New Business dug out our thermals and investigated the corporate offerings at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, the UK's newest indoor snowsports venue.

After a coffee in the cosy restaurant area, with a great view of the action on the slopes outside, we were quickly kitted out with rental equipment which all appeared well maintained and cared for. The centre will be instantly recognisable to any viewers of Channel 4's celebrity winter sports show "The Jump", as this is where they came to prepare. The Snow Centre's instructors deal with beginners through to possible medal contenders in Sochi this year, so you are in safe and knowledgeable hands.

All geared up in our waterproofs, we were to experience an hour each of Skiing and Snowboarding, led by instructors Max Rayner and Dwayne McConnell respectively.

The temperature in the centre, snowside, was -3C to -6C, with the snow pumped in daily, sitting upon pipes of -20C. Dressing for the occasion would constitute wearing something lightweight, avoiding denim, whilst it is cold, the physical nature of the exercise eliminates the need for anything too thick. Take some spare clothes, you can leave them in the lockers in the changing area, where you can rent everything you need.

Skiing was up first,  and thanks to Max's patient coaching, calm and clear whilst never losing a sense of fun, we were able to achieve our level 1 sign off, a level system tracked on an achievement card to make progress feel linear and rewarding.

After a short hydration break, we took on snowboarding under the meticulous tutelage of Dwayne McConnell, recently voted instructor of the year. Dwayne's approach gave you an understanding of the board and equipment prior to stepping back out on to the snow, covering heel and toe edged riding, the boards method of controlling speed and trajectory, by the end of the lesson we were able to perform a controlled descent on either side of the board, without eating too much snow. Achieving our level one sign off was a nice pat on the back to finish our time on the slopes, and head up to the warmth of the restaurant and enjoy a delicious buffet in a very appropriate log cabin inspired environment, rounding up an excellent day out. There are meeting facilities provided should you have the requirement.

If you are in charge of the corporate purse strings and want something with exhilarating and rewarding, the Snow Centre is a more than worth a look.

For more information go to www.thesnowcentre.com