Indoor Ski Resort in Israel

Some might be surprised to hear, but skiing is a favorite past time for many in Israel. Hundreds of local skiing enthusiasts and international visitors descend on Mount Hermon, which is located between one thousand six hundred and just over two thousand meters and is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, each year. The winter sport activities attract skiing fanatics to Mount Hermon each year. While the outdoors is always a magnificent experience, Israel has decided to create an indoor ski resort, which is easily accessible and will allow skiing and snowboarding activities all year round.

The Israel Ministry of Interior has approved the new plans for the creation of the Sha’ar HaGilboa Centre, which will run at a cost of approximately $20 million to construct and will be located on Mount Gilboa. Mount Gilboa is situated in the northern region of Israel, is a mere hour and a half outside of Tel Aviv and allows the indoor ski resort to be constructed at a height of one thousand five hundred meters. The Gilboa Regional Council feels that the Sha’ar HaGilboa Centre will lure more tourists to the area and provide the skiing community with another world class skiing destination.

On completion, the Sha’ar HaGilboa Centre will provide skiers with gondolas, an entertainment centre, a skiing school, night skiing, illuminated tracks, tourist centre and three hundred and seventy five acres of skiing and snowboarding pleasure with a thousand and fifty linear feet slope. It is hoped that the project will be finished on schedule, enabling the centre to open its doors to business as early as 2009. And for those who are wondering how an indoor ski resort is constructed on a green mountain, the answer is simple – cover the area with artificial snow that guarantees perfect skiing conditions throughout the entire year.

Local skiing and snowboarding community members are very excited about the new development, looking forward to enjoying the slopes in a safe environment that allows them to enjoy their sport in any season. Being located near a big city like Tel Aviv, makes it easier for travelers to find accommodation and to organize travel arrangements. The Sha’ar HaGilboa Centre is a welcome addition to the tourist attractions list of Israel and will be enjoyed by everyone who already participates in the joy of skiing, and those who are curious and want to learn to navigate the slopes.