Skiinfo.co.uk has reported one unusual twist on the cold weather that is affecting much of the northern hemisphere. A new 2km long ski run opened on January 9th in the southern Netherlands in northern Europe. The temporary trail winds down around the 90m high Wilhelmina mountain. The ‘mountain’ – which is in fact a spoil heap from a former mine – is already home to the world’s largest year round indoor snow centre, Snow World Landgraaf, with its 550m slope. In a remarkable twist the centre allowed its indoor six-seater chairlift to be used by skiers and other snowsports fans to reach the top of Wilhelmina indoors, exiting the building through an emergency exit. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and mulled wine were served up to visitors.
It is not clear how long the snow and thus the ski run will last, but temperatures have remained around freezing, dropping to minus 5 Celsius at night, the same as the indoor temperature at SnowWorld. Wilhelmina is also accessed by the longest staircase in The Netherlands, a 555 step climb, at the side of which is a steeper descent for skiers.
