Going away to the mountains this year, new to winter sports and want to learn how to skate? Publishing Editor Steve Rowley has got your winter sports covered this month!
We are focussing this month’s issue to the forthcoming winter season, and over the next few pages we are looking at mountain upgrades with Frank Baldwin who reports on the luxury chalets in the Alps, whilst Bridget Devine takes a look at this season’s ski wear trends in her ever-popular fashion column.
Danae van den Berg from the Better Body Group is on hand to get us ready for the harsh conditions on the slopes, and Magdalena Marvell provides her advice on how to stay healthy this winter with her monthly piece on nutrition. She also serves up her healthy recipe, this month we have a baked sweet potato with mozzarella and pesto.
But first up, Publishing Editor Steve Rowley looks at what you can enjoy closer to home, with his take on Kent’s best winter sports options. Please enjoy the following articles we have put together for you as you get yourself ready for the winter season!
Bowles Rocks (TN3 9LW)
Bowles Rocks in Tunbridge Wells is your local, convenient, inexpensive way to learn to ski or snowboard before a trip away. Bowles has a great team of experienced, qualified instructors and coaches who will guide you from beginner to confident skier or boarder. They also have two slopes which cater for every need.
Learn to ski or snowboard at Bowles with their packed programme of courses, private lessons, and open sessions for all ages, from beginners to advanced, throughout the winter.
They are running group lessons again this winter, starting in October, which can be booked online and are run in age groups: 6-8s, 8-15s and Adults 14+.
Bowles also offers private skiing and snowboarding lessons all year round for one to one or small group tuition, but be mindful that in the winter months these lessons can get booked up quickly, so please plan ahead.
Practice sessions are also available for people who can already ski or snowboard, who are looking to improve or practice their skills or warm-up before a trip away. All your boot, and ski/board hire is included in the prices, however you are free to bring your own.
• Contact the team at Bowles Rocks on 01892 665665 or via their website at bowles.rocks.
Folkestone Sports Centre (CT19 5HX)
The SnowSports centre at Folkestone Sports Centre offers a warm and friendly experience for you to enjoy two exhilarating and enjoyable activities on their newly refurbished dry slope.
Their slope is ideal and offers great value for anyone who either wants to start on an adventure to become a skier, or for established skiers who want to take their skiing to a new level of enjoyment, fun, and skill in preparation for a holiday in the mountains.
They also offer a popular activity ideal for families, birthday parties, groups of friends, and schools which is their Snow Rings.
• Contact the team at the Folkestone SnowSports Centre on 01303 850222 or at mail@folkestonesportscentre.co.uk.
Planet Ice Gillingham (ME8 0PU)
Planet Ice in Gillingham is open all year round and offers ice skating for all ages and all abilities. They have a fantastic track record for teaching people to skate and have adopted the Skate Excellence program which places a bigger emphasis on fun whilst learning.
Whether you’re looking to start an ice sport from scratch or improve your skills on the ice they have every level available to get you ice ready.
With many course options available for each ability, all ages ranging from kids to adults. They have a range of kids only and adult only courses as well as mix courses for all the family.
During the school holidays the team at Planet Ice Gillingham also offer courses for you to learn how to skate in just three or five days with a mixed group of kids and adults! Their lessons run for 30 minutes each morning over consecutive days during the school holidays where you will then have access to the public skate session after to practice the new skills you have learned.
• Contact the team at Planet Ice Gillingham on 01634 388477 or at gillingham@planet-ice.co.uk.
SKATE Tunbridge Wells
Open seven days a week from Friday 1st December 2023 until January 1st, the outdoor ice rink at Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells, and its festive stalls are only a five-minute walk from the train station and town centre offering spectacular views of the beautifully lit park, creating a unique and special seasonal experience!
SKATE Tunbridge Wells are also welcoming back their Bavarian Curling rink at night, but early booking is advised as all sessions sell out fast!
• Head to the Assembly Hall website at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on for further details
Bluewater Ice Rink (DA9 9ST)
The Ice Rink is returning to Bluewater this year from Tuesday 14th November until January 7th. Located outside The Village, the covered outdoor rink will offer plenty of space for skaters of all abilities to go for a spin, come rain or shine. They want to make sure it’s accessible for all, which is why they’ll also be running quiet sessions, in addition to parent and toddler sessions for wobbly starters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones, as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady.
Their Ice Rink party nights are also back by popular demand, so get ready to show off your moves to classic party anthems every Saturday night until December 15th.
• Bookings are online only, and if you book by November 5th you’ll also receive a 20% Early Bird discount off all sessions! Go to bluewater.co.uk/icerink for more information and to book your tickets.
