Ski Dubai or Spa Dubai?

Can’t believe I am sitting here in the locker room at Ski Dubai with my rental parka, pants, and ski boots on, while the temperature outside is close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yes, my twin sister got to plan the day, and she insisted on this outing because she likes to do everything that is new and different. In my hands is a fleece hat and fleece gloves (which I had to buy because Ski Dubai doesn’t rent them for hygiene reasons). We initially balked at the hat, wondering why we would possibly need a fleece hat for a few runs down the slopes in this man-made mountain in a shopping mall. But they insisted that without a hat our ears might get frostbitten. Yikes.

I’m sitting on the chairlift now, heading to the top for my third run. Amazingly, they were right about the hat – it is cold in here, but we take our chances with frostbite for the photos. This entire experience is a bit surreal. They got it just right: The snow feels like snow and the chairlift is exactly like the ones we are used to in Colorado. There is even a ski patrol, a toboggan for the injured, and a small hut where one can get hot chocolate.

Of course, you do so while the clock is ticking because you only have two hours before your ski ticket no longer works. But if you buy enough food in the warming hut, they give you an extra 30 minutes. Well, we won’t be needing it, because after this run we’re heading to Harvey Nichols in the mall to do some shopping. Besides, my nose is running.