Experiencing the thrill of the sit-ski!
Adventure holidays are my favourite kind of holiday so I had to try the sit ski before heading to the Alps.
Chill Factore is the UK’s longest indoor ski slope located in the Trafford Park area of Manchester. Imagine a £31-million real snow centre complete with viewing areas, shopping village, bars and cafes. Luckily for me, it is within 30 minutes of where I live. There are also three other centres under the Snozone at Xscape brand which are located in Braehead Glasgow, Milton Keynes and Castleford. These are fantastic due to the staff being experts and very happy to help you with everything I’d been skiing before visiting Chill Factore but many years ago and I used a glide ski, which is a Zimmer frame with skis attached!
Although I was capable of standing up to ski, I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t using a sit ski at the time because it looked so much more fun hitting the slopes at high speed. I’m a wheelchair user but I am able to transfer using a crutch. I was advised by the disabled ski specialists at Chill Factore that the Piloted Dualski bi-ski was most suitable for my requirements.
The Piloted Dualski bi-ski is designed for semi-dependent people as well as dependent people who want to ski with a high level of comfort and performance. The instructor was behind me at all times, including on the ski lift and in control of the speed and direction, this did make me feel very confident that I was in safe hands.
I was given a few instructions and as we turned corners I was asked to lean to that side to assist with speed and steering. If you are not able to tilt to the side, that’s ok, your instructor will be able to assist and still make you feel safe. I can’t describe the feeling as you ski, it’s an incredible feeling of freedom, truly amazing!
Before arriving at the Chill Factore one of my concerns was that I wouldn’t be able to hold on with my grip being limited but this wasn’t a problem with the seat being so snug. You also have a seat belt, helmet, bar to hold onto and highly qualified and experienced instructor so you will definitely feel safe. Also don’t worry if you can’t wear ski boots because you don’t have to wear these in the sit-ski. I wasn’t nervous as I’ve skied before, however apparently nerves are common, so don’t worry if you are a bit on edge. You will be reassured and once you get going the excitement and adrenaline will soon take over.
My favourite part was the anticipation as you got to the top of the lift. It’s a long way down but your assistant will make you feel calm. If you are into adventure holidays and haven’t tried skiing, I would definitely recommend you give it a try.
My top tip: Love the thrill from the speed of the sit-ski! No beginners would be able to enjoy high speed unless they were a beginner sit-ski. You should also relax because after your first go down the slope, I promise you will want to go again! If you can get the opportunity to try an indoor ski centre then you have four to choose from around the country, or maybe you want to just take the plunge and head straight for the snowy slopes and apres-ski.
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