Manchester, The Chill Factore www.chillfactore.com Reviews
Summary
The Chill Factore is the UK's largest in and outdoor Ski village. Based in Trafford on the outskirts of Manchester the Chill Factor promises to give the real experience of a ski trip without going abroad.
Media Gallery for Manchester, The Chill Factore www.chillfactore.com
Latest Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“rubbish website”
Written on: 27/05/2013
went to book lift pass after loads of messing around on their website they had four prices for the same ticket. I filled out all details including credit card details the website timed out and said the transaction was not complete and to rebook my tickets,so I did. The second transaction was complete telling me I will receive an email to comfirm the booking.I checked my emails and a few minutes later i got two emails telling me both tickets had been booked thats the one I wanted and the one... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“ Complaints handling”
Written on: 20/12/2012 by Ink_pixie
I bought my boyfriends 2 kids for a taster lesson and was told by instructor that to book a beginners lesson would be £89 per child. As I had no money at the time to do this I tried to book online, nowhere could I find this offer, I tried calling chill on at least five occasions at varying times of day- no answer it just rang out endlessley. So I decided to make the 75 mile round trip to speak to someone in person and book the TWO beginners courses. When we got there somebody new was... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Expensive and difficult to organise for large groups...”
Written on: 14/02/2012 by flyingdreamer (1 review written)
My extended family (13 of us) went to the Chill Factore in the half term holiday to celebrate my birthday. The day was fun but you didn't get much "bang for your buck" so to say on the activities and unfortunately there was no group discount and despite there being a special offer advertised on their website and in the press "half-term children go free" because I had booked slightly before the offer started they wouldn't give me the discount - which I think is very unfair given I did ring... (read more)
★★★★★
“First class ski instructors for beginners”
Written on: 02/02/2012 by mazzzer33 (1 review written)
myself and my partner who are both novices went along for a full day ski beginners day. Noel and Andy are both fantastic instructors and made the day what it was. Very easy descriptive instructions given with patience for all to the group . Treating everyone as individual learners going at a suitable pace for all. Nothing was too much trouble for either one of them and were passionate about sharing their years of knowledge and expertise. By the end of the day we were confident to move on to... (read more)
★★★★★
“Fantastic Snowboarding day lesson”
Written on: 01/01/2012 by f_malkinson (1 review written)
The snowboarding beginner day experience was fantastic. This was due to the enthusiastic and positive persona of our instructor - Mini. Through his patience and excellent coaching advice this allowed us to enjoy our snowboarding experience to the full and learn a lot along the way. His coaching advice and one to one instructions allowed all of the grouop to become recreational standard. We will definately be coming again and would love to request Mini as our instructor. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Development Day”
Written on: 27/12/2011 by breesedoc (1 review written)
Excellent day with super instructor, Mel. She took time to assess each of us in group and planned day accordingly, depending on differing levels of ability. It was Boxing Day and thankfully quiet, as most people next door at Trafford Center- shopping:((( and special deal meant only cost £70 for whole day,including lunch. I learnt a lot and developed my basic skills thanx to Mel I have my own boots, but one member of group had really poor fitting boots hired to him and I urged him to change... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Poor customer service - no response to emails”
Written on: 15/12/2011 by microdot (1 review written)
Took my daughter and her friend here for my daughter's birthday, booking everything in advance online on their website - including clothing hire. We were somewhat surprised that they advise arriving a whole hour before your alloted time, just to get your clothing but it turns out you absolutely need to! Why do you need to? Because the staff don't seem capable of looking at the labels in their own clothing and handing over age appropriate items. Sounds simple but apparently it isn't. Took... (read more)
★★★★★
“Nowadays people are quick to complain...”
Written on: 07/12/2011 by Katehumble
Nowadays people are quick to complain and when something is great they do not take the time to shout about it so I have decided to leave a review on my experience with the Chill Factore. I booked the Chill Factore through one the amazing deals they sent me after I signed up a few weeks ago. I have my first skiing holiday booked and wanted to learn the basic before I got there so booked onto the Beginner Ski Course. I thought the Chill Factore was fab- the whole experience was so... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Visit to get our ski legs back”
Written on: 07/12/2011
Visited the Chill Factor on Satuday, as an alternative to our usual indoor venue at Castleford. We liked the ticket system at the ski/boot desk for weighing and measuring. The toilets and changing area were clean, however the lighting in the changing area was poor. The slope itself was quiet (which we liked) The access to the button lift on the left as you look up the slope was bad, there was a step up to it and we (and everyone else) had to turn and side step up to the button. The slope... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Santa's Grotto 2011”
Written on: 02/12/2011 by trax0201
Disappointed by a recent visit to the Chill Factor. We booked the play in the snow/visit santa grotto event. The play in the snow was great, however the experience was spoilt by a 50 minute wait to see father christmas. All the children in front of us had at least 5 minutes with father christmas, however when it came to our turn and the people after us, we only had approx 2 mins with santa. It was obvious that they had decided to shorten the visits due to the increasing length of the... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 89 Reviews
★★★☆☆
“i think that will be a good plan and arrangement ,i...”
