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?
0 thoughts on “Revisiting Ski Dubai (1 of 2)”
Angeli
So it’s like Christmas all-year long there? Saya naman.. 🙂
Angelis last blog post..Bereft of the people you used to wonder with
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Nebz
It sure looks fun but (the kuripot in me says…) it’s kinda costly for me.
Nebzs last blog post..I think moms would love the Saudi censors
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kayni
amazing how they could create winter there. it looks winter real to me. the good thing about this is, is you can experience winter anytime of the year.
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bw
This looks amazing , considering that it is indoors ! Must be a gigantic place and they must be using a lot of electricity all year round to keep this place going 🙂
bws last blog post..You’ll Not Understand Everything
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ekstranghero
whoa! inggit! winter in dubai? just awesome!
ekstrangheros last blog post..Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Case of the $2.13-M Comma
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kg
ang ganda! icompare mo naman sa snow world dito…haaay…kaya naman maraming pinoy ang nangangarap “makakita ng snow.” 🙂
kgs last blog post..To my first creative swap partner
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Rico
Ang saya dito ah. Mas maganda pa sa Star City. I want to try the slide!
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upto6only
super ganda ng place. and like what Rico said, mas maganda pa sa star city. hehehe. Buti pede kang kumuha ng pics inside.
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Garando
very very COOL! I’m impressed with the quality of ice they used because the snow looks so real. It looks like it’s a lot of fun to do that frozen slide. I so want to try it!!
About the cold drinks, I remember eating 3 scoops of gelato in Warsaw when it was about 5C that evening. Bad idea! I was shivering as I walked back to my hotel.
Garandos last blog post..Warsaw, Poland: Series 1 (part 1)
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Photo Cache
Do they have a maximum number of people allowed at one time inside? I reckon it must be a popular spot and would get full easily.
Haven’t been to one, but it must be very thrilling to experience it.
Photo Caches last blog post..Sky Watch #43 and Photo Hunt #40: Painted
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PM
so cool! may winter pala sa dubai? ako hindi pa ko nakakapasok sa ganiyang environment eh masyado akong takot na ginawin LOL sabi mo nga hindi kumpleto ang equipment dito sa RP ng mga ganiyang establishment. pero ang ganda ha! ang cool pa nung ice bar!
PMs last blog post..By The Numbers
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mordsith
i wonder how long can i endure the cold? maybe 10 minutes! hehe. the slide looks fun. 🙂
mordsiths last blog post..Like a Fairy Tale Come True
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dennis villegas
Wow ang galing.You can actually experience winter in the midst of the desert! Again so many beautiful pictures but I,like best the photo of Mr. Snowman.
dennis villegass last blog post..A Nostalgic Midnight Walk in Downtown Iloilo
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onyxx
normally, “ski” and “dubai” being used in the same sentence doesn’t make much sense :). it’s amazing just oodles of $$ can make seemingly incongruous things gel into one fun-filled experience. i bet you had a blast
onyxxs last blog post..throwback
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piapot
wow! that was amazing! though i don’t know how to ski… and second, i get cold easily i have chills a lot. anyway i would love to try it sometime, and i love the pictures! 🙂
piapots last blog post..A Confession of an Addict
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odette
wow! that is soooo cool! (pun intended ^-^)
i always have my reservations too, when it comes to slippery ice, because i feel old already and my reflexes aren’t as good anymore, and breaking a leg has always been one of my biggest fears!
odettes last blog post..springtime, as i see it
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Nomadic Pinoy
Living in a frigid city during winter, I’m quite impressed that Dubai has perfected Arctic conditions considering where it is geographically. But then, this is Dubai – anything is possible, isn’t it?
Nomadic Pinoys last blog post..Manhattan Buys Local
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dong ho
one can really doubt if you’re in the middle east. the place is really beautiful! i like the idea. maybe they should put one in the philippines as well. what do you think?
dong hos last blog post..sta cruz marinduque – roadtrip
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sheng
i swear nagcomment ako dito, nasaan na yun?
shengs last blog post..The Story of The Priceless Curtain Rods
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Rach (Heart of Rachel)
That’s an impressive snow park. I wish Snow World was a huge as that one. Limited lang kasi yung sa Snow World. It’s good that you were allowed to bring your camera inside. The dragon ice sculpture is amazing. The helmets for the kids is a great idea for extra protection.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)s last blog post..Weekend Snapshot #74
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Sleepless In KL
Quite expensive, no? We were there last May 3 but it was just one day and we didn’t feel it was worth paying that much for just 1 or 2 hours. Plus we’ve all seen real snow already 😉
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