online bulletin
| Skiing in the city centre |
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| Thursday, 31 December 2009 16:41 |
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Contrary to appearances, snowy winter can also be a good thing.
Definitely not for everyone, but for ‘snow frenzy’ lovers, snow and temperatures below zero mean a longer skiing season. In Poznan one may ski without leaving town, as the Malta ski slope is covered with more than 70 cm of real snow. The Malta ski slope is open all year long, but during most months one can ski there only on its artificial surface. However, the long, frosty, snowy winter provides Poznan skiers with a substitute for real mountains. From the beginning of winter the Malta slope is covered with real snow. If necessary, the slope is also artificially covered with snow cannons, and low temperatures help to keep the snow in order. The Malta ski centre is also equipped with an indispensable snowmobile. Skiers are carried to the top of the Malta slope with a T-bar and a chair lift. At the weekends many people want to ski, but even at rush hours the queues are not very long, which is why skiing can be a real pleasure. “Obviously, you don’t have real mountains here, but you can practise your technique and exercise a bit in the open air,” says Ms. Kalina who comes to Malta several times a week with her children. Mr. Marek voices a similar opinion, “You cannot compare this with the Tatras or the Alps, but the opportunity to ski without leaving Poznan has some advantages.” Snowboarders will also find here a specially prepared snow park situated on a separate slope right next to the main one, assigned only for those who wish to practise various figures. Two rails are here, one 4 m long that can be ridden onto, and the other that one can jump onto, with a length of 5 m. There is also a 4-metre-wide ‘simple box’ (for beginners) and a ‘broken box’ for advanced riders. Additionally, there is a small training jump for beginners, and a ski jump with two take-off ramps. Thanks to the artificial lighting both parts of the slope operate in the evening until 10 PM. The all-year-long Malta Ski Centre was opened in February 1993. From the very beginning it was inclined towards skiing and snowboarding lessons. Several dozen instructors teach not only children but also adults, and many Poznan skiers have started their skiing adventures on this slope. This year a regular hour-long ticket costs PLN 26, and the discount ticket is PLN 22. At the weekends it is slightly more, as adults have to pay PLN 34, while the children’s and youth’s tickets are PLN 26 per hour. A four-person family with two children can get a discount, as all members can buy a discount ticket. Unfortunately, learning to ski is more expensive. Individual hour-long lessons cost PLN 105 at the weekend, and PLN 95 on weekdays. The price includes the rental of skiing equipment. |
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