— witsandnuts

Revisiting Ski Dubai (1 of 2)

The first time I visited Ski Dubai was in March of last year. I remember I chilled a lot especially that winter was just about to end that time. Unlike Star City’s Snow World (in December 2007) wherein only a long jacket was provided, pants, jackets, boots, socks, and necessary accessories for the skiiers are handed to the visitors at the entrance.

In addition, helmet is required for those below 13 years old. Most of the adult visitors wear bonnets. I purchased one last year, together with the mittens, from Ski Dubai store (selling mostly souvenir items). I suggest you purchase the ones with ‘Ski Dubai’ embroidered on it because these will serve as practical memento aside from that these are reusable.

Lockers are available for AED20 each compartment, with AED10 refundable deposit for the security access card. Adding to last year’s Fly Ski Dubai (AED 50), ski slope (AED180 for the first two hours) and snow park (AED 80) as main attractions are family sledge and mountain thriller (exclusive to Super Pass at AED 200). We opted for the Super Pass in order to experience the new attractions and to have access to all the areas/activities.

This dragon will welcome you as you reach the prime iced area. The color changes from time to time.

Instead of this snowman, an igloo was previously on this spot. I think they changed this in time for Christmas last year and kept it since Mr. Snowman will always belong to snow park whichever time of year it is.

Artificial pine trees are staple here. You will notice that there are trash cans. It is worthmentioning though that the area is always tidy and for that you will not hesitate to play with the artificial snow (powdery ice).

Even if warning of “throwing of snow is not allowed” is explicitly posted, the children (and even the grown ups) cannot help but still play with it. I think the watchers are tolerating this to a certain extent, as long as it’s reasonably and playfully done to no one’s discomfort.

I really, really liked the quality of ice they used. It looks pristine and thank you to the -4 degrees centigrade (Star City’s Snow World has -15 degrees centigrade in 2007) environment that these are constantly in a solid form. Take a look at this close up shot of pine tree leaves as an example:

The slide in the snow park is the most favorite of people from all ages. Think of fear of heights’ relationship with fear of sliding/falling. Last year, I was screaming (with eyes closed) the first time I tried this curvaceous slide.

But after that, I got the courage to try some more. You will notice that there’s a queue in here. A group slide is more fun (and less scary).

But this time, I did forego this. Instead, I was intent (yet scared) to try the killer slide and chairlfit. Details in next post.

Whenever I would chicken out, I draw a bunch of inspiration from the young ones who are brave enough to try anything. I remember having a discussion about this with my companions the first time I tried this icy slide. Children are generally more carefree compared to the adults. Hence, they are not afraid to try, fall, get embarrassed. All they have in mind is to try it especially if it is something new and that it would be fun.

While going up to the entry point for the slide, you may opt to walk on the hanging bridge.

Or take this walkalator, which will also take you to the family sledge (you do the slide while seated on the ring bouy).

There was one point that I got a little tired with all the goofing, taking shots, sliding and so. I decided to sit for awhile. But after a minute I was hugely chilling already, with my arms folded and/or hands rubbed (despite that I was wearing mittens). It is advisable to keep moving to moderate the temperature.

Good thing though, they have decided to put up a mini-bar inside.

(They’re also selling cold sodas! Surprisingly, there are people buying it while it’s already a breeze.)

I think the ice bar menu is awesome.

I am not very fond of drinking coffee/hot drinks, but I badly needed this time. The cup says that’s a moccachino. But that’s actually the regular nescafe.

The cocktail environment is set up like this. Figuratively and literally cool, isn’t it?

(Next: Chairlift, killer slide and ski slope)