An innovative indoor ski facility has launched in Wiltshire, founded by former Dragons’ Den star Nick Jenkins.
- This pioneering club, South Wilts Ski Club, is situated at Bapton Manor Farm between Warminster and Salisbury.
- Securing planning permission and construction took a year, with a total project cost of £300,000.
- A standout feature is the MaxxTracks slope, one of only four in the UK, offering a unique skiing experience.
- The facility offers exclusive bookings with personalised coaching, despite not yet offering snowboarding.
An innovative indoor skiing facility has recently opened in Wiltshire, bringing a unique experience to the region. Founded by Nick Jenkins, the successful entrepreneur behind Moonpig, this club marks the first of its kind in the county. Positioned strategically between Warminster and Salisbury, the South Wilts Ski Club aims to provide a local solution for skiing enthusiasts.
The establishment of the facility at Bapton Manor Farm took a year to complete, involving the meticulous process of securing planning permission and managing the construction efforts. With an investment totalling £300,000, Jenkins transformed a former tractor barn into a state-of-the-art ski training centre.
One of the most notable features of the South Wilts Ski Club is its specialist MaxxTracks indoor slope. Imported from the Netherlands, this slope can adjust its incline between 13 and 22 degrees and can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour. This makes it suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers looking for a rigorous workout.
Nick Jenkins was motivated to create this indoor facility after experiencing difficulties booking sessions at other locations. “I’m a very keen skier and I wanted to find somewhere for my daughter to practise between skiing holidays,” he commented. His personal dedication to providing accessibility to the sport for his daughter and others in the community is evident.
The facility emphasises a focused and personalised skiing experience. Bookings are made exclusively, allowing groups of up to eight, and sessions include one-on-one coaching from the in-house instructor, Craig Philpott. High attention to detail is further demonstrated by each session being filmed, allowing skiers to refine their techniques. Participants have access to necessary gear such as ski boots and helmets at no extra cost.
While snowboarding is not currently available at the South Wilts Ski Club, Jenkins has expressed openness to including it in the future as the facility continues to grow and adapt to its visitors’ needs.
Open to the public as of October 17, the ski club offers various session timings throughout the week. Prices for these sessions begin at £18 per 30 minutes during off-peak hours, providing a range of options to meet different schedules and budgets.
This new venture not only caters to skiing enthusiasts but also enhances Wiltshire’s recreational landscape.
