Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/567485
www.travelweekly-asia.com | 17 PRODUCT FOCUS: SNOW & SKI Who needs the French Alps, Aspen in Colorado or the powder-like snow of the Japanese ski resorts? Some of the hottest countries in the world have put their skates on to build indoor ski runs and produce snow when it's 100-degrees and sizzling outside. Oman is the latest country to pump up its appeal to visitors – and locals – by building Snow Village in the style of an Alpine ski resort. It will be built as part of the Palm Mall shopping and entertainment complex in the country's capital, Muscat. The Dutch company that will build the Snow Village is currently involved in snow dome construction around the world, including sites in China and the USA. Oman hopes that the Palm Mall project will help to boost tourism to the country, currently 2.6% of the sultanate's GDP. Dubai has also pulled another extravagant project out of the hat – the emirate plans to build the world's largest indoor ski resort, with a 1.2 kilometre run. for 2015/16, offering customers the choice of an all-year-round pass - The Thredbo 365 Pass, with Mountain Collective benefits; or a 2016 Thredbo Winter Pass. The Thredbo 365 Pass provides unlimited access to Thredbo for winter 2016 and summer 15/16, including mountain biking. And with Thredbo's membership of The Mountain Collective, pass holders will also receive benefits at snow destinations worldwide. Thredbo 365 pass holders will also receive 50% off day passes (up to five days) at Hakuba Valley in Japan and Valley Nevado in Chile. Thredbo's Winter 2016 Pass is valid from June 11, 2016 to October 3, 2016. SKI AND SIZZLE IN MUSCAT In Dubai, the current indoor ski resort - opened in 2005 in the Mall of the Emirates - remains the largest in the world, with a 400-metre slope which operates year-round despite summer temperatures in Dubai that can top 45C (113F). Now the emirate plans to build the world's largest indoor ski resort, with a 1.2 kilometre run adjoining the Meydan racetrack. It will include the world's tallest residential tower, a dancing fountain, shopping centre, and a 350-room hotel and marina. "In a city which never stops innovating, today's announcement is significant for the future of Dubai and the UAE," Meydan chairman Saeed al-Tayer was quoted as saying in UAE-based newspaper The National. The first phase of the project should be completed in time for the UAE hosting of World Expo 2020. For those seeking the real thing, The Australian ski resort of Thredbo has launched its Season Pass Sale Sled dogs at Mt Buller in Australia.