With an average of 30 days of snowfall per year, the skiing days in the UK are definitely not endless, which is why many snow sport enthusiasts travel abroad. Yet, in June earlier this year, Parkwood Leisure opened the doors of an ultra-modern center named: Tarka Leisure Center. Since their grand opening, customers have enjoyed using the state-of-the-art facilities, including a brand new SkiMachine: the first endless ski slope that brings skiing and snowboarding to North Devon!
Brand new SkiMachine at Tarka Leisure Centre
Situated in the heart of North Devon, Tarka Leisure center offers a wide range of facilities, including two swimming pools, an exciting aquatic children’s playground, four stories of soft play, a large sports hall, multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts, three fitness studios, and more importantly, our brand new SkiMachine! It is no surprise that this gigantic leisure center creates memories for visitors of all ages and abilities. The endless ski slope at Tarka Leisure is a state-of-the-art indoor slope with a movable surface that is controlled by a professional ski instructor. The slope’s gradient can be moved between 10 - 18 degrees and the speed can be increased to suit your ability. As a result, both beginners and more experienced practitioners are welcome at Tarka Leisure Center. There’s loads of fun to be had, whether you want to shape your technique by taking a ski lesson or challenge your friends in an interactive experience. So come along and put your agility to the test at Devon’s first and only dry indoor ski slope!
From sketch to reality: how a SkiMachine is made
Creating our high-end SkiMachines begins with visualizing the concept according to the needs and desires of our beloved customers. Consequently, the mechanical engineer will create the blueprint of the revolving slope using 3D design techniques in AutoCAD. Next, a graphical designer will create branded designs for the exercise bars and the boarding of the endless ski slope for personalization. As a result, the SkiMachine doubles up as a gigantic interactive billboard that displays the customer’s brand message!
Meanwhile, the required components of the endless ski slope are assembled in our factory in the Netherlands where all of our products are manufactured with the highest quality materials and tested above and beyond the current safety guidelines. Our team of skilled production workers will prepare and compose the main construction of the SkiMachine with the highest care. To thematize the SkiMachine the design files will be printed and attached to the corresponding components. As a final step, a fresh layer of Pro Snow Artificial Ski Grass is glued on top of the conveyor belt, whereafter a brand new customized SkiMachine is prepared for shipping to a happy customer!
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The growing momentum of indoor skiing in the UK
The success of Tarka Leisure Centre is part of a much bigger shift across the nation. With traditional skiing in Scotland increasingly affected by unpredictable weather and the rising costs of trips to the French Alps, British skiers are turning to smarter, year-round alternatives. Indoor ski simulators offer an affordable way to learn, refine technique, and build ski fitness before setting foot on real snow.
This is not just a short-term trend, but the latest chapter in the history of skiing in the UK, where snowsports have continuously adapted from outdoor hills and dry slopes to modern tech-driven venues.
Today, that momentum is accelerating faster than ever. Facilities like Tarka Leisure paved the way, and new high-tech venues like InPiste at Luton Hoo Estate are taking indoor training to the next level. They prove that the future of UK skiing is well and truly indoors.
Brainstorm with SkiMachine
Request a free consultation with us to share your ideas and explore business opportunities. With over 250 ski centers worldwide operating our SkiMachines, countless positive client reviews, and more than 25 years of industry experience, we bring a wealth of expertise in manufacturing premium indoor simulators. We love helping ambitious entrepreneurs build successful businesses in the leisure industry. We are happy to provide you with input and tailored business advice at any time!
