If you’re looking for a completely new holiday idea, why not try a summer ski camp at Mendip? We know it sounds a bit mad, but it’s truly the best and most unique holiday adventure for couples, friend groups and families looking for a new way to relax this summer. Mendip Activity Centre is home to Somerset’s only all-weather dry ski slope and Basecamp, a family campsite on top of the hill with spectacular views of the Mendip Hills and beyond.

A mixed group of adults and young people stand in a row to the left of the image, on a dry ski slope. They are wearing skis and helmets and are listening to their instructor as they demonstrate a technique.

Basecamp’s prices start at £6 per child and £11 per adult, and Ski and Snowboard lessons from £38 per person (which includes equipment rental). A Basecamp summer ski holiday is a very affordable way to enjoy a Snow Sport trip without the hassle and expense of flights, transportation and pricy accommodation.

Why Try a Summer Ski Camp at Mendip Activity Centre?

Located in the Mendip Hills, Mendip Activity Centre’s all-weather dry ski slope is located near Bristol and Bath, and only a few hours from London. It’s much easier (and cheaper) than jetting off to Zermatt! With varied accommodation options, excellent amenities and loads of outdoor activities for all ages, it’s a fantastic opportunity to blend your adventures into one magical holiday.

Learn to Ski or Snowboard in Somerset

A member of staff is smiling as they hand a ski boot to a client. Ski and snowboard equipment is arranged on shelves behind them.

You can have a seamless ski trip when you leave the equipment and heavy clothing at home and skip the plane ride! Plus, summer is a great time to get ahead of the winter crowds and perfect your technique, as it’s quieter on the hill. Mendip’s all-weather dry ski slope is only a ten-minute walk from the campsite, is open year-round. We have hosted countless Skiers and Snowboarders over the years, from beginners to Olympians, so you will be in good company!

With expert Snow Sports Instructors on hand, you’ll be perfecting your snowplough in no time as you swish through the sun-dappled woodland!

Try Skiing

Two adults stand off to the side of a dry ski slope as another learner skis down during a lesson.

Designed for complete beginners ages 8 and up, this 90-minute Try Skiing session is a great introduction to the sport. If you’ve always wanted to try Skiing, this is the perfect session for you!

Try Snowboarding

A teenage girl wearing a black hoody, helmet and on a snowboard carves her way down the all-weather ski slope.

Like Try Skiing, Try Snowboarding is a 90-minute session for ages 8 and up and introduces beginners to the basics of the sport. It’s a great session for those who have always wanted to try Snowboarding!

Minis Ski Lessons

A child on a snowboard stands in front of an instructor, listening to them speak. They are on an all-weather dry slope available for summer ski camps.

For children aged 5-8, Mendip offers progressive Ski sessions with small group sizes, which are a wonderful way to introduce young children to the sport.

You can also book private sessions with a Ski or Snowboard Instructor, and Recreational Skiing and Snowboarding times are also available for experienced slope-users. Equipment rental is included in the price, so you can save space for your camping kit!

Book a Mendip Snow Sports Session Here

Summer Ski Camp Accommodation at Mendip Basecamp

An aerial view of Basecamp, a campsite in the Mendip Hills perfect for a summer ski camp. It is a large field on top of a hill; the sun sets in the background and tents and caravans dot the camping field.

Part of what makes a Mendip ski camp so unique is the off-grid campsite only minutes from the ski slope. Perched on top of a hill with wide-ranging views of the Mendip Hills and beyond, Basecamp is an award-winning family campsite with chill festival vibes and excellent amenities.

Pick Your Own Tent Pitch or Book a Bunkhouse

Flexible accommodation options with no check-out time lets you craft your perfect stay. Bring a tent and pick your own pitch, or choose from one of Basecamp’s pre-pitched options such as the Bell Tents, Safari Tents or Bunk Tents. Campervans and well-behaved dogs are welcome, but as we are off-grid, we do not offer electric hook-ups or waste disposal for caravans.

All-Star Campsite Amenities

We may be off-grid, but there’s no shortage of creature comforts at Basecamp! From the necessities like clean toilets, warm showers and washing-up facilities to the pleasant extras like WiFi and the on-site camp shop and cafe with excellent barista coffee, breakfast rolls and more, Basecamp has you covered.

Aprés Ski at Basecamp Summer Ski Camp

A family sits next to their campfire, near their bell tent. The sun has gone down and the only light source is the glow of the fire.

Imagine sitting back with a refreshing drink after a lovely day on the sunny slope, gazing into a crackling fire and watching the stars emerge in the night sky. Smoky, delicious barbeque aromas waft through the air as live acoustic music fills your ears and children play in the giant sandpit.

With firepits for hire, cold drinks and delicious food in the Pavilion, plus free weekend activities, you can live out your ski holiday dreams in a whole new way!

