DUBAI Believe it or not, Dubai is now home to the world’s fastest real snow making system as a winter effects company churns out freezing white slopes in a jiffy.
Called Desert Snow, the Al Quoz-based facility has become the talk of the town as it erects everything from ski domes and snowboarding slopes to tubing slides and spa snow rooms for a variety of events, including kiddie birthday parties, in the UAE.
Ben Elliott Scott, the facility’s managing director, told XPRESS: “We can produce up to 1,000 cubic metres of snow in any location and at any temperature within 24 hours. We either transport the snow made at our facility in insulated boxes or produce the snow on site just before it’s needed so it can be enjoyed for longer periods of time.”
Closed circuit
He said the snow is chemical-free and safe for all occasions. It is not sensitive to ambient temperature which means it can be produced throughout the year. Desert Snow’s snow-making system, which can be used at above-zero temperatures, involves an advanced cooling technology which freezes water in an efficient heat exchanger. The water freezes due to the cold temperature. The refrigerants used remain in a closed circuit and cannot leak on to a slope.
Scott said the possibilities to make memorable snow-themed events are endless, whether it’s for sports or other events. The application of real snow is wide, from snowboarding world cups to inner city ski slopes to the making of snow sculptures or throwing snowballs. The snow can be made on a scale large enough to host large outdoor sports events, from open-to-public ski and snowboarding slopes to international spectator sport championships such as Big Air and rail sliding.”
He said Desert Snow has the expertise to construct indoor snow set-ups, including large ski domes and small snow rooms to compliment saunas in spas and health clubs. It’s outdoor tubing slides and snow parks are especially popular at children’s birthday parties. “We create a snow space of 10 metres by 10 metres where kids can build snowmen or indulge in snowball fights. Our crew members help dress up the snowmen and we also provide face masks for safety during the snowball fights.”
The cost varies from site to site but typically, a 20-foot insulated box of real snow comes for Dh3,000 plus delivery charges.
Scott said to avoid last-minute disappointment, those wishing to use Desert Snow’s service are advised to get in touch a week or at least 48 hours in advance.
