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Isn鈥檛 technology brilliant? I mean, living at the dizzy altitude of about three feet above sea level, we see snow about as often as we see Santa. But with the opening of the UK鈥檚 longest indoor real snow ski slope, we can now enjoy year-round snow 鈥� right here in Manchester.

Towering above junction 10 of the M60, Chill Factore is that huge wedge-shaped structure you may have seen taking shape near the Trafford Centre.

What they鈥檝e created is a massive artificial ski slope with real snow. The scale of this 拢31 million pound venture certainly takes the breath away 鈥� as does the -1C temperature. But it鈥檚 the tiny snowflakes that make it.

Each night, compressed air and water are blasted into the chilled atmosphere to create the snowflakes which cover the slope to a depth of 40 cm. Or so says the press blurb.

Real snow?

But does it feel like real snow? And what鈥檚 it like to ski on?听 In the interest of research, you understand, I had to give it a go.

The sub-zero temperature certainly feels like the chill air of the piste. And there鈥檚 a satisfying crunch to the snow underfoot.

It鈥檚 a few years since a skiing holiday to the French Alps so I thought I鈥檇 get my ski legs back on the 40m x 40m nursery slope. OK so far.

There鈥檚 a button lift to take you to the top (I鈥檓 told there will be two by the time it opens). If you鈥檝e not used one before, there will be plenty of young ski dudes to help you on and off.

And then we were at the top of the main slope. 鈥淜eep your weight on your downhill ski, bend your knees - and smile!鈥� said Geoff. 鈥淭hen at least you look like you know what you're doing!" he added reassuringly.

The thing is: it鈥檚 not that steep and it鈥檚 fairly even which makes it even for beginners who they鈥檝e clearly pitched it to.听

But if you鈥檙e after the adrenaline rush of the black runs at Chamonix or mogul skiing, then you might be underwhelmed.

Apr猫s ski

Chill Factore is much about fun. And as Rolf Harris used to say, the kids will love it. For non-skiers or snowboarders, it has an activity slope they can go down on inner tubes. And there鈥檚 a 60m luge if you fancy the high speed tea tray approach.

And of course, no Alpine village would be complete without the requisite outdoor shops ranging from Snow & Rock to chain eateries like Nandos and Wetherspoons. There's even a climbing wall too.

Chill Factore is a bold vision: to bring the fun of the piste to the North West of England. And it kind of works.

Of course, alpine fun comes at a price. An off peak family ticket is going to set you back 拢48 for a 90 minute lift pass, although admission does include ski, boot and snowboard hire. Lessons are 拢60 minimum.

But then flights to Geneva don鈥檛 come cheap either.听So if you want snow, you know where to go...

Chill Factore is off junction 10 of the M60 motorway. Entrance is on Trafford Way off Trafford Boulevard.