More than 18 million Americans hit the ski slopes each ski season, visiting any of the 462 ski resorts in the U.S. It makes total sense then, that a vast number of those ski enthusiasts want to practice during the off-season. Plus, skiing parents are as anxious for their kids to hit the slopes as they are for them to take their first steps!
There’s good news for all of the above! Indoor ski slope availability is on the rise. Attending classes or camps at an indoor ski school is a great way to stay active, improve skills, and enjoy a safe and social environment, perfect for ski practice. We’re super excited to tell you all about what those indoor ski hills are like, and where to find the Top 10 Indoor Ski Schools in America. Let’s count them down to number one!
NUMBER TEN: Alpine Indoor
This awesome facility might have made it further down on the list, but because it’s located in Ontario, Canada, and not the U.S., we had to bring it in at number ten. It’s too good not to share! Known for their all-inclusive pricing and 365 days of operation, we couldn’t make a top ten list without them!
NUMBER NINE: SNOBAHN
The indoor ski hills at Snobahn run you down more than 11K vertical feet in a 30-minute time frame, thanks to the technology behind their revolving surface. Endorsed by Olympic Gold Medalist Bode Miller, Snobahn is located in Centennial, Colorado, and is known for its off-season instruction for all ages.
NUMBER EIGHT: Adventurous Sports
Participants hit the indoor ski hills with confidence on the Endless Slopes at Adventurous Sports in San Francisco, California. With a safety bar and full-length mirror, it’s the perfect place to be introduced to the basics of skiing and snowboarding or push your limits before making an attempt on the mountain. Unique to this indoor ski school is its epic summer program for kids called Spy Camp – true espionage, whodunnit type stuff to keep kids engaged and utilizing their critical thinking skills – which also come in handy on the slopes!
NUMBER SEVEN: Adventure Ski
When you want to bring the mountain to your own backyard, you call Adventure Ski. In addition to classes and camps available at its indoor ski school, ski and snowboard enthusiasts can rent or purchase portable SnowSports ski simulators. They come in either 10 x 12’ wide or 5’ x 8’ wide to meet the needs of your space or event. Located in Encinitas, California, experience the “magic carpet ride” for yourself at your next big event!
NUMBER SIX: Winterclub Indoor Ski and Snowboard
Who says you can’t ski in the sunshine state? When you and your family are on summer vacation in Orlando, Florida, stop in and visit Winterclub! This indoor (and air-conditioned!) ski school features a panoramic ski simulator built specifically for training and improving your skills. It’s the ultimate downhill video game and a great way to take in the slopes, even on the warmest, sunniest days.
NUMBER FIVE: Inside Ski Training Center
Picture a giant treadmill with different pitches and speeds, and the size of an indoor ski slope! That’s what you’ll find at Inside Ski Training Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Participants get instant feedback from their instructor – and a MIRROR – while they learn proper form and skiing fundamentals. A great indoor ski school for beginners and pros.
NUMBER FOUR: Virtual Snow
Founded by the late Hall of Famer and two-time World Champion, Bob Salerno, Virtual Snow is a true, virtual ski experience where the pros go for off-season practice. Located in sunny Santa Monica, California, Virtual Snow’s one-on-one ski and snowboard instructed classes are great for beginners, pros, and those getting back on track (or slope) after an injury. This is a family-owned business you’ll want to visit.
NUMBER THREE: Mini Mountain
This mini mountainous indoor ski school is in Bellevue, WA, and boasts everything you want from indoor ski slopes: a wide variety of classes all summer long, a ski shop, and top-notch instructors. What makes them stand out from the pack is their additional rock-climbing classes! Young skiers can spend some days on the indoor ski slopes, and others soaking up some vitamin D outside climbing. The combination of the two makes for great strength training in the off-season.
NUMBER TWO: Big Snow American Dream
Where Every Day is a Snow Day. Located in New Jersey, this indoor ski school is known for its REAL snow on its indoor ski hills. You still must bundle up, but that’s part of the fun, right? Known for its “cool” factor for indoor special events, this is your go-to indoor ski school when you just want to feel the freeze in the off-season. Plus, their abominable snowman mascot, BIG, is ready to help you navigate their website.
NUMBER ONE: Shredder Ski School
Shredder indoor Ski School is a fully operational, year-round indoor facility where kids and adults of all ages can barrel down an indoor ski slope when they aren’t up on fresh powder. Shredder peaks are lined with a state-of-the-art material that mimics snow, the way it feels, and moves under skis, with just a mist of water.
Shredder offers indoor ski lessons of all levels, starting with kids as young as three years old. Kids enjoy weekly classes and awesome summer camps.
Indoor Ski Schools Across America
Isn’t it great to know that wherever your adventurous spirit takes you, you’ll find options for indoor ski hills to practice on in the off-season? Hit the pool, then hit the slopes, any time of year.