Issue 147

Hit the Slopes

23rd October 2006

Travel is all about getting out of your daily routine and doing something a little different, about treating yourself to some time off. This doesn't have to involve jetting off to exotic locations and rinsing the credit card, but can be done right here in South Wales on a budget. Pembrey Country Park for instance is under an hour away in the car and can provide a great day out for under a tenner.

First off there's the huge seven-mile expanse of Cefn Sidan beach, perfect for football, cricket and volleyball. as well as kite boarding, for people that way inclined. On a nice day (i.e. not raining too heavily) you can sit and enjoy the picnic areas just beyond the sand dunes - if the fresh air and healthy living gets a bit too much at this stage you can always sit down and crack open a few beers.

The main attraction is the dry ski slope with its Alpine Ski Lodge and Café, floodlit 130m main slope, 40m nursery area, as well as the "Cobra" ultimate toboggan ride. As a complete novice to the world of skiing I can't make any comparisons to the real snowy deal – but I can say it's bloody good fun.

Ski or board hire is only £6 or £10 respectively, which is a pretty reasonable price for a days rental. I spent the first hour picking up the basic 'snow plough' technique and I feel I really managed to do the label justice - showing, as I did, all the grace and elegance of a snow plough!

After this period in the nursery area, I cast off the training wheels and headed for the big boys slope. Progressing up the run one level at a time I finally made it to the top to be rewarded with a stunning view looking out on the spectacular coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay and the Gower Peninsula. The panoramic views make the trip up well worth it, even if I lost control somewhat on the rather too rapid descent – luckily all bones and internal organs remain intact.

As a complete newby to the world of skiing I was surprised just how fun the slope can be. Early on at least you feel a real sense of progression, and if you go as a group there's likely to be the added enjoyment of watching people fall over.

Jack Yuille