[24 Aug 2006]

Ski and snowboarding enthusiasts in the north of England will soon have a new venue to enjoy after plans to construct a real snow Alpine village next to the Trafford Centre in Manchester were announced.

Called Chill Factor, the new £31 million development will be divided into two distinct zones, one catering for all manner of winter sports and a warmer après-ski zone housing shops, bars and restaurants.

The winter sports area, known as the Cold Zone, will feature three separate but interconnected slopes 180-metres long in total and facilities for rock climbing and tobogganing.

There will also be a separate children's snow-play zone featuring slides, igloos and ice-castles.

The Warm Zone by contrast will host a number of Alpine themed restaurants and bars with balconies and panoramic windows overlooking the slopes.

David Sterland, managing director, said: "We are confident that we are creating one of the country's most outstanding leisure venues.

"It will appeal to a broad range of users including experienced sporting enthusiasts, beginners wanting to learn in a safe environment, modern shoppers, families and school parties as well as people looking for a stylish alternative to their regular social scene."

Chill Factor is expected to open to customers in October 2007.