Every winter Manchester gets the faintest whiff of snow and all the residents get all excited for the possibilities of a white Christmas and all the various winter sports this could lead to. The inevitable rain that washes away such hopes and dreams will only serve to make you more determined to seek out a getaway that might be a little more adventurous. Though it does get more precipitation than snow, Manchester has a healthy amount of ski and snowboard stores that can help with equipment and advice - and thanks to the Chill Factore’s snowdome, you can take to the slopes immediately.  Why not get kitted up and practicing your technique with our guide to the best places in Manchester to pick up essential ski and snowboarding kit.

Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports

Situated in Manchester city centre, on Deansgate, Ellis Brigham offers a great range of products. Though primarily a climbing store it has branched out and many of the expert staff specialise in skiing or boarding. So if you’re looking for some solid advice from people who’ve seen the ups and downs of the slopes then this is a great place to listen to qualified ski instructors talk about what you’ll really need out their on the piste.

130 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GQ. Tel: 0161 837 6140

Snow + Rock

This Didsbury store offers huge shop space to get a real feel for the equipment you might be using up on the mountains. It is also nicely tucked away from the thrum of the centre of Manchester, accessible from the M56 and M60 quite easily. Offering the best range of seasonal clothing as well as gear for shredding the powder of the Alps and beyond. They also mount ski bindings, which can be a huge help, and the huge floor space of Snow and Rock means you can even take a few steps without worrying about crashing into displays and other patrons.

Unit 1, 751-807 Princess Parkway, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2ZE 

Snowboard Asylum

Though there is a small section of the Ellis Brigham Deansgate store dedicated to this snowboard specific company, Snowboard Asylum. Head to Castlefield to speak to the experts about what you will need to take to the board with regards to both your style and your skillset. Located just outside the centre of town near the Museum of Science and Industry this is a great place to get the know how on snowboarding… or should that be snow-how?

Wellington Mill, Duke Street, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4NF Tel: 0161 211 6200 

Subvert

Owned and operated by passionate riders, Subvert is as serious about boarding as you can get. With limited edition collections of stock thanks to their contacts gleaned from years on the snowboarding circuit, this cool store prides itself on the honesty of their staff, who do it for the love of the sport. The beauty of Subvert is that once you’ve found what you like then you’re already at the Chill Factore and you can book in your first lessons on the purpose built indoor ski and snowboard slope near to the Trafford Centre.

Unit 11, Chill Factore, Trafford Way, Manchester M41 7JA Tel: 0161 747 6066 

Nevisport

Another central location, just a few shops up from Ellis Brigham on Manchester’s popular Deansgate, Nevisport offers the largest selection of mountainwear’s most durable makers, Berghaus. Providing goggles, great thermal wear and all the fleece you’ll ever need, the store is your one stop shop to make sure you keep warm on the summit, as well as truly durable items that you’ll need for a holiday on the slopes – as well as some funky kit for that all important après ski.

188-192 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3ND Tel: 0161 839 9880 

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