Chill Factore, Manchester

It’s not that easy, either. The poles are fixed to the constantly moving overhead conveyor wire. This is in contrast to most resort drag lifts where the poles are gently dispensed to the user before being automatically attached to the overhead wire. Here at the Trafford Centre, you have to grab a pole as it comes up behind you, pull against a strong spring and get the button between your legs in one swift movement.

Once they sorted the problem, the queue disappeared however. By going pretty well non-stop I managed to do twenty runs in the 90 minutes. The slope was never crowded and although there is no substitute for spectacular scenery and long runs down quiet sunny mountains, it was good clean aerobic fun!

I think I shall book one or two lessons here before going skiing abroad in March.