When you think about skiing, something about a ski resort most likely pops into your mind. But, as we have distinguished and explained in other posts, skiing goes above and beyond basic alpine skiing at a ski resort. We have discussed types of extreme skiing, such as heli-skiing and parachute skiing, and we have discussed types of skiing that calls for exploration, such as backcountry skiing, but one type of skiing we have not talked about is indoor skiing. Yes, indoor skiing is actually a thing. So, if you are curious to find out what indoor skiing is, or if you are already familiar with indoor skiing, but want to learn more about it, check out the rest of the article below!
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Indoor Skiing
In the most basic terms, indoor skiing is self-explanatory. It is the activity of skiing indoors.
Indoor skiing is relatively new, and there is not a lot of documented history about indoor skiing. But, what we do know is that it has been around for about twenty five years. Indoor skiing originated in Europe, but it has gained popularity in Asia and Australia in recent years. Finally, indoor skiing was introduced to the U.S. One of the first indoor skiing centers in the U.S. is Indoor Ski USA.
Yes! In some aspects, indoor skiing is safer than outdoor skiing. Some of the reasons that indoor skiing is safer than outdoor skiing is because it is in a completely controlled environment. There are no risks of avalanches or animal attacks. Also, indoor skiing centers tend to have more ski advisors than ski resorts have ski patrols. Thus, there is more moderation.
Even though indoor skiing is safer than outdoor skiing, there are still some risks. One of the biggest risks of indoor skiing is getting hurt. Also, there is more of a chance of colliding with another skier, since you are in a tight and closed off space.
Yes, anybody can indoor ski! Indoor skiing is perfect for people with any level of skiing experience. If you are a beginner, indoor skiing may be the perfect way to get the hang of skiing. Indoor skiing is perfect for beginners because you have the chance of having more one on one time with an instructor, and you are in a controlled environment, thus there are no environmental threats. Indoor skiing is also perfect for advanced and expert level skiers! If you are looking to touch up your skills and tricks, then skiing in the controlled environment of an indoor skiing center may be perfect for you. Thus, whether you have never worn a pair of skis, or you have been skiing mountains since you can remember, indoor skiing is suitable for you.
Even though indoor skiing is not held outside (obviously), the temperature inside the indoor skiing centers is still cold. This is probably due to having to maintain snow. Thus, you can expect the temperatures inside indoor skiing centers to be around 26 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius to negative 3 degrees Celsius).
Thus, even though you will be skiing indoors, still expect to wear thermal clothes and your ski jacket!
While at first it may seem as there are little to no benefits to indoor skiing, there are actually a lot of benefits of indoor skiing! One of the major benefits is the environment. Like we discussed earlier, indoor skiing centers are in a completely controlled environment. Thus, you do not have to worry about being caught in an avalanche, stalled by a winter snow storm, or attacked by an animal (believe it or not, this can happen). Every day the inside of an indoor skiing center is crafted to be the ideal weather for skiing. So, whether it is thunder storming, hailing, or absurdly hot outside, you can go skiing! And if you are wondering if indoor skiing centers are opened for a specific season, they are typically open year round! Thus, if you prefer to descend a mountain rather than tan on the beach, you can hit the 'slopes' while your neighbors head to the beach to swim in the ocean.
Another huge benefit of indoor skiing is the training options. Some indoor skiing centers include ski and snowboarding stimulators, which could help you begin skiing or snowboarding before even attempting to descend a mountain. Also, most indoor skiing centers include a terrain park area, where there a ton of features such as; boxes, rails, jumps, and jibs. Thus, you can learn how to do those tricks, or you can perfect those tricks, so you can impress yourself and everyone on the slopes during the upcoming ski season.
Among the training options in indoor skiing centers is the option for a more one on one experience. Since indoor skiing centers are a lot smaller than ski resorts, they hold a less capacity for the amount of people who can be skiing at a given time. Thus, the skiing classes tend to be a lot smaller. So, if you need a little bit of extra help, or you would prefer to work one on one with a skiing expert, rather than train with fifteen to twenty people, then you may want to check out an indoor skiing center!
There are a ton of reasons why someone would want to indoor ski instead of skiing outside. Since everyone has their own reason why they would prefer to indoor ski instead of skiing outside, we will only discuss a few of the common reasons.
One big reason why someone would want to indoor ski instead of skiing outside is because of the controlled environment. The controlled environment makes is easy to get the hang of skiing without the overwhelming number of risks. Thus, indoor skiing gives you the chance of going from a new skier to an intermediate skier without having to worry about being caught in a storm or accidentally having to navigate down a black diamond when you were supposed to descend a beginner trail.
Another reason why someone would want to indoor ski instead of skiing outside is because indoor skiing enables you to ski year round. Thus, for people who live in an area where there are no mountains, or the mountains have inadequate conditions during the spring and summer for skiing, (think of places like Florida) indoor skiing would be a perfect alternative to traveling. Traveling can be extremely expensive, and sometimes it is worth skiing indoors for a few months, than shelling out a few thousand dollars. Also, for people who do not live in a town that is a ski resort 365 days, they might not be willing to give up skiing during spring or summer. If they are committed or passionate about skiing, then an indoor skiing center can be perfect for skiing during spring and summer!
Finally, for people who are advanced and expert skiers they may want to take their skiing skills and tricks up a notch before descending a strenuous mountain. Thus, they may head over to an indoor skiing center to work one on one with someone, or by themselves, to freshen up and perfect their skills. Thus, they will be in tip top shape when they descend that mountain!
Yes! The equipment for indoor skiing is exactly the same as the equipment for outdoor skiing. You will need skis (or a board, if you plan on snowboarding), boots, and poles. Also, do not forget your basic clothes, like ski pants, gloves, and a ski jacket. Since indoor skiing is in a completely controlled environment, you may not need a hat or ski goggles. While you can feel free to bring your own skiing or snowboarding equipment to an indoor skiing center, most indoor skiing centers offer to rent you the equipment you need.
Other than the typical skiing equipment, some indoor skiing centers that offer skiing and snowboarding stimulators will have other equipment. It should be noted that the equipment for skiing and snowboarding stimulators will be completely provided, so you do not have to worry about purchasing any extra equipment.
Yes, it is real snow! It is the same as skiing down a groomed slope at skiing resort, but instead of being outside, you will be inside in a completely controlled environment.
It should be noted that on the skiing and snowboarding stimulator areas/machines, there is not real snow. Some indoor skiing centers are strictly comprised of these said stimulators, so if read about the services that a center offers before visiting one.
Since indoor skiing is still quite unpopular, there are, unfortunately, not a lot of indoor skiing centers. Some of the most popular indoor skiing centers are; SnowWorld, located in Holland, it is the largest indoor skiing center in the world, Ski Dubai, Mini Mountain in Washington, Snow Funpark in Germany, and Liberty Mountain in Virginia.
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