Experience the Thrill of Skiing and Snowboarding IN SINGAPORE!
Living in a tropical country like Singapore, having the chance to ski has always been a luxury. Unless you are self-employed or working remotely, we are realistically only able to do so once or at most twice a year during the Japan and New Zealand winter seasons.
Looking to get into snowsports or improve your riding for your next ski holiday? For the first time, we are excited to announce that you can finally do so in Singapore!
First of it’s kind in Singapore, this giant indoor ski slope is now open and is basically a large treadmill covered with a special carpet material that simulates the feeling of riding on snow; aimed at recreating the thrill of descending down real-world ski slopes. (There is also a small ‘bunny’ slope for beginners to practice on before hopping onto the giant moving treadmill!)
The carpet itself feels similar to artificial turf found at football pitches, allowing ski/snowboard edges to grip and cut through them. There is also an automatic water sprinkler system built in that keeps the surface wet and gliding smoothly all the time. The slope angle is also instantly adjustable from (9 to 20 degrees) and the treadmill itself can operate at speeds of up to 50km/h!
My First impressions (SETH)
First attempts at riding the slope were not smooth sailing. Seasoned riders would need to get accustomed to the feeling of the carpet constantly pushing them upwards; a huge contrast to the feeling of riding downhill with the mountain.
Even as an experienced snowboarder myself, the feedback I got from the carpet surface definitely took a bit of time to get used to. Fighting against the carpet was not an option, and any wrong movement could easily cause a fall or an edge catch. However, the ride was very enjoyable once I got used to this feeling of riding with the carpet and not against it. It definitely took a few sessions before I got comfortable with the timing and edge pressure required to ride it well.
For people skeptical about how training on an indoor slope compares to the real thing, the movements required to ride this slope are the SAME as on snow and your training here will definitely transfer over well to real snow. I think that the carpeted synthetic grass-like surface does a very good job at delivering a similar experience to the real thing and although it doesn’t feel exactly like snow, it definitely comes close! A small tip for the readers: The faster the carpet goes (speed wise), the more it would feel like riding on real snow!
If you are a seasoned rider and plan to make a trip here, I would recommend coming with an open mind despite all your seasons of experience riding on snow. Focus on learning how the carpet works, clock in the hours on the slope to get valuable experience riding on the surface and you will be slashing S-turns on the carpet in no time!
Watch Sheila and Seth ride this carpet HERE.