Written on: 15/11/2011 by zutou (1 review written)
i think that will be a good plan and arrangement ,i hope to join there !~ (read more)
★★★★★
“Santas Kingdom”
Written on: 14/11/2011 by ImeldaWilcock (1 review written)
I just want to say what a fabulous time we had yesterday at Santas Kingdom. I particularly want to say a massive thank you to the 'Elf' who took the time to colour with my daughter Phoebe. She was an absolute superstar. The elves all made a great experience, all smiling and happy (exactly what you would expect working with Santa LOL). Phoebe didnt like Santa though, his room was a little dark for her and I think his beard was a little wrong compared with pictures of the man himself. But... (read more)
★★★★★
“Excellant facilities but a little expenive”
Written on: 07/11/2011 by Jettillery
Really enjoyed the day snow boarding lesson day that we booked. It was half price, £85 for a full days tuition including lunch and tea breaks. The instructor was great and we learned the basics well enough by the end of the day. Up side was that the facilities are excelant, really geared up for all skill levels, skiing and snowboarding. Equipment was great and we wil be going back very soon as lift passs are not very expensive and there are always some good offers if you are internet... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“snowboarding lessons”
Written on: 03/11/2011 by robisona (1 review written)
Hi i booked my son in for a junior beginners snowboard course which consisted of 3x 2hr lessons.even though i thought the tuition looked ok there was no consistency with the instructors. He had a different one every lesson.It wasnt untill the last lesson when the last instructor who i thought was very good ask for his progress card which i new nothing about and so did a few of the other parents aswell.The last instructor thought the kids should have progressed more than they had and that... (read more)
★★★★★
“A brilliant slope”
Written on: 01/11/2011 by customjones (1 review written)
I'am an advanced snowboarder casi level one. My partner has had her lessons upto recreational standard at milton keynes. I personally think milton keynes isn't a bad little slope to be fair but natalie was apprehensive of the icy patch that appears at the narrow exit to the slope. She wanted to give tamworth a try after about four sessions at milton keynes.I told her that tamworth is just an ice rink on an angle and wouldn't recommend it for learners as the pain tends to put them... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Poor Quality Ski Taster Lesson at Chill Factor Manchester”
Written on: 30/10/2011
Booked a ski taster lesson at chill factor manchester during kids half term for my children aged 10 and 8.I was very disappointed with the overall value for money that chill factor offered.The equipment that my children hired was of poor quality and my 10 year old had an issue with a ski that kept coming of his ski boot continually throughout the lesson,the ski instructor spent more time trying to fix the issue than he did teaching the 10 people that had paid for the lesson.Hence when the... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Woeful freestyle at chillfacore”
Written on: 13/10/2011 by wheelspin.plus (1 review written)
Why do I bother going here! Staff unhelpful, slow checkin, Poor snow conditions. Icy landings from jumps / features that r for begineers. Very long queues. Hated every minute. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Better this time but still poor”
Written on: 08/10/2011
Chill factore has the potential to be fantastic. However, the whole clothes/boots/ski hire process is slow and laborious. I had to find someone to get my friend's child ski clothes and by the time we were sorted out he had lost 10 minutes. We always bring our own gear so that helps is but it is clearly not very organised. The snow was better this time but we have frequently been and found loads of ice - surely in a controlled environment this is not acceptable? The lift machines ALWAYS go... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Childrens Snow Play Party - Avoid!!”
