Ski-Allenheads

The slopes at Ski-Allenheads aren't going to rival the Alps, but that's rather the point. This artificial ski centre in County Durham offers a proper chance to learn or practise without flying to Switzerland or spending half your holiday in a car. The facility sits in the hills above Bishop Auckland, which puts it on the accessible side of things for a weekend trip from most of the North.

What you're getting is an indoor dry slope - think astroturf-style surface rather than snow - where skiers and snowboarders of all levels can have a go. Lessons are available, and the setup works well for families wanting to introduce kids to the sport without the commitment or expense of a full Alpine holiday. The pace is controlled, the falls are less painful than you'd expect, and you'll know within an hour whether your teenager is actually keen or just fancied the novelty.

Allow two to three hours for a decent session, longer if you're booking proper tuition. The nearest base for a holiday park would be Westgate Caravan & Camping Site, five miles or so away - a solid option if you're mixing a few days of family activities across County Durham.

Honestly, it's worth a detour if you've got skiers in your group and the weather's done one. It breaks up a park holiday nicely, and you're not sitting in a car for four hours just to slide down a mountain once.