Desert Skiing
There is nothing like the thrill of white powder under your skis, the cold bite of the wind in your face as you fly down the side of a hill, using wits and skill to avoid anything on your path. For anyone living in a desert region however, this is not something obtainable, or is it?
Where once only desert existed, there now stands a man made ski resort. The outside of Ski Dubai may not be impressive, but when entering, the feeling of being in a much colder part of the world prevails, giving some who never had an opportunity to even see snow the chance to try their skills at skiing. With 5 different slopes, from beginners to expert, this indoor ski facility is quite impressive.
But what about those who want this same thrill without the cold? The newest extreme craze in sports comes in the form of sand skiing, pitting your ski skills against a sand dune rather than traditional ski slopes. To many, this is the ultimate answer, allowing them the same feelings, but without the bite of cold on their cheeks. It is even said that a fall on sand is softer than one on snow, perhaps because sand is not as densely packed as the earth underneath most snow. Interestingly enough, one of the premier locations for indoor skiing is the same for sand skiing as well.
Dubai has made a point of trying to satisfy any tourist’s tastes, and does not fail to please in this unusual sport either. The high dunes of the desert in Dubai are a fast paced ski ride as you travel down, either on special skis, or a pair of old snow skis, it is said that older skis give a better, smoother ride.
Though Dubai seems to be the leader in this craze, it is not the only place to travel for a great experience, visit Africa and try the sand dunes in the Sahara desert, another popular location for those with the desire to play in the sand. Skiing up is much faster than walking, and the trip back down makes the effort worthwhile.
Travelers to Asia will be thrilled with the sand skiing opportunities in Qatar, dunes as far as the eye can see, just waiting for someone to walk, or ski up the surface and speed down. Each dune creates a unique slope to traverse, pitting skill against luck on a less than powdery surface.
Sand skiing locations would not be complete without a mention of Abu Dhabi. With some of the largest sand dunes anywhere on earth, a trip to Abu Dhabi is one the sand skier will not want to miss, the red dunes, some as high as 300 meters, are a challenge well worth the trip.
No matter your choice of destination, keep a few things in mind, these are all desert regions, so be prepared for the heat. Sunscreen or sun block is a must and a wide brimmed hat to shade your eyes is helpful. Early morning hours before the sun is at its peak will be cooler, and of course, light colored clothing will help keep the sun from beating quite so strongly on your back when you speed your way down.
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February 29th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I’ve been to Dubai but not Qatar or Abu Dhabi, I think thats where I will head next if I can’t go ice skiing instead, sorry to say, desert skiing doesnt beat Ice skiing in terms of thrill, its just totally different, with shorter stints instead of long downhills.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Try Hatta as a skiing spot in Dubai. The scenery is beautiful with red dunes and there are hotels and outlets that will rent you equipment easily. Its best to try early morning or in the evening though, the sun gets VERY hot.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:02 am
i wuold like to start sand skiing in Kenya,what equipments are required and what is their availability?