A new indoor ski facility has opened in Wiltshire, spearheaded by entrepreneur Nick Jenkins.
- Located at Bapton Manor Farm, it is the first indoor ski club of its kind in the county.
- The club features an advanced MaxxTracks slope, adjustable for degree and speed to simulate various skiing conditions.
- Visitors receive personalised coaching sessions with professional instructors, enhancing their skiing techniques.
- The club provides a unique skiing experience, complete with all necessary equipment and a relaxing clubhouse environment.
An innovative indoor skiing venue has been unveiled in Wiltshire, developed by Nick Jenkins, known for founding Moonpig. The facility, situated at Bapton Manor Farm, stands out as the inaugural indoor ski club in the area, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to hone their skills irrespective of the season.
Jenkins, a former Dragons’ Den panellist, invested £300,000 into the project, converting a disused tractor barn into a skiing haven. Driven by his passion for skiing and the convenience of practice for his young daughter, Jenkins implemented the concept based on his positive experiences with similar facilities in London, albeit with significant enhancements to reduce travel time and increase accessibility for local residents.
The facility’s centrepiece is a state-of-the-art MaxxTracks indoor slope, a rarity within the UK, uniquely designed to vary between 13 and 22 degrees and support speeds up to 30 km/h. Jenkins describes the slope’s surface as akin to a “well-groomed piste,” providing a smooth yet challenging skiing experience that replicates real-world conditions.
Guests at the club benefit from exclusive booking arrangements, where only two individuals are permitted on the slope simultaneously to ensure personalised instruction and sufficient practice space. Sessions are tailored by in-house coach Craig Philpott, providing one-on-one coaching aimed at refining techniques. Each session is recorded, allowing skiers to review and adjust their skills effectively.
Operated under an all-inclusive model, the club provides necessary skiing equipment such as boots and helmets at no extra cost, although snowboarding isn’t currently available. The venue includes a chalet-style clubhouse offering complimentary refreshments, enhancing the overall experience for visitors from midday to evening on scheduled days at variable pricing based on peak and off-peak times.
The South Wilts Ski Club represents a pioneering step in year-round skiing accessibility in Wiltshire.
