Are we nearly there? A weekly round-up of events for children

Just because Britain's recent flurry of snow has dissolved this doesn't mean the end of winter sports. Thanks to "dry" slopes, the pleasures of skiing can still be enjoyed. Slower and safer than the white stuff, these runs are great for children to find their ski legs.

Midlothian Ski Centre, Biggar Road, near Edinburgh (0131-445 4433) The largest in Europe, and a training ground for many of the British team, Hillend's three-quarter-mile slopes offer fantastic views of Edinburgh on the way down. Children from age six can attend open tuition on weekend mornings (one hour, pounds 5). A less formal option is Snow Cats, a supervised club where mini-skiers can play games, safely, on the slopes. (Every Sat, 2pm-4pm, pounds 5.50).

Ackers Trust, Small Heath, Birmingham (0121-771 4448)

Acker's 100-metre slope is east of Birmingham city centre. An hour's tuition in a group of 12 costs pounds 10 for adults and pounds 7 for anyone under 16.

Cardiff Ski Centre, Fairwater Park, Fairwater Rd, Cardiff (01222 561793) Classes for children here are good value at pounds 4 per hour. Junior Ski School runs classes for beginners and more skilled skiers every weekend (Sat and Sun, 9.40-11.30am), while tots as young as two are welcome at Mini Moguls, a kindergarten class, as long as they have a shoe size above nine- and-a-half.

Norfolk Ski Club, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich, Norfolk (01603 662781) Take children along for a 90-minute "taster" session (Wednesday evenings, 7pm-8.30pm, pounds 5) or book them into the Junior Club on Saturday mornings (9am-10.30am, 10.30am-12pm, 12pm-1pm) for games designed to improve balance and agility.

The John Nike Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire (01344 860033) A 160m run, trainer and nursery slopes. Senior instructor Adam Chater says that while the Ski School allows children to enter competitive races, the centre takes a "light-hearted approach", with the emphasis on fun. Children from four years can get group tuition at Kinder Snow Tots and Tigers (Sat and Sun, 10am-11am, pounds 6.50), while kids eight to 16 years old should follow a junior course (Sat, 2pm-3.30pm pounds 9.50).