Chill Factore

Chill Factorᵉ is the UK’s largest indoor real snow facility with a 180m long and 100m wide slope. Located at Trafford Park in Manchester, it is the fourth real snow centre we have delivered in the UK, building on the success of our Xscape lifestyle destinations.

Chill Factorᵉ is divided into two distinctive zones. With a selection of bars, restaurants, retail outlets and a climbing wall, the warm alpine-themed streetscape meanders towards the exhilarating cold snow zone. Views out from the street towards the snow zone create a sense of excitement as visitors arrive for their snow experience. Divided into three separate pistes, the snow zone caters for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. A toboggan run and children’s play zone complete the authentic, family friendly, alpine experience.

Summary:
The UK’s largest indoor real snow slope

Location:
Manchester, England

Size:
23,225m²

Budget:
£25,000,000

Client:
Extreme Cool Ltd

Construction:
January 2006 - November 2007

Opening:
November 2007

This building lets us train all year round and will help us prepare for international competitions. The state-of-the-art facilities are excellent and to practice on real snow is a great boost to our training programme.

Finlay Mickel
Former Olympian and British No.1 downhill skier

Maximum volume

The unique ‘pistol’ arrangement of the plan delivers an expansive internal snow environment capable of accommodating mogul, ski cross and boardercross activities. The slope is configured with a 180m long section for capable skiers to hone their skills, whilst the 100m wide base allows for a separate training zone with a shallower pitch for beginners to learn in safety.

The innovative arrangement at Chill Factorᵉ promotes self-sufficiency of the core snow offer allowing the design team greater freedom to create a striking and iconic building form. The width at the slopes base promotes expansive views up the slope from the mixed retail and leisure space, bringing spectators closer to the action.

Chill Factorᵉ is a landmark leisure destination of national significance which is now home to Snowsport England and Disability Snowsport UK. The quality of the facilities has played a major role in the recent success of British Winter Olympians.

The space to develop

My aim in the future is to get better and better, and hopefully be able to compete in the Olympics and at the XGames. But no matter how far I go, Chill Factorᵉ will always be the best place to ride!

Bradie Zimmer-Collins
England U16 Champion