Saturday, February 6, 2010

SHANGHAI SNOWBOARDING

posted by Alan
click on pictures to see them full size

Daisy left her board and gear back in the States because she figured she wouldn't get a chance to use it over here in China. They have snowboarding in China in a few select places up north, but it's not even close to a regular activity over here. So imagine our surprise to learn about the Indoor Ski/Snowboard Slope that is in Shanghai.

An outside and inside view of "Mount Shanghai"


We met up with our friends Zach, Krystle(Arizona) and Rachel(ATL)and headed 45 minutes south of the center of the city to a 14-story structure called the YinQiXing Indoor Skiing Site. For about $22 USD, you get boots, board and snowsuit rental and all u can board for 2 hours. This includes the "lift." We all opted to skip the teletubbie-like snow suits and just go in our regular clothes.

We were warned about the grossness of the boots, which were confirmed when we walked into the rental area and u just pick your own boots off the shelf. This means that when people are finished, they just take them off and put them back ON the shelf. So ur boots might have just been worn and put back on the shelf. In a stroke of genius, we came prepared with garbage bags, which we wrapped around our feet before sticking them in the boots. U also just select ur own board off the rack. It slowly went from trying to find a good one, to finding an acceptable one, to just finding one that fits ur boots and finally, just finding one that fits and isn't broken. A process that took about 45 minutes. Thank goodness our time card doesn't start until we get on the slope.



Walking into the slope area is quite the revelation. There was so much to take in that it was hard to process all at once. From the fake christmas trees, to the salt-like fake snow, to the dozens of people decked out in yellow and purple snowsuits at the bottom of the hill, it was definitely a thrilling experience. And THEN we get to "The Lift."

The lift was a revolving string of long retractable poles that went straight up the slope. It never stops and you have to grab one as it passes, hitch it between your legs and let it drag you up to the top of the slope. All you need to do is keep your balance. I went first, and after a few seconds of flopping around on the floor like a dying fish while holding onto the pole as it dragged me up the slope, i managed to get on my feet and got the hang of the lift. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the rest of us. Rachel and her low center of gravity and Daisy both managed to figure it out after awhile, but The Lift still owns Zach. High comedy watching Zach try to get on the lift.

DZ giving up on the lift and just walking up the slope; Top of the Mountain; Rachel on the "lift"


Overall, it was fun just being on a board with friends. The boarding itself is just ok. The "snow" was soft and sandlike, but did simulate the feeling of boarding. Falling was painless because the snow didn't pack. The run took about 8 seconds to get down the slope and about 4 minutes to get back up. There WAS one jump that looks kind of fun. But like i said, overall, it was a fun experience and I'd go again just to hang out and have some fun with friends.


Response to comments:
Kristen - Don't get me wrong, I don't mind Five Guys at all. They just opened a Carl's Jr. here in Shanghai though. That'll have to do for now.

2 comments:

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