by Francis Harris

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

Artificial ski slopes, or dry ski slopes, are constructed slopes - usually outdoors - that make skiing or snowboarding possible when there is no natural snow. They differ to indoor ski slopes, which are indoor slopes in a temperature controlled environment using artificial or "wet" snow. The artificial slope is made from a special purpose material (like Dendix) woven together in hexagonal patterns to create a smooth surface.

Artificial slopes are common where snow can be unreliable (eg the United Kingdom) and they make it possible to gain limited experience. However, skiing on artificial slopes is very different to real snow.

1. Generally harder. It is generally harder to ski on artificial slopes. There is a mismatch between travel speed and the slope gradient (compared to real snow) that can mean experienced skiers are mentally adjusting for the slight differences in speed that they sense when dry skiing. While new skiers are unable to "edge" on the skis since the surface is firm and unrelenting, meaning that it can be harder to "dig" the edge of the ski in and grip for stability while waiting to take a turn down.

2. Limited sense of snow. The older style artificial slopes do not give skiers the feel of different types of snow - wet snow, icy snow, powdery snow and so on. Most artificial slopes feel like icy snow that has melted and frozen over.

3. Can hurt self or damage equipment. On older artificial ski slopes the material often caused friction burns when people fell, or damaged equipment from lack of lubrication. Newer slopes are sprayed with lubrication that can also have its own problems.

4. Downhill skiing only. Artificial slopes cater for the most common form of skiing, that is, down hill skiing. They are typically unsuitable for cross-country skiing, having no off-terrain, uphill or jump mounds.

5. Tend to be small and busy. Skiing on an artificial slope usually means there is a limited course, always at the same gradient and tilt angle, and the track can be crowded. On a real slope it is usually possible to find a quiet area and with real mountains there are usually different choices of course for variety in slope and gradient.

Fortunately, the trend in artificial slopes is that they are getting more realistic as new materials are developed. The indoor temperature controlled slopes are another step closer to authenticity of "real" snow.

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