Wireless - Chill Factore

Wireless Network has Ski Village covered

Wireless technology is proving to be beneficial at the Chill Factore, a massive, real snow, indoor ski village which dominates the skyline of west Manchester next to the Trafford Centre.

Chill Factore contracted Pennine Telecom to install a wireless network in both the cold and warm zones, to alow efficient management of visitors and enable more flexible working for staff.

After undertaking a comprehensive survey, Pennine installed five Proxim wireless stations backed up with networking equipment designed by themselves and now the whole complex is cov ered by the network.

The main ski slope itself is 180 metres long, opening up to 100 metres wide at the bottom.  There is a separate learner slope, a luge track, a children's snowplay area and a climbing wall along with bars and restaurants and a conference suite.

"We have three different uses for the network," said Stuart Wright, Head of IT at the complex.

"It allows our managers and staff to use laptops to access our systems no matter where they are in the complex.  It effectively means they can take their office with them, if for instance, they go to a meeting room.

"The system also offers free public wi-fi access for our guests in the conference rooms and bars.

"Finally it allows us to use handhelds for order-taking in the bars for drinks, etc, and for security and checking lift passes on the slope itself."

Pennine installed two outdoor stations, which have to operate in a temperature of -10 degrees and three indoor stations.  The units in the cold zone are completely covered in ice and they still perform exactly as they should. The great advantage is that no wiring is necessary, all the units need is power - everything else is done through the wi-fi.

Chill Factore is proving a magnet for companies who are using the conference and meeting facilities and then entertaining their guests or staff on the slopes.

"The luge and snow tubing are particularly popular," said Stuart.  "The fact that there is free internet access in the conference rooms is an added bonus."