Runcorn Ski Slope

The artificial slopes at Runcorn might not scream glamour, but they're genuinely useful if you're based nearby and fancy a quick ski or snowboard session without the faff of driving to Scotland. It's a modest setup - nothing like the sprawling facilities you'd find at bigger resorts - but that's precisely why locals rate it. The slope is compact enough that you won't spend half your time trudging back uphill, and the lift system keeps things moving.

Skiers and snowboarders of all levels come here, though beginners will find the gentler runs less intimidating than you'd expect. The real draw is convenience. If you're staying at The Ridgeway Country Holiday Park just down the road near Frodsham, you can be on the slopes in minutes rather than battling the motorway for hours.

What you won't get is après-ski or mountain views. This is functional winter sport in the Cheshire flatlands. Families with kids keen on boarding will make better use of it than casual skiers chasing Instagram moments. On busy weekends it gets rammed, so weekday visits pay off if you can swing them.

Allow a couple of hours if you're serious about runs, or an afternoon if it's just for mucking about. It's not worth a dedicated trip from London or Manchester, but if you're in the area for a holiday park break and someone in the group fancies trying skiing, it ticks the box without the expense of a full resort weekend.