Wednesday, 3 August 2016

Review - Chill Factore, Manchester

We've recently returned from our summer holiday to the north of the country, and in Manchester one of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Chill Factore indoor skiing and snowboarding centre. We've never been anywhere like this before, and apart from a school skiing trip as a teenager, being southerners we aren't very used to snow. Luckily you don't need to be an expert on the slopes to enjoy some family snow fun!

Chill Factore Manchester review

We were provided with a one hour family pass to the Snow Park, and we chose the first session of the day at 9.30am on a weekday during the summer holiday. We were the only family on that session which was brilliant, as we didn't have to queue for anything, so I'd definitely recommend booking an early slot! The instructor explained each activity to us and then we were free to do whatever we liked.

The Snow Park is aimed at children aged 4 and over, and there are four different activities - the Downhill Donuts, Sledge O'Mania, the Luge Slip 'N' Slide and the Snow Luge (the luges are for children aged 6 and over only). If you have a child under 4 they can explore Mini Moose Land, an adventure playground in the snow.

The Snow Park Pass includes your boot and helmet hire. You need to wear warm, waterproof clothing, and gloves are compulsory. Clothing is available to hire in all sizes from baby to XXL, with snow boots available from a UK child size 3.5. We were provided with clothing, which for us was essential as we don't own anything suitable, you definitely need waterproof clothes as otherwise you'll be soaked within minutes! The clothing was really comfortable, and kept us lovely and warm and dry. There are changing rooms, and lockers for the things that you don't need on the slopes.

Chill Factore Manchester review

The Snow Park is next to the Beginner Slope, and separate from the much larger slope for the people that really know what they are doing. It's still an excellent size, with a nice long slope for sledging down, way better than we've ever managed in the snow outdoors!

Chill Factore Manchester review

Despite a lack of sledging experience, the children had no problem at all mounting their sledges and kicking off to speed down to the bottom, quickly working out that they could increase their speed by leaning backwards, and easily managing to steer themselves about. Two people can sledge at a time so you can race each other down which they loved.

Chill Factore Manchester review

We also had a lot of fun on the donuts. There are three different donut slopes - one smooth and two bumpy - and our instructor gave us a spin for the way down for a bit of added excitement! The donuts are quite heavy, but there is a conveyor belt to bring you and your donut back up to the top. The children had no problems negotiating it by themselves, and as it was so quiet we were happy to let them go up and down independently.

Chill Factore Manchester review

Ram and I also tried out the luges, they were fun but I preferred the sledges! Harry was too timid to try but I think Mia would have enjoyed it if she'd been old enough - maybe next time! We had a really brilliant morning at Chill Factore and were all on a complete high when we came out, I really wish that we lived closer, as I know we'd definitely be going more often!

I made a little video showing some of our highlights:


We were provided with a one hour family Snow Park Pass and clothing hire in exchange for this post. For the latest prices and special offers visit the Chill Factore webpage

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