigger or steeper than at the smaller ski hills you get in European and Eastern resorts. Combine thing with the long trials, it can become tiring for beginners. It is recommended for them to focus on the lower mountains zone which is aimed towards teaching.

Who it is ideal for:

• Beginners - can be enjoyable with lessons and patience. It is best suited for those who wish to progress quickly.
• Intermediates - A huge range of groomed blues and scenic long runs makes it the perfect ski place for you.
• Advanced and Experts -  extensive off-piste, alpine bowls, steep chutes and serious terrain allows for skills to be put the test.
• Families - Has great infrastructure as well as kid-friendly zones.

For an inside view, look at the following video:

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, often known just as Chamonix, is a historic ski destination. It is nestled in the French Alpes at the foot of Mont Blank containing Western Europe's highest peak. Skiing here isn't one huge linked area like some resorts, rather the valley comprises several distinct ski areas with their own character and terrain. Due to this Chamonix has become known for its gentle nursery slopes to some of the most challenging freeride slopes and off-piste in the Alpes. It is a natural ski area that has been made into a resort.

Key features:

• Las Grands Montets - an expert and freeride mecca within Chamonix.
• Brévent-Flégère - Known for having stunning panoramas and varied intermediate terrain.
• Les Houches - Tree skiing and family terrain, one of the safer areas to ski within the mountain.
• Le Tour/Balme - a wide, scenic run area which is good for gaining progression. 

Beginner friendliness:

Chamonix is open to beginners but they are limited to specific limited zones rather than the huge interconnected networks. Areas beginners can go into include:

• Les Planards - Close to the centre of town. Having gentle slops, green/blue runs and easier lifts.
• Le Savoy - a small area which is a dedicated beginner zone at the foot of Brévent.
• La Vormaine (Balme/Le Tour) - One of the largest nurserys as well as a gentle slop area. Known for being great for beginners.
• Les Chosalets - Gentle, low-altitude beginner terrain located near Argentière.
• Les Houches/Prarion - Contains easy tree-lined run, as well as beginner friendly terrain which is higher up.

Chamonix ski school is also known for being excellent, allowing many beginners to learn the basics and build confidence within these areas containing professional instruction.

Despite this though, Chamonix's overall terrain is more challenging. Especially when you get out of the beginner zones. Even some of the blue runs feel steeper than what you find in other French resorts. As well as the ski zones not being connected may mean beginners need to take transport between zones to be able to access them.

Who it is ideal for:

• Beginners -  Absolute beginners can learn at Chamonix, especially in the nursery areas. Though you will not find vast linked beginner runs meaning you will spend most your time in dedicated zones.
• Intermediates - Chamonix is great for confident intermediates who want variety and challenge. You can find moderate blue and red runs around Brévent-Flégère, Le Tour, and Les Houches for you to complete.
• Advanced and experts - Chamonix offers you serious terrain with long vertical drops, big mountain skiing and technical lines. Contains one of the world's most famous off-piste route names The Vallée Blanche which is a 20km glacier descent which requires you having a guide. Overall offering you numerous challenging steep couloirs, off-piste bowls and freeride zones.

For an inside view, look at the following video: