 Poster: A snowHead
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After 2 skiing trips I'm starting to get the skiing bug, so I thought it would be good to go to Hemel for the first time this weekend (with a view to going more regularly over the next few months). Being still fairly new to skiing (and my first time to Hemel), I thought it would be good to pick a time which wasn't too busy and the snow in a reasonable condition. Any help or advice on the best time to go would be much appreciated! 
Apologies if this has been posted on here before. I did try to search but couldn't find anything (I'm a bit of a newbie here so still finding my feet).
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Haven't been to Hemel but if it is anything Tamworth check when the kids clubs are running as that will be mayhem and in general the quietest time is as soon as they open and then it just gets busier as the day wears on (same on that for Chill Factore and Xscape Cas).
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Handy Turnip, it's a bit unpredictable to be honest. It's getting quite busy now the season is within sight. If you want the best snow turn up as early as you can. If you can get there early enough to get kitted up before the slope actually opens you can even get fresh tracks. If you can't do early then late (after 6) tends to be quieter but the snow conditions will be more challenging, particularly if there's been any race training during the day. Lunchtime can also be quite quiet as people retire to the bar.
Keep an eye on the 'Events' and 'Slope Restrictions' to see if there's anything going on that will make the slope smaller or busier than usual.
http://www.thesnowcentre.com/offers-and-events/events-calendar - It looks like the 2nd/3rd November wouldn't be ideal.
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Thanks all for the replies, I'm currently eyeing up this weekend, either Sat evening or early Sunday morning.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We were there for an 8am start last Sunday, and it was quiet. I was surprised how busy it was by 10am...
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Handy Turnip, both little ms spock, and daveyladboy, are bang on.
No good for you, but, there is a video cam showing slope usage on their website. So, if possible (for another visit), use this AND most importantly, the events calender to make your decision.
Even experienced punters get it wrong at times. Hope you have a good ski. I expect ( as last year) the snowcentre will heavily promote the facility in the winter season and the slope will get too crowded. Bon ski.
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Handy Turnip,
Sunday 8am ; Sat eve may well be pretty quiet but the slope will be well churned up so not good if learning
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Handy Turnip, I would suggest early Sunday morning as if it is busy on Saturday the slope will/may be horrible by Saturday evening and there is also the freestyle toys out to play so that reduces the size of the slope.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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There are children's classes running first thing for two hours both days at the weekend (or at least there was a month or so ago! Can't imagine that will have changed) But - the snow is much better then and it is generally very quiet. We usually go Saturday at 8am as our children have lessons then, and take it in turns to have a lesson ourselves whilst the other one looks after our two year old.
Having said that we only started doing the Saturdays as of March or so last year so I've no idea how hectic it is in this part of the season.
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Cheers guys for all the tips, looks like early mornings is the way to go. Looks like there are kids lessons from 9am, so might try to sneak on before that.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Last month at least, Snowstars runs from 8am on the Saturday and possibly the Sunday. So you won't escape them entirely - but honestly, they're not that bad. They're perfectly competent, but not old enough (and they're pretty well controlled) to engage in deliberately irritating behaviour. They're certainly no more annoying on average than a given random adult in my experience - sure, they're in the way at times, but no more so than adults.
Most regular ski lessons for abilities up to Snowstars level do start from 9am.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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My experience is that at 8am it's pretty quiet, there are few lessons and things like tobogganing so the lifts run pretty smoothly. By 9am though it's starting to get busy and it stays that way until lunch. Lunchtime itself is a pretty good time to ski. Then after lunch there's another bit of a peak before it gets gradually quieter as the afternoon/evening progress, but the snow will be more variable by this time (but that doesn't particularly bother me).
The weekend is always busy compared to how it was on a Tuesday during the day a week or two ago, so if you can go midweek that would be by far the best time to do it.
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May & June.
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You know it makes sense.
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rob@rar,  But true!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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little ms spock, too true  I find it difficult to forecast when it is going to be regular busy for that time of year and when it is going to be extra busy. Sometimes I expect it to be very busy and it's strangely quiet, and vice versa.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Sunday very early morning, be there for the first lift and you might enjoy a few nice runs!!!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Sunday morning 8-9 may be a bit quieter; but there is a fair amount of stuff going on. Snowstars; Academy etc.
4-6pm slot can be less busy as those that were around for kids / early PM lessons have left and those watching / playing sport are still doing so. Weekend evenings between 7-9 are getting busier.
But; winter has arrived; I'd be worried if we were not busy; and as Rob said; May and June; and the couple of weeks in September when the schools go back is usually fairly slack....
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Cheers all - following everyone's advice I went for a 8am start. It was busier than I expected with a kids slalom at the edge of the run, but it wasn't too bad. First few runs were a bit shaky (in fact as I started my first run my mind suddenly went blank as if I'd completely forgotten how to ski! Spent most of the first run snowplough turning!).
Soon got the hang of it again though and had great fun - especially when they cleared the kids slalom and we had the whole slope clear for skiing (no freestyle jumps or anything either!!). Absolutely loved it and didn't want to stop! I love this skiing lark!! Can't wait to go again!! 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Haha.. can't wait!!!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Saturday 8pm is a good time.....plus normally do a late ski pass.....
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FAQ
But even if we were, we'd still be cutting back. It seems to work out far better to go in the summer months. Far less crowded and far more special offers. Plus nothing like skiing on a hot summer's day for a bit of respite!
