On the slopes of the largest indoor ski resort in the world, in Shanghai, fun before the climate

LETTER FROM SHANGHAI During the official opening day of the Shanghai L + Snow Indoor, the largest indoor ski resort in the world, in Shanghai, September 6, 2024. HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP There is always a moment of anxiety when going up in a moving gondola: will we be able to fit the pair of skis into the compartment provided for this purpose before the doors close? The discomfort caused by boots and others also hoisting their skis doesn’t help. Eventually, Chen Yiluo and Ma Yuxiao, two students, managed to get on board and the egg, with its clearly visible advertisement for Lindt Pyrenees chocolates, soon rose above the snowy slopes, in a setting evoking distant peaks. of Europe with fake chalet fronts and fake Alpine-inspired castle, Tyrol trend. Just the sight of the Poma logo on the ski lifts took us back to memories of lessons at the ESF and the Ovomaltine bar. But the ascent is rapid, it would almost make the presence of the cable car in addition to the detachable four-seater chairlift almost questionable, except perhaps on busy days. No altitude sickness once you reach the summit – an elevation of 60 meters – where those who are still afraid of going on the slopes can stop at the Bar du glacier, the mountain restaurant. “It’s still impressive,” comments computer science student Chen Yiluo, 18, in a black jumpsuit, observing the world’s largest indoor ski complex, while hesitating between her rabbit-eared hat and the helmet which was provided to him with the skis. Ma Yuxiao, in a blue Burton jacket and pants, has already come several times. Located at the end of Shanghai, far beyond the international airport and an hour and twenty minutes drive from the center, the L + Snow Indoor was listed in the Guinness Book of Records upon its inauguration in September, when it was still over 30°C outside and while the city had just experienced its hottest month of August in sixty years. The complex is clearly visible from the window of approaching planes, with its assembly of solar panels on the roof depicting a skier. Here, for the equivalent of 50 euros for four hours, equipment included, there are three slopes, one blue, one red with a blue tendency and a black with a red tendency. The latter has its security agent to dissuade novices from venturing out. There is also a snow play area for children, an electric train that takes the curious up and down the slopes, a large outdoor water park and a hotel. You have 56.85% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.



Source link