Chemmy Alcott, the UK's female number one alpine ski racer, has officially opened a new indoor ski simulator training centre at Dukes Meadows Golf and Tennis in Chiswick, west London.

It is the first facility of its kind to open in the UK and will provide Londoners with an indoor training venue where users can hone their skiing and snowboarding techniques.

Personal skiing instructors are also available at the new Skiplex facility, which the group said is "ideal" for ongoing training and as a practice aid for beginners or improvers.

Skiplex also believes that new users can learn up to eight times quicker at its facility than at a real ski slope and helps to reduce the need for expensive lessons at a resort.

The venue offers a fully controllable skiing environment powered by a hydraulic system, with the incline of the slope and speed of the moving track adjustable to the individual's ability.

Alcott said: "[Skiplex] offers people of all ages and ability the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard or improve their technique in a safe, controlled environment."

Details: www.skiplex.co.uk