Ear to the

ground

“I don’t even think they ride. They just like sit around drinking coffee in Spandex.”

-Local man commenting on the mysterious coffee house/road cyclist connection

Ski Dubai

Conventional wisdom holds that cold and snow make for a quality ski experience (the Southwest is learning that hard truth again this ski season). However, a new ski resort in an unlikely place is bucking that old maxim.

The oil-rich, desert nation of Dubai, located along the Persian Gulf, boasts one of the newest additions to the ski resort world, “Ski Dubai.” The resort is actually located inside a massive building just 10 minutes from the beach and an airlock away from 90-plus degree temperatures. Courtesy of massive air conditioning and state-of-the-art snowmaking, snow is kept chilled to a temperature of 24 to 26 degrees. The size of three football fields, the “ski area” has five runs, a half-pipe and the world’s only indoor black-diamond trail.

“Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow,” the resort boasts. “Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.”

Snow in the desert doesn’t come cheap, however. A two-hour session inside the giant dome costs $130 for adults and $110 for children. Included in the price are: “jacket, skis, snowboard, ski poles, helmets for children, trousers, ski boots, snowboard boots and disposable socks.”

Ready to Ride

For those less inclined to buck Mother Nature and a little lighter in the pocket book, there is a new local offering. “Ready to Ride,” a series of free presentations to help people get the most out of their cycling season, kicks off this Thurs., Feb. 9.

The get-togethers focus on riding performance, injury prevention, nutrition and bike mechanics. The first takes place Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Durango Sports Club, 1600 Florida Road. Olympic mountain biker Travis Brown will offer training tips from a pro; Dr. Richard Lawton will discuss repetitive-use knee injuries; and physical therapist Rick Stockwell will offer his insights on knee problems. Space is limited, so call 259-2579 to reserve a space.

“Ready to Ride” will continue Feb. 16 & 23.