Skiing in the Netherlands: Best places to go for winter fun

With the cooler weather having settled over the Netherlands, winter activities such as skiing and ice skating might be on your mind. Let’s jump into whether you can go skiing in the Netherlands and where the best spots are!

Does the Netherlands have skiing?

First things first, everyone knows that the Netherlands is a flat country, so you might be wondering if there are actually any slopes to ski down. If you’ve got that winter ski bug and you’re itching to hit the slopes, it’s great to know that you can indeed go skiing in the Netherlands. 

While it may not be on a mountain or with real snow outside, there are a number of indoor ski centres in the Netherlands where you can get back into shape for the ski season. The bonus is that, because they are indoors and have artificial snow, they are open all year round and perfect for beginners who are still learning to ski. 

Best indoor ski centres in the Netherlands

If you love winter sports and don’t have the budget for a trip to one of the best European ski resorts, a visit to a Dutch indoor ski centre can be a fun outing for you and the family. From indoor snowboarding to ice skating, here are some of the best spots for winter fun in the Netherlands.

SnowWorld Landgraaf

Looking for the experience of a ski resort in the Netherlands? SnowWorld Landgraaf has an alpine hotel in the hilly landscape of Limburg, giving you the feel of being in the mountains without leaving the Lowlands. As the largest indoor fun park in Europe, the ski centre has five slopes and a full-sized ski lift. 

SnowWorld Landgraaf also has the longest indoor ski slope in the Benelux region - a 400-metre red slope which is an official FIS competition piste, where skiers from all over the world come to train. There is also an outdoor climbing park, alpine coaster and no less than four restaurants to complete the experience.

Video: YouTube / SnowWorld

De Uithof

As the largest indoor sports centre in the Netherlands, De Uithof combines many fun activities all under one roof. Not only can you go skiing and snowboarding on the 211-metre piste, but you can also put on your skates and whizz around the 400-metre ice skating track. 

Located in The Hague, near the beach of Kijkduin, the sports centre also offers go-karting, laser tag, sumo wrestling, archery and more. Combined with several cafes to enjoy a drink and bite to eat, De Uithof is not just a great spot for skiing but for a jam-packed day of fun.

SnowWorld Zoetermeer

SnowWorld Zoetermeer, located near The Hague, is home to the steepest indoor ski slope in Europe, with a 300-metre red slope perfect for experienced skiers and snowboarders. If you’re still a novice skier, there are also two blue slopes, one of them being a fun park where you can practise jumps and tricks. 

The Adventure Valley allows visitors to enjoy the outdoor climbing park and 17-metre high indoor climbing wall, as well as various other adventurous activities such as ziplining. This ski centre is not only a great place to visit in winter but also in the warmer months, as it also has water activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding to enjoy during the summer. 

Montana Snowcenter

If you are still new to skiing or want to hit the ski slopes with the kids for the first time, Montana Snowcenter near Eindhoven is a fantastic option. The indoor ski centre’s main mission is to teach everyone the correct techniques for skiing and snowboarding so that they are confident when they take to the mountains.

There are two slopes, a practice slope of 85 metres and a longer one of 126 metres, that are great for novice skiers and snowboarders. You can also warm up with a hot chocolate and a warm meal at the restaurant, where you can watch other skiers on the slopes.

Video: YouTube / Montana Snowcenter

SnowWorld Amsterdam

Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, SnowWorld Amsterdam is the closest ski resort to Amsterdam. There are a total of two slopes, one beginner’s slope of 70 metres and one blue-graded piste of 170 metres. 

A fun park with rails and runs, complete with a kicker, allow novice freestylers the opportunity to try out their skills. There are spots to eat and drink, as well as a winter sports shop if you want to purchase your own gear instead of renting from the ski centre.  

Outdoor Valley Wintersport

Ever heard of a dry ski slope? Well, if you don’t like the cold aspect of skiing, then Outdoor Valley Wintersport is the place for you. Located between Rotterdam and The Hague, this is where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding outside without snow.

The slopes are constructed with materials that allow snowboards and skis to glide over, providing your normal winter fun without the icy terrain. Winter sports aren’t the only draw, though, as there is also tubing, climbing and other fun activities for the whole family. Plus, you can head to the pancake restaurant afterwards to refuel!

Nearest ski resorts to the Netherlands

If going for an indoor ski isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, there are ski areas close to the Netherlands that can be reached easily by driving or public transport. Some of the closest ski resorts to Amsterdam include German ski resorts such as Winterberg, Eifel Ski Resort and Willingen. La Bresse-Hohneck in France is also located nearby.

Hit the slopes in the Netherlands this winter

Grab your ski gear and head to your nearest ski centre in the Netherlands for your winter sports adventure! Do you have a favourite spot for skiing in the Netherlands? Tell us about it in the comments below.