The Guildford Ski Slope — Hotel in Guildford

Edited, this review is for snowboarding only and it was only one isolated experience. Teaching is so subjective so honestly I would recomend maybe trying a couple places and seeing what works for you:

I found my snowboarding lesson pretty frustrating. It was much too slow and rigid for me but perhaps would suit somebody who likes to learn that way. I do believe heel slides should be taught in conjunction with other skills and there were some foundations being missed here. I don't remember feeling under the weather but I do know I was the last lesson of the day and it was quite late. I think the instructor was tired and a little disinterested but that's okay, we aren't always at our best all the time.

The nursery slope at Guildford is very short for snowboarding but quite steep which makes learning harder and more tiring and a lot of the time is spent taking the board on and off and walking back up it. The boots have annoying clips that come out ALL THE TIME and I didn't even see the lift let alone get taught how to use it. The lift is probably one of the easiest and most important things to learn first and then you can practice on longer runs making the whole experience come together better.

I was told not to bother keeping one foot strapped in at all, and that there's no point doing this, but actually this is a crucial skill for using the lifts and navigating a snowboard on flats so was a bit baffled by that.

Also I would get minimal dry slope lessons first and more on the snow if you can, only an hour or so in the morning won't take a lot out of your trip and I think they will be even more beneficial then. I couldn't afford any on snow but wish I had! There's nothing like the real deal, don't spend too long on nursery slope when there either get on some nice long greens they are easy and you will learn a lot faster! You can teach yourself A LOT as well just by watching people's techniques and asking other boarders! Good luck...

I cannot thank James enough for his brilliant personality, limitless patience and perseverance with me. I had never skied before and my anxiety was glowing through my beginner ski kit for the world to see. James calmed me down, cracked a few terrible dad jokes and reassured me to the point I now have the confidence to ski without holding (squeezing to the point of breaking) his hand. I honestly cannot recommend a better instructor and am incredibly glad I had my first skiing experience with him at the Guildford Ski Slope. Thank you again James for everything! Watch out, you’ll make a professional skier out of me in no...

My son is on a 1 hour X 4 day beginner's course. They have covered putting on boots and skis, walking up the slope, ploughing and using the pulley lift. (Day 3) Progress is not fast in a group of 10, but steady and progressive. Our instructor James learnt all the children's names almost as they arrived. He is authorities, but humorous and is always positive, even when things don't go quite right. A tea urn with honesty box keeps the parents watered, WiFi keeps them occupied if not observing. The other staff are friendly too.

Overall I'm very happy with this course at...