Written on: 02/10/2011 by aisforandy (1 review written)
We originally called in in person to discuss a childrens party for under 5's which included disabled children. We explained this to the member of staff we spoke to who said we could have 1 adult for every 2 children as part of the booking to make sure children this young and with needs were properly supervised. A few days later we received an email saying that there were places reserved for 4 adults. We were concerned at this so phoned up and were told that this was a standard email and... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Stinky Rental”
Written on: 16/09/2011 by Chrisja
The staff were on the whole good. Prices were steep particularly given the size of the instruction groups meaning not as much time as necessary to practice sufficiently. The traing slope was also too busy. Renting the clothes was terrible, some items stank, other peoples snot rags left in your pocket etc. Come on dry clean. Also with their clothes you have to get changed to go for lunch otherwise the alarm goes off. What a stupid lazy design. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 89 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“Could be better”
Written on: 14/08/2011 by AlicaStevens (1 review written)
Usually I always enjoy myself at the Chill Factore, but not this time. Half the slope was taken up with the slalom poles (being used), and two sets of slope furniture on the other side. What was the matter with the snow texture? I never found the edges on my skis!! Both lifts were working and the slope was not too busy despite school holidays. Will wait until the end of the school holidays before the next visit. I am a Chill Factore club member and a 'golden oldie' so it is always good... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Chillfactore, Manchester”
Written on: 04/08/2011
I've been interested in Snowboarding for some time now and so I chose to buy the taster & beginner sessions. The taster was good with a decent female guide, my beginner sessions were mostly excellent with one little mistake being one of the guides making a mistake in his judgement and he put me on the main slope far too early. Guided practice, fantastic with a really good teacher/guide called Gaz, there was also a top man called Kevin, who quickly understood my style & now I'm on the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Beginner Day Lesson”
Written on: 29/06/2011
Had a fantastic time on my Beginner Day Lesson 10-6pm, lunch provided too. We had a great instructor, who was patient and gave us confidence on the slopes! Booking up for Improver lessons soon..... can't wait. If you look out for discounted offers online you can get some great savings for lessons! No queues for us, I live locally and have seen the place really busy, so I try and avoid those times (weekends) Childrens parties are great too well organised and so much fun playing in the snow. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Visited during day, began skiing at 13.00. Not very...”
Written on: 01/02/2011
Visited during day, began skiing at 13.00. Not very busy. Staff very welcoming. Ticket system very sensible since it controls flow of skiers up pomas and onto piste. Agree with other reviewer about slope condition. Top of slope very icy, so difficult for beginners.Rest of slope had ridges and hollows, which is realistic, but again problematic for beginners This points to lack of pisteing. Better than Xscape in that there are no toboggan ares on the piste. Also cheaper.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Well I don't know where some of these reviewers have...”
Written on: 10/12/2010
Well I don't know where some of these reviewers have been becasue each time I have been to Chill Fatore the piste has been HORRIBLE massive Ice patches and obviously only groomed once each day!
The system they have needing to scan the ticket to get back on the lift is a JOKE Xcape in Castleford is further for me but I'd choose it every time, it's cheaper and you get at least 33% more runs in as you can ski straight to the lifts....
There is also no regulation of idiots unlike Xcape who...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I loved going to the chill factore! Me and My sister...”
Written on: 30/05/2010
I loved going to the chill factore! Me and My sister and have learnt to ski in one 6hour beginner day lesson and a 3 week improver course. During the day lesson I had an instructor (Matt) who was amazing and taught me to ski really well, by the end of the beginner lesson I was able to go twice for the top of the main slope, a shaky but good. The 3 week course was also great with another great instuctor (Andy) I can now just buy a main slope pass and go whenever I like!! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“My children went on a ski course here with school the...”
Written on: 05/05/2010
My children went on a ski course here with school the first 3 lessons were good they learnt how to do the basics etc, after completing the fist part the school asked if they could do the other 3 lessons so they could use the main slope. What a waste of money they learnt how to use the main slope for the first lesson and the other two the instructors were either busy chatting to other members of staff or just to busy skiing themselves, the instuctors were rude and didnt pick children up... (read more)
★★★★★
“This was my first visit to the Chill Factore and I...”
Written on: 25/04/2010
This was my first visit to the Chill Factore and I really enjoyed it. I was part of a party of 5, 4 of us had a lift pass and my wife had private lessons. Although the lessons are pricey they were worth it. The instructor (Jeff) was very good. He explained everything he was doing and why, which was perfect for my wife. He also went to a pace which suited her.
The slope itself is large enough to practice and improve technique and skills, with a pomma lift on each side which keeps the queueing...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“recently just came back from the chill factor. I went...”
Written on: 09/03/2010
recently just came back from the chill factor. I went on a beginner course with my brother which lasted all day and cost £160! looked on here before i went and heard a few bad comments about the chill factor. So anyways we arrived 45 mins before are session started. The guy on reception was great in explaining what we had to do as first time skiiers. We collected are gear which cost us £5 each altho i thought paying £160 this would of at least been part of the deal! we got all are gear and... (read more)
★★★★★
“I don't normally leave reviews but felt i should take...”
