is it worth going to Xscape?

I would definately go if you can afford it. If you are not a confident skier Xscape will give you the opportunity to find your ski legs befoe you take your holiday and you can have lessons there as well (not cheap) but this way you can make the most of the time that you have on holiday.

Also if you have just bought new boots this will be a good place to try them.

as for getting fit for skiing I'd say try a few spinning classes, or squash, that's what I do.
Cheers

Max

Hm, depends when you go. Try to go off-peak. its cheap. do you got to the glasgow one? if so on tuesday nights there are slalom gates put up; worth the money and friday is freestyle night.......

In my humble opinion, spend the money on cross training at the gym. I wouldn`t even recommend XScape for trying out new gear as there just isn`t enough length to " feel" your equipment, and know if it`s any good...Much better to try out gear on longer slopes before making a call.However, for a day out and a bit of a fix, then guess it`s ok! Jo

I tried out my new boots at Xscape (Glasgow) a couple of times before we went to Austria this year and I'm glad I did because the arches of my feet were a bit achey and I was able to deal with the problem before I went on hols. I don't know if it would be any use for trying out new skiis though cos you don't get a long enough run.

Jazzmaster, I have skied only twice. While I'm not in a position to comment on your question I can tell you about my second ski trip.

A few weeks ago I went to Les Deux Alpes for 7 nights(6 day ski pass). On the first day of skiing it took me two to three hours to regain my ski legs and overcome the usual mental barriers like leaning forward and the fear of falling over.
After that my skiing was more or less back to the level it was in 2006.

I may be a bit against the norm here but having skied for years now and used Tamworth snow dome and Xscape quiet a bit - I personally spend a good few weeks every autumn on the Dry slope at Gloucester. I know there is a real snobbery about dry slopes and yes they are different but the positive points for me are that 1) you get to ski on a reasonably uncrowded slope even in peak periods 2) If you can get your skis gripping and turning on dry then snow just seems so much easier when you get out on the mountain 3) It's outdoors and good fun on a nice winters day especially at night under the floodlights. 4) It is much cheaper than the snow domes 5) you get more chance to run in new boots (although never use your own skis on dry obviously) 6) Pound for pound you get more skiing time in because it is less busy.
I personally hate the snow domes - not because they are no good but they cram so many people on the slope it is almost impossible to ski any more than 10m down the fall line before you have to stop or face hitting someone. Xscape is better in truth as they have a separate nursery slope but everytime I have been to Tamworth I have complained to a steward becasue they put so many people on the slope it is bloody dangerous - money money money I'm afraid.

Sunday evening is always a quiet time at Milton Keynes - we also go first thing Boxing Day each year with the teenagers - a great escape from the relatives for an hour !

Cheers Madwife