With the heat of summer getting to us we decided to visit Chill Factore in Manchester to get in some summer turns to make sure we don’t forget how to ski before winter! It was our first time skiing at an indoor slope so a pretty exciting day out!
The bright and spacious changing area has a fully equipped rental shop to get skis, snowboards and boots fitted, plus because they cater for absolute beginners as well as those who have been skiing before they have a full range of winter clothing which you can rent for your session. I checked the website before setting off which said to take warm clothing and even then I was surprised at how cold it is inside the slope. I know it sounds pretty obvious now but it really is a fridge, maybe even a freezer – minus 3°C to keep the snow in top condition throughout the day – so when you visit make sure you bring warm clothes and wrap up well!
Our instructor Ian took us through some drills and imparted his knowledge over the two hour session which was thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended as we really felt we got a lot from the lesson. One of our concerns before the day was that it would just be for beginners, but the snow was high quality and the slope was challenging enough to give us a good workout.
For beginners there is a dedicated area with a very gentle slope to learn on before progressing onto the main slope, so it’s a great idea if you want to learn the basics before your ski holiday so that when you come to Andorra you can head straight into the advanced beginner lessons allowing you to progress faster during your holiday.
Throughout the year there are lots of events for skiers and snowboarders which take advantage of the flexibility of the slope such as racing gates and moguls pus brand new for this year there are several ski and boardercross events, with banked corners, jumps and drops, for experienced riders on the following dates in 2013:
- 9th & 10th September
- 29th & 30th September (British Ski & Boardercross Championships)
- 7th & 8th October
- 3rd & 4th November (Northern Freestyle Competition)
If you’re an aspiring freestyle skier or snowboarder then head to Chill Factore on 8th September for their “Combi” event which is a less challenging course.
The slope is set up to make sure they cater for the whole family with activities for children too young to take to skis yet (plus older kids too) such as sledging, tubing and luge plus an area for just playing in the snow suitable for children from two years. Away from the snow there’s a choice of restaurants and bars so you can really make a day of it!
Overall we had a fantastic visit and would definately recommend it, whether it’s your first time skiing just to get a taster or if your’re a seasoned skier like us. For more information and to book a session you should visit the Chill Factore website at www.chillfactore.com.
Disclosure: I received a free session from Chill Factore for the purpose of a review but wasn’t told what to write, all opinions are my own.
*UPDATE- 2025*
Thinking about how hot summer is, we definitely had to revisit this blog gem! Heading to the Chill Factore to cool off is a brilliant idea. Plus, there are some updates to their events calendar with fantastic options for everyone:
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Freestyle Features – There will be features on the main slope for recreational skiers and snowboarders to use.
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National Schools Snowsports Association Race – Due to this exciting Ski race event run by the National Schools Snowsports Association (NSSA), the Main Slope will not be available to recreational Lift Pass users all day on the 30th June & 22nd September.
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Full Park Friday @ The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead – Passionate about Freestyle? Why not come on down to Full Park Friday for a Freestyle night with extra Freestyle!!!!
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Moguls – There will be moguls on the main slope for recreational skiers and snowboarders to use.
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Northern Snow – Real Snow Winter Sports Show – The UK’s ONLY Snowsports Show on REAL SNOW is back – and bigger than ever! Join us at Chill Factore, Manchester, for an action-packed weekend dedicated to all things snowsports. 4th + 5th October.
