The one and only artificial dry ski slope in Ireland, is located at Kilternan, Co. Dublin. It is managed by the Ski Club of Ireland (www.skiclub.ie) and is open through out the year (hail, rain or shine). The Ski Club of Ireland is a non profit organisation which aims to develop the sport of skiing in Ireland. Now the Ski Club is in it’s 25th year, here is a little bit from their history page:
The Ski Club of Ireland was founded in 1963 and a few years later ran its first slope in Knockrabo in Mount Anville, Goatstown, south Co. Dublin.
The club is located 10 minutes off the M50, in the grounds of the Kilternan Golf and Country Club, which is also reachable by bus. The club offers instructions for skiers and snowboarders of every level. Courses are offered through the year, and they even provide equipment for free. Also equipment is provided for free in the practise sessions.
Kilternan Facilities & Prices
In total there are 4 individual slopes at Kilternan. These range from the 180m long main slope to the 150m intermediary slope and they also have two nursery slopes which are 50m long. These slopes are obviously not covered in snow, rather a substance called Dendix. Dendix is a bristle surface which is lubricated with a misting spray.
Current membership fees cost €370 to be a full member of the club and this entitles you to unlimited use of their slopes as well as significant discounts on classes (around 50%). You can also become just a regular member for €80, which would be a good idea if you wanted to take part in some of the classes. A set of four classes costs €150 for adults and €100 for under 18′s. A practise session costs €33 for a 3 hour session (€28 for members). Again practise sessions and skiing lesson prices include the use of skiing equipment (skies,boots,poles & snowboards).
Kilternan Opening Times
Ski Slopes for Skiers & Snowboarders
- Monday – Friday from 19.30 – 22.30
- Saturday & Sunday from 10.30 – 13.30 & 14.30 – 17.30.
Snowboarders only
- Sunday evenings from 18.00 – 20.30.
While the ski club is open year round, they only offer classes between September and March. People who buy a season ticket can avail of practice sessions on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings until mid May, after that there won’t be anything happening until they reopen in September.
The Ski Club also has an office which is open from Monday – Friday from 09.00 – 17.00 and also during normal slope opening hours. If using their facilities you will need to bring a good set of gloves as well as a pair of long socks. Scarves, interestingly enough are banned from the slopes at Kilternan. We’re guessing this could due to the chocking risk, but it does sound a little strange !
Photo by Ski Club Ireland
Photo by Paraic Woods
Kilternan Skiing Video
Here is a video from YouTube which has some people skiing around the Kilternan slopes, so sit back and enjoy. If you do go to Kilternan, let us know what you think. We are just to far away to get there !
If you have any questions for the Irish Ski Club, you can ask these in their forum on skiing.ie where one of their staff will answer your questions.
i’d like to book for myself and two boys aged 7 and 9 to learn how to ski. Should i contact you by phone? I am interested in the sat early am class. I would like to book a group of 4 sat classes. From adrianne sneyd
You can call them on 01 2955658
Hi just enquring would you have availability for tuesday 4th March for three people to ski at your convienience.We are beginners
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.
yours faithfully,
Karen
MD K R
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to attend a class for my two sons aged 6 & 10 and I, is it possible to book a morning session, or do i have to book a series of classes.
I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you & kind regards,
Natasha Finnerty
Natasha I have forwarded on your details to the ski club. You can also ask questions on their forum.
Paul
[...] about a new and fantastic way to learn how to ski in Ireland. Previoulsy the option was the outdoor dry artificial slope in Kilternan but now there is an indoor option. It works on a slighly different principle, this time the floor [...]
Went there twice during the winter months and both times was told it was not open to the public. Will never waste my time and drive there again. Would of been less trouble to get on a flight to the Alps for the week end.
hi liam here just am woundering are your slopes open to the public or do ya have to become a member
Hi Liam, the slopes are open to the public, but you will have to pay for the privilege. Hope that helps !