Revisiting Ski Dubai (2 of 2)

Continued from Snow Park and Ice Bar

The other way to do the slide in the snow is by sitting on the ring buoy.

Or this one,

Either way is less scary compared to the slide in Snow Park, but still thrilling because of the bouncing at the far end that will make you feel that you’re being thrown out.

It’s very encouraging to play around the iced structures, especially having your photos taken with these. It’s also good that all types of cameras and videos are allowed inside. I remember when I visited Snow World in Star City in 2007, cameras and other form of recorders were required to be surrendered (I just partially complied though, the same with other visitors. If there’s a will, there’s always a plan B) to profit more through their official photographers. I was smiling when Star City’s staff reasoned out that the “snow” inside would damage the camera.

Aside from the snowman, another more photographed spot is this one. Our group photos (we’re not the ones in here) were hilarious to look at, with our heads goofing through the holes. We were lucky enough that the official photographer assigned in this area is a Filipino. We handed our cameras to him to photograph us.

Unlike my first visit wherein the Snow Park consumed me most, I was intent to explore the slopes this time. We tried chairlifting, which is commercially promoted as Fly Ski Dubai.

It’s like riding in a cable car, except that it’s open just like that. If you’re following this blog, you probably know that I chicken out with heights. Surprisingly (or on purpose), I tried it (I was seated at the middle though) with opened eyes and no screaming (yay!).

I even managed to take several shots of the ongoing skiing, chairlift riders from the opposite side (going down). Biggest surprise: I was able to look down while riding. I’m reconsidering that I actually have relative aerophobia. Siguro nawawala ang takot ko pag “snow” ang babagsakan ko.

In case you’re already scared to death with the heights or breeze, you can drop by to Avalanche Cafe (the staff will ask before you take the chairlift). It’s a drop off point before you are chairlifted to the higher area, then going down.

We stopped by not to have the (free) hot drink or that we were chilling, but to take photos of the skiiers and snowboarders.

Whether or not you have aerophobia, you’ll be mesmerized by the view from the cafe. You’d realize more how huge is the establishment.

According to Ski Dubai’s website, it is 22,500 square meters covered with real snow all year round – (equivalent to 3 football fields), 85 meters high (approximately 25 stories) and 80 meters wide, can have full capacity of 1,500 guests, and has 5 runs.

If you’re trying the Mountain Thriller/killer slide, the starting point is steps away from Avalance Cafe. Here’s a glimpse that I catched while there. And yes, we tried it.

You may go solo or by pair. At one point, I thought of backing out. That was when I noticed only a few were trying it. But then I realized that if I don’t, I would ride the chairlift alone to go down. Besides, to slide is faster. Hahaha. Seriously, I thought it is thrilling. And it really was. When it was my turn, I surprisingly did not close my eyes (I normally do when I’m scared) as I fastly did slide on the curves. But I screamed at those particular zigging, I can’t remember which curves, that I thought I was already thrown out and no longer on the slide. It felt fast yet never ending (slide was literally long). Until I reached the end and exclaimed, “haha, tapos na!” It was a mixed feeling of relief and adrenaline rush.

As I got up, I passed by this sort of training area. Ski Dubai Snow School conducts group and private lessons for those who would like to learn to skii and snowboard. You would see a group in this area having their session. The visitors who wish to enter the skiing/snowboarding area are required to have the minimum skill requirements. For those who don’t, the school offers lessons to get you to the right level.

(You’d see neighbor establishments in the wall end)

This child is admitted as a beginner. Only those 3 years old and above are allowed entry to Ski Dubai.

I think I’d like to take a lesson in my next visit.

Ski Dubai is located off Sheikh Zayed Road at 4th interchange, towards AL Barsha. Access through Mall of the Emirates, West Side parking area. Email: info@skidxb.com, Website: www.skidxb.com

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