The Greater Manchester region changed from tier 2 to England’s highest tier 3 pandemic restrictions as of Friday (23rd October), but the region’s indoor real snow slope, Chill Factore, has confirmed it is remaining open to skiers and boarders.
The centre was awarded Visit England’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation when it re-opened back in August and since reopening, the centre has installed protective screens at the main guest reception and kit collection points. It also has numerous sanitising stations, and requires that all team members and guests wear a face covering when in the building and on the slope.
In addition to this, hired kit including skis, snowboards, boots and helmets are subject to thorough sanitising and quarantine measures between each use, using an anti-viral fogging machine that eliminates airborne viruses on contact, and all guests are required to pre-book online.
“We have enormous sympathy with other local businesses being forced to close under the new restrictions, and know it’s a really worrying time for everyone in the North West and beyond. However we’re pleased to be able to stay open, along with gyms and other fitness activities. Sports and fitness are vital in supporting good mental health, which is more important than ever at this uncertain time,” commented Morwenna Angove, Chill Factore CEO, who added,
“We’re not at capacity yet so want to continue to encourage snow fans to return to our 180m slope, especially as we’re safely increasing the activities we have on offer, including new junior terrain challenge, Erik’s Trail, for this coming half term.”
Chill Factore is still able to offer its core activities – Lift Passes, Snow Fun and Lessons – albeit with some adjustments to ensure the safety of guests and staff. Families can pause the real world and enjoy time racing one another on Snow Park, which has a £15 early bird offer this half term.
Junior Lift Passes are also discounted to £15 for one hour, £20 for two hours and £25 for four hours, so kids can challenge themselves and take on Erik’s Trail, a brand new junior terrain challenge with arches, gates and ride-on-boxes.
Those that aren’t familiar with the slope can try a Fun Taster, or even a full day ski or snowboard Lesson from £99.
A customer survey found almost all skiers and boarders visiting the centre since re-opening felt it is succeeding in ensuring guests feel safe and reassured at all times (average survey score across were confident that the measures go far enough in protecting them from COVID-19 across all activities: 8.8/10).
On the survey results, Morwenna Angove, added, “It’s really important to us that guests feel safe visiting the slope and our team feel safe coming to work, which is why we’ve remained flexible and continually adapted our activities to comply with Government guidelines.
“These phenomenal satisfaction results are also a testament to our amazing Chill Factoreteam. They have re-trained in all areas to comply with new regulations, and still go above and beyond to ensure all guests have a great time – I couldn’t be prouder!”