How it all started - Skiing adventure

Before venturing to the actual mountains, what would prompt a resident of the desert to learn how to ski? The answer lies in a surprising location - the mall.

Many people are aware that in Dubai, we have the Mall of the Emirates, renowned not just for its shops but also for its ski slopes. Here, you can not only learn how to ski and witness real penguins but also engage in competition preparation throughout the year.

I've often observed people skiing and wondered why one would choose to do so in a mall. Couldn't they have opted to live elsewhere or gone on vacation to real mountains? Yet, here I am, having my first skiing experience precisely in the place I criticized before. Yes, the person in the picture coming down the kiddies slope is me during my first trial.

Ski Dubai boasts a snow park, a ski and snowboarding school, and, of course, the penguins. For my purpose, I opted for a ski group lesson, starting with a discovery session and then progressing to a full lesson with the ski lifts. All my group companions shared a similar story: they booked a trip to the mountains (something quite exhilarating when you live in the desert, as there are indeed people in the Middle East who have never seen snow) and didn't know where to begin.

I learned the basics - how to wear and remove the boots, how to get on and off the skis, and how to make "fries" and "pizza slice" maneuvers while descending hills.

However, this wasn't enough for me. I discovered something I never knew existed - the magic carpet, a moving surface (or two giant treadmills) that simulates coming down a slope. On these carpets, you can focus on movements without the fear of being on a real mountain. You learn how to balance, how to turn, how to stop. Infinite Ski is a unique place, and with around five lessons, my confidence level increased, accompanied by a good dose of fun.

I believed I was ready for the actual slopes, and although I was slightly mistaken, I vividly recall getting on skis in Georgia and impressing my instructor by sharing where and how I learned to ski. A memory worth cherishing!