What you need to know

Recreational skiing and boarding - standard

Please note to be able to buy ski or board practice tickets, you must be able to ski or board competently and use the lifts, otherwise you must have a lesson.

Equipment

We supply all the equipment you need - skis, boards, boots, poles and helmets are included in the price of a lesson or practice ski ticket. Please note that there is a small additional charge for board hire or twin tip skis when purchasing a practice ticket.

We no longer offer hire of skis and snowboards for use on snow. Please contact Boardwise or Lothian Ski Services for ski and board equipment hire.

Gloves and long sleeves must be worn at all times. Clothing is not included in the ticket price however hats, gloves and socks can be purchased from Reception.

Helmet-wearing policy

In our continuing commitment to ensure customer safety when using the centre we have now introduced a 'Helmet Wearing Policy'.

All skiers and boarders on a junior ticket (including school groups and Tubing Party children) must wear a helmet. 

A junior ticket is issued to anyone under 18. 

Helmets are available from the centre and included in your ticket price.

Although we insist that under-18s wear a helmet, we would advise all customers to wear head protection whilst skiing or snowboarding. 

Can I just come and have a go at learning by myself, without formal lessons? 

No.

It's safer and better for yourself and other users if we ensure that everyone has at least one beginner lesson before undertaking any further, unaccompanied practice.

The beginner lesson covers basics such as stopping and safe use of the equipment and slope so it is a requirement, just as you'd have to do an induction session if you were joining a gym.

This only applies to complete beginners.

When it snows at the Snowsports Centre can you ski or snowboard on the hillside?

The Centre has a policy of no off-mat skiing. This is due to the hillside not being patrolled and if you injure yourself we would not be able to find you.

Can I bring a group and teach them to ski or board at the Centre?

No, the Centre's policy is that only staff employed by Midlothian Snowsports Centre can teach on our slopes.

Do you have specific practice times for ski and boarding?

No, you can practice at any time with the possible exception of race/event days when all or part of the runs are restricted for use by competitors. Please see the events page for details.

Do lessons go ahead in bad weather?

Yes, the Centre will only close due to adverse weather conditions, ie very high winds and storms, otherwise please be prepared to go out in all weathers (see clothing, above).