Written on: 08/02/2010
I don't normally leave reviews but felt i should take sides in this argument! I've been twice and both times had a great experience. the slope is great for a beginner/intermediate skier but i guess could be a bit dull for more experienced skiers. the website clearly states what level you need to be at to use the slopes/drag lifts so no sympathy for those kicked out. how anyone struggles to find the changing rooms and equipment hire is beyond me! if you don't like queues go when it isn't... (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 89 Reviews
★★★★★
“We took my daughter and her 6 friends and 3 sisters to...”
Written on: 01/02/2010
We took my daughter and her 6 friends and 3 sisters to the Chill Factore for tubing. The staff could not have been more helpful, as there were 13 of us they opened up a changing room which they locked after we had left our shoes in there. They were extremely patient when the boots needed changing, 2-3 times in some cases or the helmets didn't fit! The lads on the tubing slopes were brilliant, the girls loved being spun and whatever way you wanted to go down the slope they would oblige! We... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“A friend and I eagerly attended the Chill Factore in...”
Written on: 06/01/2010
A friend and I eagerly attended the Chill Factore in early Jan after much discussion and were generally pleased by the experience. I booked a guided snowboard lesson and my friend booked a taster snowboard session. My instructor, Ali, was a very good instructor who explained things clearly and showed us examples. She was also very patient with the group and easy to get along with. I felt as though I definitely improved my snowboarding ability by the end of the two hours' as I was able to... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Comedy of errors at this place I'd sooner forget, paid...”
Written on: 07/12/2009
Comedy of errors at this place I'd sooner forget, paid 260 pound for me and girlfriend to have 6 hours of snowboard lessons. 1 hour in she breaks her wrist, no money back just 70 pound in vouchers. Gave her the wrong size boots and had a training instructor that didn't know he ar*e from her elbow! Don't go, if you have an injury they couldn't care less seems all they care about is your money. I wish I'd have have known no money back no matter what the circumstances. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Excellent experience. We had our daughters 6th...”
Written on: 06/12/2009 by ChrisGB (1 review written)
Excellent experience. We had our daughters 6th birthday there and her 3 brothers came. We were able to leave them in the capable hands of the instructors and relax on the balcony overlooking the slope. The facilities were excellent and the whole environment was very tastefully designed. The shops and restaurants were of a good quality also. I would definitely go back for another visit. On the whole a very wholesome family evening out.
It would be good to know before we attended how cold it...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Chill Factore ”
Written on: 29/11/2009 by Mr Park (1 review written)
Chill Factore
Trafford park
Manchester
We have just returned from the party from hell. I booked a tubing party for my daughters 7th birthday. We arrived 45 minutes early as instructed only to be left until 10 minutes before we were due on the snow. When the host (I use the term looley) arrived he used a profanity to describe his situation to the lady on the desk this was heard by several of the children, so we lost 10 minutes of snow time due to having to change 10 children into suitable...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“The worst customer services department ever, slow to...”
Written on: 01/10/2009
The worst customer services department ever, slow to queue for lift passes and pay, they need more better trained staff.
Complaint handling is a joke, slow to respond and very unsatisfactory responses. You can't call it teething problems either they have been around for a while.
I'd try Cas or Tamworth before the Chill Factor e again in the future where they take the customers a little more seriously.
(read more)
★★★★☆
“my son loves ski ing has visited outdoor ski slopes...”
Written on: 28/09/2009 by 3littledarlings (1 review written)
my son loves ski ing has visited outdoor ski slopes and also the snowdome in tamworth, the chill factor is great, real snow and not ice like the snowdome, well worth a visit, my little girl went in the snow play area whilst he was on the slope, she thoroughly enjoyed that as did i ! (read more)
★★★★☆
“Going to indoor ski slopes such as chill factor and...”
Written on: 30/07/2009
Going to indoor ski slopes such as chill factor and xscape are great ways to get experience before going on a ski holiday.
Comparing chill factor at Manchester with xscape one bad thing at chill factor is the ticket machine as every time you get to the bottom you have to swipe through again and sometimes the machine has trouble reading. It might only be a short delay but when the run is short it can be quite frustrating, xscape relies on the staff checking your ticket for times?
the slope...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Excellent ...when I first started coming to the...”
Written on: 15/05/2009 by Donna1234 (2 reviews written)
Excellent ...when I first started coming to the Chillfactore the piste was bumpy and icy but recent visits have been wonderful. Great snow...very well pisted and brilliantly organised. From the check in to ski selection - everything was easy and well organised. I have only praise for the staff and the Centre itself. Well done. I'm really enjoying this facility. (read more)
★★★★☆
“The Chill Factor has really good snow, rubbish...”
