Alpincenter Bottrop indoor ski slope

Bottrop's alpincenter opened in 2001 on top of a spoil heap and bills itself as the world's longest indoor slope. Beginners get a separate slope with a rope tow, while confident skiers take a winding run with gradients of up to 24%. Conveyor belts carry everyone back to the top. The adult ticket covers the lifts, rental of skis or a snowboard with boots and poles, plus the buffet and drinks. Note that gloves are compulsory and cannot be rented on site, and under-13s must wear a helmet. Tip: after-work and evening tickets are the cheapest; at the car park by the top station the first hour is free and a full day costs at most €6.