In2Ski Brings Skiing and Snowboarding to Sydney

Step outside right now and the effects of the summer rays are instantaneous; stay inside and things are pretty much the same, regardless of how hard your K-Mart fan works. Making things tougher are the taunts of snow-covered mountains depicted in the lead up to the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014 coverage, leaving us imagining how excellent it would be to have a ski or board right now. But where to do so in January without hightailing it to the Alps or the Rockies?

The answer is In2Ski, Sydney's first and only indoor snow sports centre, which opens in Alexandria on Tuesday, January 21. The team at In2Ski are bringing the snow to the city with their state-of-the-art centre that lets users sharpen their ski or snowboard skills on what are effectively three very large snow treadmills. Measuring 9m by 5m, and with hydraulic arms that adjust the speed and incline of the hill, the centre's Maxxtracks simulators provide a learning experience that caters to both novices and experts of any age.

Co-founded by Winter Olympian and five-time aerial skiing world champion Jacqui Cooper, the centre and has employed experts on racing, freestyle, moguls and everything ski/snowboard-related. Pitching itself as 'complementary' to the alpine experience, Concrete Playground visited the centre pre-launch to trial the technology and trainers behind the O'Riordan Street complex, finding the sensation both odd and enthralling. For seasoned skiers, the slope will very quickly reveal deficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed on snow, whilst complete beginners will undoubtedly progress through the learner ranks quickly given the concentrated nature of coaching sessions, enabling a more enjoyable first experience on the mountain when the time comes.

Whether you're a (rather poor) snowboarder like yours truly or prefer putting on the skis, you can now do so all year round only a snowball's throw from your house or work. With group lessons starting at $75, perfect snow conditions 365 days of the year and all of your equipment supplied, maybe you too could make an appearance in South Korea in 2018.

Where: 69-73 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
When: Tues-Thurs 3-9pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm
Cost: $75 for 1 hr group session, $265 for 1 hr private session (up to 4 people)
Web: www.in2ski.com.au