*We were gifted skiing lessons in return for this review*
We are lucky enough to live just a few minutes from Silksworth Sports Complex & Ski Slope and regularly walk our 2 dogs around the lakes at the complex. All 3 boys have previously asked about skiing here, on the North East's only dry ski slope, but we have never gotten around to booking in any lessons.
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When we were offered a family skiing lesson by Everyone Active, we couldn't resist. I absolutely love ice skating and take an interest in most winter sports but, since the ice rink in the city centre closed down, there haven't been too many opportunities in the area. With this in mind, we couldn't pass up this opportunity.
Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling too well on the day that we were booked in, so I sent Craig along with the 3 boys.
On arrival the boys were greeted by John, one of the instructors here. He gave the boys their boots and skis (you do need to take your own gloves) and explained how everything works. They then headed outside. I'm told that the walk around to the bottom of the slope was hilarious, due to the boys' first attempts at walking in ski boots.
The facility has three ski slopes, consisting of a 160m floodlit and misted main slope, and two dedicated nursery ski slopes. As this was the first time the boys had been anywhere near skis, they were on one of the nursery slopes. First things first, the instructor demonstrated how to safely attach the skis to the boots. They then had a go at moving around at the bottom of the slope, before attempting to walk a short distance up over. Next, they all had a go at coming back down. This was only a short distance, but we still expected Elliot to have an issue with this, as he hates trying anything new but, strangely, he loved it! His face lit up and his reaction to his first run was "That was fun! Again!"
The lesson then progressed to slightly longer runs from higher up the nursery slope and using a moving rope to pull them back up.
Adam and Toby both took a couple of minor tumbles and struggled a little with the rope, but overall, all 3 boys and Craig enjoyed the lesson and have all decided that they will definitely be back for more. Hopefully I will get to join them next time as I definitely want to give it a try.
At the end of the lesson, all the equipment was returned and cleaned, ready for the next session.
There are plenty of other regular skiing classes here, for all ages and abilities. For full details of times and prices, click here.
Important info
There is a building at the bottom of the slope with changing rooms and toilet facilities and drinks and snacks are available at reception.
The ski slope is open from 11 - 9 Monday to Friday, 8 - 5 Saturday and 10 - 5 on Sundays.
If you don't know the area, the nearest road entrance is just off North Moor Lane and the Post Code for your sat nav is SR3 1PD. There is plenty of free parking available on site. (The overflow car park is currently being used as a Covid-19 testing site).
Public transport. Stagecoach North East services 3,13, 18 and 18A all stop within a 5 minute walk.
Also on site
There are some other great facilities onsite, including Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre, which offers a Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre. Here, you can take advantage of 120-station, state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, which hosts a number of different activities. These include award-winning swim lessons, as well as a huge range of group fitness classes, ranging from intense group cycling sessions, to more relaxed Yoga classes. The centre also has 8 indoor and 10 outdoor tennis courts. Silksworth also boasts a health suite, alongside a café, which also host kids’ parties as well. Again plenty of free parking and regular bus services stop nearby.
In addition to all of this the complex also features a fully equipped athletics track and outdoor, floodlit, artificial football pitches.
If you fancy something a bit less intense, there are 2 beautiful lakes, a massive play park and direct access to miles of walking and cycling routes.
Silksworth Sport Complex and Ski Slope is managed by Everyone Active, which is the longest-established leisure contractor in the UK and manages around 200 leisure and cultural centres across the UK and aims to provide and all round activity offering at all of it's centres, including several more in Sunderland. Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Raich Carter Sports Centre, Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre, Washington Leisure Centre, Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre.
As parents, we regularly encourage our kids to get plenty of exercise, so we believe that Everyone Active’s mission is something that all families should take on board. It is to encourage everyone we come into contact with to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, either in one of our centres or via online training, five times per week.