Chill Factore has a bunch of offers on skiing and snow sessions for families looking to pause the real world and escape to the slopes this half term.
There may be a fair bit of doom and gloom at the moment, but a fun-filled and action-packed day out for the whole family is always on the cards at Trafford’s indoor ski slope and snow play complex, and after having been awarded with a Visit England ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation, you can enjoy these unique family experiences at a destination that follows all government and industry COVID-19 guidelines.
One of the highlights this half term gives you the opportunity to try out Chill Factore’s famous ‘Erik’s Trail’ for the very first time, so if your little one is already a skier or snowboarder, then this brand new challenge is the perfect adventure for them.
The trail features a combination of arches, gates, limbo, high-fives and small ride-on boxes that will change on a daily basis, which lets thrill-seekers weave and whizz down the slope in a different way every time they visit.
If it’s letting off some steam that you’re after, then the Junior Lift Pass – which is discounted to just £15 for one hour, £20 for two hours, and £25 for four hours – lets kids can enjoy hours of fun on the 180m real snow slope – and these discounted passes are also valid for Erik’s Trail too.
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Passes must be booked online due to COVID-19 regulations, and the course will be available from Monday 26th October – Wednesday 28th October at 12noon – 4pm.
Chill Factore
If sledging’s more your style, you can enjoy a £15 early bird offer for access to the family-favourite Snow Park.
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Suitable for adults and children aged 4+, Snow Park is the ideal place to make some memories this half term and with four lanes to race down, the whole family can go head to head on the downhill donuts, or whizz down the real snow slope on sledges.
With a strict cleaning regime in place, it also means parents can relax and enjoy family time in this COVID-secure environment.
First time on the slopes or want to improve your skills?
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You can learn to ski or snowboard with the help of Chill Factore’s expert and friendly instructors. With reduced class sizes, the new lesson format follows the ‘rule of 6’ guidelines and allows guests to learn a new skill in a safe and encouraging environment. Lessons are perfect for beginners who may be putting on a pair of skis for the very first time and completing their first exciting run of the beginner slope, or improvers who are learning to perfect their turns and speed control.
If you’re curious to give skiing or snowboarding a go, you can try a Fun Taster – which introduces you to the basics in just 50 minutes – or if you’re passionate to really get to grips with skiing or snowboarding, you can book a full day Lesson for just £99 midweek, and £119 during the weekend.
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Despite constant changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, Chill Factore is still able to offer its much-loved core activities, albeit with some adjustments and has even managed to see an increased overall guest satisfaction across its activities, whilst introducing new guidelines that ensure the safety of all team members and guests.
Speaking on the government’s latest announcement regarding a new three tier lockdown approach in local regions, Morwenna Angove – CEO of Chill Factore – said: “At Chill Factore we are fully committed to staying open and welcoming snowsports fans to our fantastic real snow slope, and [the recent] announcement has confirmed that we are still able to do that safely, here in Manchester.
“We’ve received our ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation, and have a number of safety measures already in place to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, including reduced lesson sizes and sanitising equipment.
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“We ask that all guests follow the rules when visiting, but most of all we are that you enjoy spending time on the snow.”
All guests must book online and wear face coverings around the attraction and on the slope.
You can find more information via the Chill Factore website here.
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
15th October 2020 
