THEY may not be the Alps, but the Cumbrian Mountains still have a private ski club to cater for downhill enthusiasts.

With the long-range forecasts suggesting a whiter Christmas than recent years, there is a chance that the fells will get a good enough covering for some fun on the white stuff.

The Lake District Ski Club (015395-35456) runs a permanent lift on Raise, in the Helvellyn range near Glenridding.

The club has a great record of skiing activity, having been founded in 1936, and although the mountain doesn’t get the covering it used to, the club’s season is scheduled to start in late November – running until April.

People wishing to ski on Raise need to be members first, and have adequate experience and equipment to walk to and from the ski lift.

Adult membership is £23, family £34.50 and while daily tow fees are £7, a seasonal adult ticket costs £20.

For those chasing skiing further a field, www.snowlion.freeuk.com contains very useful up-to-date information on conditions at other sites in the North.

If you can’t find any real snow this winter, there are always the excellent facilities at Kendal Ski Club to enjoy. The club’s large artificial slope caters for snowboarders and skiers, using the latest SnowFlex synthetic fibre technology to approximate real snow.

The club is run voluntarily, so it is advisable to check times and dates for availability. Full details can be obtained on the Internet at www.kendalski.co.uk, by calling the club secretary on 0845-6345-173 or by emailing sec@kendalski.co.uk The club advises skiers become a member before using the slope for recreational skiing for insurance reasons. Membership is £30 for adults, £7.50 for juniors (under-16) and there is a £5 joining fee.

A cheaper alternative to skiing, and one which can be just as exhilarating, is sledging.

Zipping down a hill at what feels like a million miles an hour is great fun, especially for children. Just make sure you buy a sturdy sledge.

The handholds should be easy to grab, and the seat of the sledge should be padded.

Never use homemade sledges like plastic bags, or pool floats and if your current ride copped a pounding last year, buy a new one.

Gloves and boots are a must too because as well as keeping you warm they can help prevent injuries to the hands and feet. You may also want to kit your children out in a bike helmet.

Make sure your sledging spot is covered in a thick layer of snow (not ice) with no hidden obstacles such as rocks – and ensure it doesn’t end near a road.

Whether you are on dry or real snow this winter, the most crucial thing – as well as not breaking your bones – is to stay warm. At the right temperature your body won’t expend as much energy - meaning you can stay on the slopes longer.

Once you’ve invested in high factor sunblock for your face and lips, you’re good to go.

For more safety tips contact the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) on 0870-010-4878 or visit www.thebmc.co.uk