Skiing, Snowboarding & Winter Sports in Manchester

Sports, Leisure & Recreation (15)
Greater Manchester and in the Northwest Region

Skiing & Winter Sports
in and around Greater Manchester

Ski Rossendale

Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall,
Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 8RR
Tel: 01706-226457.
Fax: 01706-831294.
Email: info@ski-rossendale.co.uk
Website: www.ski-rossendale.co.uk

The dry ski slope which closed to the public in April 2011 after 40 years has received some much needed tender loving care after it was taken over as a social enterprise. Ski Rossendale had been operating as a social enterprise since July 2011 when control was handed over from Rossendale Leisure Trust Limited, run by Rossendale Council. Since the takeover thousands of pounds of reinvestment has transforming the site into a bustling tourist attraction once again. Ski Rossendale Ltd was formed by Dave Fuller, Karon Driver, Sue and Steve Foulkes who acquired the lease to Run and develop Ski Rossendale.

Originally founded in 1973 by local skiers, the dry slopes enable ski-lovers to practice all year round. The highest quality tuition is available for skiers and snowboarders from novice to expert. Now part ofwho offer a comprehensive training and coaching programme. Vending machines are located in the ski hire. T

Skiing

Single 'Taster' lessons and multiple lesson packages available at various prices. All lessons must be pre-booked, please call: 01706-226457.

<< Images: Ski Rossendale © 2005

NOTE

Please check details of opening times, prices and facilities which might still be under development.

Lifts:

• Main Slope: 2 Button Tows (Doppelmayr and Wopfner Tows);
• Intermediate: 1 Button Tow (Poma Tow)
• Nursery Slope: for lessons only, 2 Rope Tows plus Britain's first Sun Kid Travelator Lift.

Equipment:

Skis and snowboards are available for hire at a small charge. Premium skis, including twin tips and race skis, are now available - height and ability restrictions apply. Helmets are available free of charge to all who wish to wear them and are compulsory for all fun park (intermediate) slope users and those racing or race training.

Snowboarding

The minimum age for all snowboard lessons is 10. Hands and arms must be covered and gloves must be worn. Basic gloves are available for £1.35. Dress in tough clothing which suits the weather. All lessons must be pre-booked, please call, 01706-226457. Various lesson options available from single trainer to 4 lesson packages, and further single trainer lesson options at various prices - see their website (above) for current prices)

Kids Club

Ski Rossendale Kids Club are held on Saturday Mornings. There are two sessions from 9.30am to 11.00am and from 11.30am to 1.00pm. Each session is divided into approximately 10 groups. The age range is 5 to 18 years with a separate Kindergarten for the 3 to 5 year olds.

Chill Factor e

Trafford Chill Factor e, Trafford Way, Trafford Quays, Manchester M41 7JA.
Head Office: 0161-0161 747 0606. BookingsTel: 0161-749 2222.
Fax: 0161-747 7669 (SNOW). Email: info@chillfactore.com. Website: www.chillfactore.com.
Located immediately across the road from the main Trafford Centre shopping mall, this £31million development is the biggest indoor ski centre in the UK. It brought the Alps to The Trafford Centre when it was opened in Autumn 2007. The Chill Factor e uses real snow to ensure an authentic Alpine experience and includes three interconnected snow slopes - each catering for different abilities. Activities also include snowboarding and there are tuition classes available.There is also has a rock-climbing wall, a toboggan run, an indoor skateboard park and children's play zone. The two ski lifts on the main slope are suspended from the ceiling, rather than from towers, so that there is less obstruction on the slope. There are also two ‘travellators’ or moving walkways leading to the top of the nursery slope for ease of use by beginners. The Alpine Village has restaurants, bars and shops.
Check the website for booking, current prices and opening times.

Ski Art Race Club

Ski Art is a ski race club based in Rossendale whose focus is race training for juniors and adults of all ages. Registered with Snowsport England , members take part in regional fun races, club nationals and grand prix races on both artificial outdoor and indoor snow slopes throughout the United Kingdom.
To take part in the National Races the skiers are registered with Snowsport England and they are awarded seed points when they compete in a race. The number of seed points that the racer has is an indication of their national ranking.
For more information on Ski Art please visit their website at http://www.ski-art.co.uk

Ski Club of Manchester

SCoM provides ski-related activities to skiers in the Manchester and surrounding area in order to enhance their enjoyment of the sport. Members of the Ski Club of Great Britain. Website: www.scom.org.uk.

Snowsport England

Snowsport England is the governing body for English Snowsports. It is recognised and directly grant-aided by Sport England and has responsibility for fostering, promoting and developing the interests of English skiers and all aspects of their sports. Membership is open to organisations with a commitment to skiing, as well as individuals. There is a Regional structure for clubs.
Website: www.snowsportengland.org.uk

North West Ski Federation

The North West Ski Federation aims to develop participation and performance in all aspects of Skiing by working in partnership with providers and user groups, and by taking positive action to encourage equality of access within the region to opportunities in Skiing. The Federation has produced a four year development plan for Skiing in this area. Website: www.nwsf.org.uk

The Manchester Cross-Country Ski Club

Links to other sites which may be of interest to Nordic skiers. Website: www.mccsc.org.uk