Years before I decided to work abroad, I used to think that life in the Middle East can be very sad and boring. I pictured it out as living in the middle of a lifeless desert, where I must handle a backbreaking workload and struggle in a burning temperature; all in exchange for growth and a better future! Then, when I learned about United Arab Emirates, a fast-growing, multicultural country in the Middle East, my perception changed. I knew from then that if I have to work outside the Philippines, and with Middle East as my only option, it should be in the UAE!
When I arrived in Dubai, I realized I was right with the struggle in a burning hot weather and I was clearly wrong with the dreary life. For five years, I'm living in an astonishing desert city where everything is possible! I am in the midst of an 830 m skyscraper, a 7-star hotel with a very unique shape, a palm-shaped island and a ski resort! Yes, there are snow slopes in the hottest part of the world! :)
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Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. It is the ultimate attraction to visit during the peak of summer, when temperature can rise up to 45C! Ski Dubai has an area of 22,500m2 covered with real snow! The 85 meters high and 80 meters wide indoor ski resort has 5 different types of slopes for beginners and expert Skiers, with quad chairlift, tow lift and flying carpet snow sled. There is also a 3,000m Snow Park for guests who are not really into snow sports.
The Snow Park
The Snow Park is a top choice for most visitors. The entrance fee already includes the Ski clothing. A thick winter coat and pants, a pair of snow boots and a helmet (for kids) are handed over upon entry. The gloves are not provided, however guests can buy a cheap pair at the Snow Pro shop and use it on their next visit or keep it as a souvenir!
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| 2008 - my first snow adventure at Ski Dubai's Snow Park |
The Snow Park resembles an amazing mountain ski resort. It is where you can enjoy winter activities; from adrenaline-rushing rides like tobogganing and snow tubing, to fun and relaxing activities like making a snow angel, building a snowman, exploring the snow cavern, and just sipping hot chocolate at the cafe.
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| January 2010 - Ed went mountain climbing in Ski Dubai's Snow Park |
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| January 2010 - fun and relaxation time in Ski Dubai |
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| January 2010 - my thrill-seeker husband tried all the adrenaline rushing activities |
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| July 2010 - fun-filled family time |
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| July 2010 - My parents loved snow tubing and sliding at the Snow Park |
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| July 2010 - chillin (literally) in Ski Dubai while the temperature was at scorching 45C outside |
The Ski Slopes
Ed and I were able to ski on a Beginner Slope last year! My husband always brings out the adventurous side of me! We attended the Discovery Lesson and learned the basics of skiing. The Ski School instructors made everything fun and simple, however it wasn't as easy as I thought it was. My first concern was getting in and out of my skis; balance is a must! Second, I wasn't comfortable with standing and moving on skis; most probably because I was never into any kind of sport! The third, and the most difficult, was finding my balance while going downhill. I wasn't able to finish the slope and fell on my butt halfway a lot of times, but eventually learned and somehow mastered the basics after a few runs.
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| April 2012 - Ed and I in Ski Dubai's Ski School |
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| April 2012 - learning the basics of skiing in Ski Dubai |
This year, Ski Dubai added another fun attraction, the Peng-Friend Encounter. It is where guests can interact with cute and fascinating Snow Penguins! So, I guess my four visits to Ski Dubai were still not enough. I must see the penguins up-close, while Ed is planning to take more ski lessons at the Ski School!
Location:
Ski Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
Dubai, UAE
Rates:
Snow Park: 140 AED (adult) / 130 AED (child)
Discovery Lesson (ski lesson for beginners): 150 AED
Peng-Friend Encounter: 175 AED
For promotions and latest offers, visit Ski Dubai's official website. Click here.
11 Blogger Comments
This is great experience for you guys! i love looking all the pictures and how fun it is to experience something like this. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletewow! is the temperature really 0 degrees? it must be an adventure to be in such place!
ReplyDeleteDubai sounds like a realy exciting place! Wish I could visit someday. :D
ReplyDeleteI want to experience snow too. But I am not so sure if I can stand the temperature. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to go skiing indoors. We don't really have such a place here in Singapore.
ReplyDeletewow.. now i want to visit my uncle and aunt in UAE.. hehehe
ReplyDeleteRight...who would have thought no? In the middle of the desert lies an ice world. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteDubai really is a good place to visit especially if you have budget for all these activities. When we were there, pichur pichur lang sa labas hahaha!
ReplyDeletethat ski resort is truly a must-visit site knowing that dubai could get really hot in the summer. 45 degrees is scorching!
ReplyDeleteBefore facebook, photos of the construction of Ski Dubai went viral over email. I remember being in awe of it. It's really wonderful that the OFW life in the Middle East doesn't have to be sad and dreary :)
ReplyDeleteWow! That is one exciting experience! I wish I wish.. hehe
ReplyDelete