Read a first hand review of the inaugural London Snow Show from National Snow Week ambassador, and Outside & Active contributor, Natasha Soanes.
As an Ambassador of The National Outdoor Expo, a show which I have really enjoyed visiting twice, I couldn’t wait to attend the National Snow Show, by the same organisers. I am also a National Snow Week Ambassador and I was really excited to go along to my first National Snow Show in October. The National Snow Week is a week celebrating everything the UK snowsports scene has to offer and plays host to mini events across the country for brands, associations, resorts and destinations.
The week is bookended by ExCeL London (21-22 October 2023) and NEC Birmingham show (14-15th Oct 2023). One of the biggest community meet-ups of the year, the week brings together inspirational speakers, cutting-edge technologies and the best in gear, all under one roof. The event plays host to over 130 brands and resorts. I went to the London show, taking place from 21–22 October 2023, at ExCeL London.
There was lots to do at the show for all ages. People could choose to head over to the Snow Stage and hear an inspirational story from an Olympian whilst sipping on a beverage from the Alpine themed Après bar.
I took my 9 year-old son along to the show as I knew it was very family-friendly. At Snow Week any adult can bring a child under 16 without charge.
There was so much for all the family, including the Crystal Beginners Slope, Hoverboard challenges, Jibworx Rail Jam sessions, Ramps and Tramps beginners skateboard lessons with Graystone Action Sports, intro to Roller skiing and laser shooting with RAF Nordic, and the Altitude mini Comedy Festival to name a few.
RAF Nordic along with their friends from Army Nordic and Snow Sport England offered opportunities to try out roller skiing. Roller skiing is an important part of their collective training as it provides people with the ability to train in the United Kingdom, 365 days per year without the need for specialist locations.
Professional coaches were on hand to chat about getting into snowsports and the benefits of starting to build skills and confidence before hitting the mountains.
The week also played host to a full week of industry events across the country, helping to build a stronger snowsports industry in the UK.
Esprit Ski had a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained in the Family Zone, including a hoverboard. For the little ones, there was Arts & Crafts available throughout the show.
The hugely popular Maxx Tracks indoor slope gave skiers and snowboarders of all abilities the chance to have-a-go and test their skills under the watchful eye of those in-the-know. A great opportunity to begin your Snowsports journey and feel more confident on the slope.
We queued for one of the taster sessions and both opted for having a try at skiing. We strapped on our boots and tottered onto the slope. I really felt it on my legs but it was such good fun and great to be able to try it for free.
My son and I also had a go at one of the 100 ‘intro to skateboard’ lessons for total newbies over the weekend delivered by the expert coaches at Greystone. I’ve always wanted to have a go at skateboarding so I gave it a try. I didn’t enjoy this as much as the skiing as I found it very hard but my son loved it and there were lots of children having a go on the ramps.
There was two days of speaker sessions including the legendary Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, Ed Leigh, Eve Muirhead and Chemmy Alcott. I went along to listen to the inspirational Chemmy Alcott and Millie Knight – ParalympicsGB skiier who skis with a sighted guide!
It was good fun looking around the stalls too. There were competitions to take part in, food to try and lots of snowsports-related things. I bought a beautiful white bobble hat which turns into a scarf and we went home laden with magazines and lots more.
If you’ve never been then why not go along next year!
