There’s something surreal about going to a giant mall in the middle of summer and leaving the 40 degree heat of the parking lot and entering a giant freezer to get your ski on. Built a-top a giant ramp, this indoor ski hill provides those who need their ski fix, regardless of the season, an opportunity to do so every day of the year. Packed with ski lovers and made to look like a mini Austrian ski village, Xanadu exists for the real die-hard among us.
Throw on some ski pants and a toque and ski the man made snow in the -2 controlled climate all day long. Ride the chair or the t-bar to the top of the slope/ramp and get in a run every 15 seconds or so. Kids taking jumps, racers training a gentle slalom course, kids learning how to ski so that come winter, they can test their skills on a real mountain, are all part of the crowd enjoying a little constructed nature-zone.
Fake rocks adorn the walls, and a real, rockin Après ski bar graces the base area with large windows in the restaurant making it easy for parents to watch their kids as they sip some canas (small beers) and munch on some tortilla and patatas fritas.
Though there are clearly no black diamonds here, the snow is always perfect for carving and it would be near impossible to not have a good, if not hilartious, time.
About a half hour drive from Madrid, this indoor ski hill is kind of like a winter wave pool. Full of people wanting to play for a few hours, you can buy tickets that allow you a certain amount of runs so you can pay for exactly how much you want to ski.
Riding up the lift and feeling the cold on your face, it is impossible to not get that little rush that comes with skiing the real outdoors. Giant pictures of the Austrian Alps bring on dreams of winter vacations and true devotees keep their ski legs in shape regardless of the season.
For racers, Xanadu holds races throughout the year. They have a great little slalom course set up and you can register and then make your way down, hoping to beat the regulars. We decided to give it a go, and somehow, Mark with his powder skis and no racing equipmen,t managed to come in third. Standing on the podium beside what looked like x Spanish ski team racers, Mark had dreams of re-launching his racing career. He upset the guy who usually comes in third which became apparent when he came over and introduced himself wondering where Mark had come from. “Ahhh Canada” he said as if all Canadians have an edge. The course is perfect for those who race and want to take on their friends, or for anyone who wants to give skiing gates a try.
The Xanadu indoor ski hill lends a sense of adventure to the confines of urban commercialism. Why not get in a few ski runs before picking up dog food and a new pair of jeans.
