On the chairlift with... Strictly Come Dancing star and beginner skier Catherine Tyldesley

After seven years on our television screens playing Eva Price in ITV’s Coronation Street, last year Catherine Tyldesley fox trotted her way through six weeks of Strictly Come Dancing.

Yet while clearly being up for a challenge, and despite pressure from her family to join in a shared passion for the slopes, the Manchester-born actress has never had the courage to put on a pair of skis – until now.

In between rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing Tour, the 36-year-old took the plunge at the UK’s longest indoor snow slope, Chill Factore in Manchester, on its Guarantee to Ski course. Chill Factore promises students they will be confident enough to descend its 180m slopes after six hours of tuition – and if not they can continue to receive lessons until they succeed, free of charge.

The UK’s indoor snow centres and dry ski slopes offer the chance for beginner skiers and snowboarders to get a feel for snow sports before they head out to the real mountains. They’re also good for practising ahead of the annual holiday, or just enjoying snow sports all year round, and used by people of all abilities, from beginners up to members of the GB Snowsports squad.

The facilities are designed for learning in a controlled environment, but can you really learn to ski in just a day, indoors? We spoke to Catherine to find out if she’s caught the ski bug.

What inspired you to learn to ski?

My husband Tom is a really good snowboarder, he originally learnt in Big Bear, California. He’s been doing it for years so I’ve always wanted to learn so that we can go on a ski holiday as a family.

Did the physical challenge of skiing inspire you?

I absolutely loved the exhilaration and sense of freedom skiing gives. I was so happy when I managed to ski down Chill Factore’s main slope on one of my very first lessons. I found that skiing also provides a full-body workout – fun and fitness, what’s not to love about that?

What was the most challenging thing about learning to ski?

I have a huge fear of heights, so I had to climb that virtual mountain too when I was on the course. I found just getting on the ski lift really nerve-racking, but the instructor made me feel so comfortable the whole time. I honestly felt like I overcame a lot of fears and the experience pushed me way out of my comfort zone.

I was really apprehensive about going onto the slope beforehand, but the course has built up my confidence. My instructor was fabulous and even though he had to coax me down the beginner slope to start with, I learnt the basics really quickly. I can now say I’ve skied on the longest indoor slope in the UK and I can’t wait to hit the mountains next.

What was the most enjoyable part of learning to ski?

I usually like to be in control of everything around me, but on the snow I had to put my faith into someone else, a bit like when I was training for Strictly really. I’m totally hooked on skiing now, I had no idea that the sport would be so exhilarating. Even though I’m still a beginner it was such a rush coming down the slope.

Which was harder, learning to dance or learning to ski?

Do you know what, in some ways it was a little bit easier than learning to dance. By no means is it easy, but having learnt to dance I’m so much more aware of how to use different muscles, and that really helped when I was learning to ski. The little tricks they give you on how to control your balance and your direction are actually quite simple to follow – the teaching methods were great, if they can get me to ski they can get anyone to ski.

Did any of the skills you learnt on Strictly transfer well to your ski lessons?

When I learnt to dance I was aware of how to position my body, so that definitely helped when learning to ski because there are certain stances you need to hold to be able to ski.

Do you have plans to head to the mountains now you have the skills?

I’m hoping to squeeze in a family holiday at the start of next season, somewhere in France. I’ve heard great things about Courchevel so maybe that might be the best place to start my skiing adventure. I would take my husband Tom and my little boy Alfie, who’s four years old.

So you’re keen for Alfie to take up the sport too?

Yes, definitely! I was quite nervous when I started to learn to ski so I think the younger you start the better, to allow you to overcome any nerves.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently busy on the Strictly Come Dancing Tour and I have several other projects in the pipeline. I can’t say too much at this stage, but I’m very excited about announcing them – all will be revealed soon.

What would you say to other people about taking up skiing?

If somebody is thinking about learning to ski, stop thinking about it and just do it, because I’ve been thinking about it for years and I really regret not doing it sooner. It’s such good fun, we laughed non stop but at the same time I feel like I learnt loads in just a day.

Need to know

Chill Factore’s Guarantee to Ski course is available to book until March 29 from £125 per person and can be taken over three weeks, two days or in a full day. Visit chillfactore.com for more information.