Book Your Summer Ski Camp Accommodation Here

Keep the Outdoor Adventures Rolling

What makes a summer ski camp so much more exciting than a regular snowsports holiday? All the other outdoor activities that you can do too!

A woman wears a paintball-stye mask and green hoody. She is pulling back a foam-tipped arrow as she takes aim at the opposing team. This is one of the activities available to book when on a summer ski camp.

Mendip Activity Centre offers plenty of non-skiing activities for all ages, and with most activities based onsite, you can leave your keys in your pocket. Get immersed in adventure with activities like Rock Climbing, Caving, Paddleboarding, Target Sports and more. With sessions available all day, you’ll find loads to do for families and friends. There aren’t many places where you can hit the slopes in the morning and go for a sunny paddle on the Yeo in the afternoon!

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is one of Mendip’s most popular activities and is a fantastic addition to your summer Ski camp trip. Children ages 4-12 can book onto individual spaces, and if the adults want a go too, you can book a private group session for the whole family or friend group.

Paddle Sports

Now’s your chance to hop on the water and learn the basics of Kayaking, Canoeing or Paddle Boarding at Mendip’s private Water Sports venue in Hewish, near Weston-super-Mare. Perfect for a summer’s day, it’s a wonderful complement to a morning or afternoon on the slopes. If you’re looking for a different challenge, we also have an Assault Course at Hewish, or your group could try their hand at Raft Building.

Target Sports

Based onsite at Mendip Activity Centre, Target Sports sessions are available year-round and offer a chance to try Air Rifle, Archery and Axe Throwing, plus Frisbee Golf and ArcheryActive, an immersive team game played with foam-tipped arrows, plus Nerf Battles that you can book on the day.

Rock Sports

Plunge into the depths or ascend to the heights of the Mendip Hills when you try a Rock Sport at Mendip Activity Centre. Rock Climbing, Caving and Abseiling offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration, with challenges to suit complete beginners and those looking for a little more challenge.

To add your preferred activities to your summer ski camp and avoid disappointment on the day, make sure to book them on the website when you make your Basecamp booking. While there is always something exciting to do at Mendip, it’s best to book ahead if you have particular activities that you want to try.

Book Your Mendip Outdoor Activities Here

Free Campsite Activities and Themed Weekends

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Basecamp with free activities and onsite entertainment. Discover wide open spaces, footpaths through the ancient woodland and a giant sandpit ready for exploration and adventure! Plus, check out free weekend activities and entertainment for a chance to play and unwind. All-new for this year, Basecamp has introduced free Themed Weekends to make the most of the summer.

Storytelling and Circus Skills

Children stand in a circle around a woman wearing a purple hat and red dress. They are watching her give a hoop demonstration at the Circus Skills activity. This is one of the free activities available during your summer ski camp.

Weekends at Basecamp bring out the free activities! Children settle in on Friday evenings with storytelling from Kid Hyena and the Solstice Storytelling Circle, and challenge themselves with plate-spinning, diablos and juggling on Sundays. Please note that Circus Skills sessions do not run on themed weekends.

Live Music

Every Saturday evening, live acoustic music sets the mood at Basecamp with musicians like Sam Evens, Chole Hawkins and Martin Radford. Soak up the fun festival vibes, enjoy a beverage or two, and get your dancing shoes on!

Themed Weekends

Brand new for 2025, book a Basecamp Themed Weekend at no extra cost and get a chance to enjoy activities related to Astronomy, Nature and Crafts. It’s your chance to visit a mobile Astronomy Dome, try Bat-Detecting or get immersed in Drawing and Storytelling, plus all the other great things you’ll find at Basecamp.

  • Nature Weekends – 16th – 18th May and 27th – 29th June
  • Astronomy Weekends – 6th – 8th June and 4th – 6th July
  • Craft Weekend – 13th – 15th June

To book your family on a Themed Weekend at Basecamp, select the correct dates when making your campsite booking. No extra charges apply.

Find Out More About Free Activities and Themed Camp Weekends

How to Build Your Perfect Mendip Summer Ski Camp

A mixed family group stands together next to their caravan and tent. They are all smiling and waving at the viewer, demonstrating the accommodation available for summer ski camp.

To book your next unique holiday, pick your campsite accommodation and dates here, then book your Ski or Snowboard lessons here. Check out the other exciting outdoor activities on offer at Mendip Activity Centre, and make sure to book them ahead of time. We always have something fun available to try, but if you want to do specific activities, we advise booking them at the same time as your Basecamp stay.

Find Out More About Somerset’s Most Unique Camping Destination

If you have any questions about visiting Basecamp or Mendip’s outdoor activities, you can reach us at hello@mendip.co.uk or check out the Basecamp and Mendip Activity Centre FAQs.