Written on: 03/05/2009
The Chill Factor has really good snow, rubbish customer services, and the design for the queue system is like something off a building site, and if you are on a snowboard, its really difficult to navigate.
great slope spoilt by a few fundamental design errors and bad service
(read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 89 Reviews
★★★☆☆
“Good snow, not ice, but unrealistic conditions...”
Written on: 09/04/2009
Good snow, not ice, but unrealistic conditions compared to the real thing - much easier here! Enjoyable, but experienced skiers will find it tedious doing the same thing for such a long period of time.
Private infant lesson was excellent, the ski kindergarten was rubbish, totally disorganised and boring for little ones, 50 minutes doing the same thing with no encouragement is a waste of time for four and five year olds.
The Chill Factore Customer care not good, took lots of calls, leaving...
(read more)
★★★★★
“The Chill Factore is a great place to learn or to keep...”
Written on: 02/04/2009
The Chill Factore is a great place to learn or to keep your skills fresh.
The slope is quite wide, although usually half will be given over to slalom or freestyle (which is great if either appeal). The remaining slope still offers plenty of space to enjoy although the it is a little short and just as you get going you've reached the bottom.
Well worth a visit!
(read more)
★★★★★
“I've been to Chillfactore twice now. The first was Jan...”
Written on: 11/03/2009
I've been to Chillfactore twice now. The first was Jan 2008 after it opened, for a taster lesson. Many people have commented on badly organised check in facilities and over crowding. That was certainly evident on my first visit. We had a 30 minute queue to get our gear and started our lesson 10mins late.
My second visit in March 2009 was very much a different affair. We went at 11am on a Sunday. They have new check in desks and seem to have ironed out earlier teething problems. From arriving...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Chillfactor is only 30 mins down the road from me, but...”
Written on: 10/03/2009 by Mellie1984
Chillfactor is only 30 mins down the road from me, but until last week hadn't had the opportunity to go. It's been 3-4 years since i've been on my board so I booked a private 1-1 lesson which was 50 mins long to get me back up to scratch. I hired equipment and they got it quickly set up for me.
My instructor was fantastic, took an interest in what I had to say , was very patient and had me on the main slope by the end of that session! (Can't for the life of me remember his name though) I...
(read more)
★★★★★
“The Chill Factore is really good and staff are really...”
Written on: 28/01/2009 by kearn
The Chill Factore is really good and staff are really nice and helpful. I've been 5 times now and cant fault the place. I am a skier and really enjoy it. I cant understand some people who complain about it being busy and having to queue! of course you do .. its busy!!
even so the staff are always really helpful.
(read more)
★★★★★
“In general, if you live nearby and you want to get...”
Written on: 12/01/2009
In general, if you live nearby and you want to get some practice in or just have a ski, the Chill Factore is a real plus and we're lucky to have it. Very well run, very efficient, but do allow extra time at obvious peak times as the staff must make sure you have equipment that is safe so queues can appear for skis/boots. The main slope is perfect for working on your technique, it doesn't matter it's not huge, it would need to be 50% longer to make any difference. Good choice of casual... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Have been several times over the past 2 years, and...”
Written on: 05/12/2008
Have been several times over the past 2 years, and it's great fro what it is - making sure you don't get too rusty before heading off to some "proper" mountains whenever possible! There is very little variety for skiers and boarders, but then there is nothing that can really be done to improve that within the confines of the building - and it is one of the biggest indoor runs in Europe. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Please ensure you can ski or board to the required...”
Written on: 24/11/2008
Please ensure you can ski or board to the required standard before even thinking about the main slope. Staff are there to help you but if it is obvious you aren't up to scratch you will be asked to leave with no refund, this is your OWN RESPONSIBILITY!! Staff are well on top of reckless skiers and people not up to standard, safety is strictly enforced and for obvious reasons and there will be no hesitations in asking people to leave the slope for any reason. Learn to ski first or you are... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Every time I have had to deal with the people they...”
Written on: 14/11/2008
Every time I have had to deal with the people they call 'staff' at Chill Factore (particularly telephone operators) I wonder yet again why I bothered. It's expensive, disappointing and their customer service is so appalling that I have come to the conclusion any benefit gained by a 'relaxing' outing is utterly neutralised by the rise in blood pressure. (read more)
★★★★★
“I like the way there are two slopes for beginners and...”
Written on: 04/11/2008
I like the way there are two slopes for beginners and intermediates/experts. The "Luge" and "Tubing" is really good for children! A fantastic place to go during the week or in holidays (everywhere is busy at the weekends). (read more)
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Showing 41 - 50 of 89 Reviews
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 17/07/2011
Can see where these are coming from - continuity of kids lessons and progress are a joke - and some of the staff need to learn how to deal with young children and parents