|
|
|
|
So the winter season is just about coming to an end in many places and Summer is creeping in. For those of you that have not had enough snow or may not have been able to hit the slopes this year try one of these 5 indoor snow centers and destinations to practice your moves.
SnowWorld - Landgraaf, Netherlands
One of the largest indoor ski resorts in the World. SnowWorld in the Netherlands has over 35,000 square meters of pistes over 5 slopes ranging from blue, greens and a red one. The Eiger slope is a fun park for freestyle snowboarders' and skiers.
With 9 professional ski lifts, there is little waiting time to get one keeping the flow of skiers/boarders constantly moving. Even children have their own lifts giving confidence and knowing they will be safe. A children's area is also set up for tobogganing.
The complex offers food and drink in the two restaurants on site. They also offer specials and barbeque's some weekends. Alternatively if the snow is not for you head for the shops for some retail fun.
Snow Funpark - Wittenburg, Germany
The largest snow park in Europe, opened in 2006, with over 30,000 square meters. Snow Funpark in Germany use state of the art snow machines to ensure that the conditions of the slopes are in top form.
The most impressive highlight of the snow park in Wittenburg is the installed indoor half pipe for professionals. It is the only indoor half pipe in the World. The thought behind this complex was to attract professional competitors and host international events.
Else where around the park you can find Tubing/tobogganing, quad biking, water skiing and a high wire garden for those who are not scared of heights. After a day of activity head for the sports shop center to get kited out.
Ski Dubai - Dubai, UAI
A luxury indoor snow resort. Ski Dubai opened in 2005 in a place that was never expected to see snow! Slap bang in the center of the middle east, it offer 22,500 square meters of slopes and 3,000 square meters of snow park for anyone to go have a play around in the snow.
It's innovative cooling and snow systems keep the area at a consent -1 degrees by day and -6 degrees at night. Quite impressive to say outside is normally over 30 degrees heat. There are 5 slopes each with different difficulty, height and gradients. They even hold the first indoor black run.
If you want to try something different have a go at zorbing down the giant ball run. Else where there is a small freestyle zone, exclusive retail shopping, private children's parties, fancy cafes and 2 themed restaurants.
SnoZone - England, UK
Sat inside the Xscape in England, it is one of Europe's award winning entertainment centers. Although not one of the largest indoor ski slopes, with only 170 meters of piste it does have a fun factor to it. There are slopes for beginners and novices to try out their skills.
Children will especially enjoy it with a park just for them. There they can have toboggan and ice sliding sessions. Novice lessons can also be bought to show you how to use the lifts, control speed and direction and get down the slopes safely.
Other activities at Xscape on offer are rock climbing, bowling, cinemas and indoor sky diving. The complex also holds a number of shops and restaurants letting you shop, eat and play all in one place. There are 3 Xscape centers in the UK, choose from visiting the one in Yorkshire, Braehead or the most popular one in Milton Keynes.
SnowPlanet - Auckland, New Zealand
Heading further South in New Zealand is SnowPlanet. The largest in the southern hemisphere, enjoy a day on the slope and cool off from the heat outside. With a slope of 200 meters in length, it includes a Terrain Park with jumps & rails plus a ski line and beginner's area.
A great park for beginners and experienced skiers alike, there is three ski lifts, a jump, a special area just for snow boarders and over 1,200 square meters zone for novices.
Head to the SnowPlanet restaurant to enjoy a meal whilst watching the action on the snow. Rental gear is also on offer and a qualified ski school should you want to brush up your techniques.
New Developments in Sweden
Sweden is also in the process of developing Skipark 360°, a brand new resort set to be the largest indoor ski resort in the world and the only one which could cater for the World Cup. Looking to launch at the end of 2013, the park will offer ski slopes, a cross country tunnel, a snowboarding park, ice hockey and figure skating. Not only will it be largest but it is also planned that the snow park with be 100% self sufficient using sources such as solar power, wind power, geothermal heating and hydro power.
With so many indoor ski resorts for you to choose you will be needing accommodation to go with it. Be it holiday rentals in Germany, a holiday apartment in the Netherlands or a country home in England. Holiday homes are cheaper than hotels especially when you are travelling as a family or group. They also offer you more privacy and a home from home feel.
|
|
