In 2008, during my overseas assignment, we had a weekend in Fall where most of us (Commissioning Engineers) were available. We have decided to experience skiing. One of the friend suggested to go to this resort, which is quite close to our place.
Majority of us are from South East Asia, therefore we never
played Ski, let alone experienced snow. At the entry point of the resort, one
has to choose between Ski and Snowboard. I asked the staff and also some
friends, they recommended snowboard for first timer. Half of us chose ski,
while another half chose snowboard, including me.
All of us getting ready with our complete snow gears. The temperature was around -1degC. I was excited and scared at the same time. This is my first time experiencing snow, and I’m gonna do snowboarding. Three different level (slope) of options available. The main difference is the steepness angle. The lowest level with the least angle, and so forth. Being boys, it’s natural we liked adventures. All of us took the Ski cable car, and go straight to the 2nd Level.
It’s a bit challenging to get down from the moving cable car
while holding the snowboard and with thick snow gears. Somehow we managed to
get down at 2nd Level. We helped each other to wear ski and
snowboard. There were a lot of others as well. Some locals, and some
foreigners, which is to be expected for tourist attraction places.
At this point, all of us got separated, and individually
have to maneuver the rest. I’m clearly not a natural snowboarder. I struggled a
lot to do the snowboard. For every 2-3 feet, my butt will be touching the
ground. I’m worried that I might injured someone. After about 30minutes of
struggling to move 20 feet, I gave up, and just sat on the ground. One of the
life guard from the resort noticed, and approached me. He asked politely if I
know how to snowboard. I told him the truth. He said, the resort is providing
free lessons for the beginners, but it is done at 1st level. He strongly suggested
me to join the free class, otherwise I’m blocking the way for other.
The cable car is dedicated to go up only. One has to slide down. Therefore, he “assisted” me to snowboard from level 2 to level 1. It was fun. Then,
I joined the free class for 45min. The lessons were good, and useful. However, the
two-hour limit for the resort rental is approaching anyway. Therefore, I didn’t
attempt to go back to level 2. I stayed at level 1, and enjoyed the resort
view.
As for my friends, they enjoyed the Ski Resort and playing Ski/Snowboard. Some of them even went to level 3. Really happy for them.
For me, the experience of playing snowboard the first time is memorable. I haven’t tried ski nor snowboard after that. I’m cherishing those moments until now. Every time I tell this to a group of friends, they won’t believe my story. They will say, there is no winter season in Dubai, and not possible to play Ski or Snowboard. There is no Ski resort in the dessert. Well, I have photo evidences.
Thanks for Reading.
