Snow in the Desert, Ski Dubai!

Snow In The Desert, Ski Dubai!

Winter wonderland emerges in the sand! Truly a White Christmas!

I have decided to give an update on each and every journal I write. This will include the travel to the airport, the Customs and Immigration queues and efficiency, the airport layout from a passenger's point of view at their destination, Duty Free Shops and perhaps additional information that might be of help. I would also like to point out that this information is offered from my personal experience.

The anticipation of finally witnessing a winter sport in the middle of the desert was building up dramatically as soon as I boarded the SUV taking us to Ski Dubai. I thought, how is it possible? I had gazillions of ideas springing in my head but the only answer I can come up with was the power of black gold.

I stood in awe in front of this mammoth construct from the second floor of the Mall of the Emirates! To contain my excitement, I took my Sony-Ericsson mobile phone and started taking pictures. After I calmed down, I went to the stand-alone booth and requested some info regarding the Ski Dubai. Across the way I spotted a Haagen Dazs parlour and immediately I ordered a scoop each of Banoffee and Macadamia Brittle my personal favourites in keeping with the theme of coolness in the desert.

Now here is some of the info regarding Ski Dubai fees and general information I collected.

Ski Dubai Snow School – Up & Down the Slope in Five Simple Steps

1. Enter Ski Dubai and gear up in your winter equipment ready for your pre-booked lesson. What's included: Clothing, boots and quipment except for hats and gloves which can be purchased at Snow Pro. Key Card Deposit of AED 10 and Locker Rental of AED 10.

You can pre-book your lesson through the Ski Dubai Call Centre, (04) 409 4000 or at Ski Dubai. To check your level, have a look at skidxb.com.

2. Meet your instructor and your lesson mates, ready to try out the equipment.

Lessons are classified into adult and child groups, as well as into different ability levels. All Beginner and Level 1 lessons are held on a separate beginners slope.

Lessons have a maximum of 10 participants. Follow the instructions from the cashier to get to your meeting point.

The Beginner Lesson Programme is designed to help you meet the minimum skills requirements for entry to the main slope: Stopping Safely, Controlling Speed, Performing Linked Turns and the Ability to Use the Lift.

3. Try it out. Let your instructor guide you through the process of learning to ski or snowboard.

A lesson lasts for 1.5 hours on the slope, including a warm up, practising new skills, learning tips for improvement and of course, having a lot of fun. If there are 3 or less participants, adult lessons may be shortened to 1 hour. Child lessons are not shortened but if the participants get tired, they may spend supervised time in the Snow Park as well as on the slopes.

Lesson packages are available for those who want to work their way steadily through the level. For those who prefer personalised instruction, private lessons are available. Maximum private group numbers are 3 people per instructor.

4. Finish your lesson with a debriefing from your instructor and find out what progress you've made.

Ski Dubai Lesson Programmes are skill based so you can take as little time or as long as you need to become confident on the slopes. The instructors understand that everyone learns at a different speed and will guide you through the levels at your own pace.

Child lessons are part of an ongoing achievement prrogramme, the Polar Bear Club. Progress is recorded in a personal passport after a lesson. When all exercises in a level are completed, learners receive stamps in their passport and are eligible to acquire the corresponding Polar Bear badge. These badges are a reward for achievement and can only be purchased once the set skill level has been reached.

5. Book next lesson ready for the challenge of advancing to another level for your next visit.

Entry Prices are as follows in AED.

Snow Park: Adults (50) Child (40)

Ski Slope for 2 Hours: Adult Peak (130) Off Peak (115); Child Peak (110) Off Peak (100)

Extension per Hour: Adult (30) Child (20) Peak or Off Peak times.

Ski Slope Day Pass: Adult Peak (220) Off Peak (205); Child Peak (170) Off Peak (160)

Express Pass: Adult Peak (1170) Off Peak (1035); Child Peak (990) Off Peak (900)

I hope you find this blog helpful and interesting.

Season greetings to all of you, take care and May God Bless you All!

Alan Aldana