“We’re going skiing and it’s raining”, my daughter pointed out as we drove to Big SNOW. Everyone had a good laugh and appreciated the irony of it.

Located in the popular new American Dream Mall, Big SNOW is North America’s first indoor real-snow ski and snowboard park. We visited at the end of December not long after Big SNOW opened. There were many people walking in without reservations but they were unable to ski since all the tickets for that day had been sold out in advance.

When we arrived the professional staff pulled up our reservation and helped us check in. We were introduced to Big, the Big Snow Mascot and were explained the way Big Snow works in one of the orientation “gondolas”.

We were surprised to be told that snow gear such as snow pants and jackets were included with our ski rentals. This is extremely practical for anyone who wants to spend the rest of the day in the mall. You don’t need to lug around your snow gear. Once everyone bundled up and stored our belongings in the lockers provided,   we headed to pick up our skis. The staff helps put on and fit the boots-it made putting on the boots so much easier. Once our skis were fitted we headed “outdoors”. Our two hour slot only began once we went out, not at our arrival time.

They could have fooled me. If I wouldn’t have seen the roof and walls I would’ve believed that we were outdoors. The 180,000 square-foot outdoors where the snowy slopes are located are kept at a steady controlled 28 degrees-a comfortable cold. The good thing is that it is never windy so it never feels really freezing. The wall facing the slopes are designed to look like a lodge. There were instructors available to help guide anyone that needed help. My kids only skied last season and were nervous to head to the slopes before practicing. They practiced with the instructors for a few minutes until they were comfortable with trying the smaller hill.

The Lil’ Dipper is the smaller hill with two magic carpets taking beginners up the hill. The hill has lots of twists and turns dug out to help improve the skills needed to tackle the more difficult Switchback and very difficult Northern Lights slopes. Skiers can get up the slopes either with the Big Express Quad chair lift or standing with the Poma Lift. I didn’t dare try the difficult slopes but it was fascinating to watch all the skiers and snow boarders have a time of their lives going up and back down.

Down at the bottom of the hill there are some chairs where you can sit in the snow and watch the goings on all around.  Big SNOW also sells observation tickets for anyone escorting skiers but are not actually skiing or snowboarding.

We had such an incredible time skiing that when we left we were trying to think when would be a good time to return. One thing is for sure, the weather forecast will not play a factor in our plans.

Posted: January 19, 2020

Information, prices and hours posted here are current as of the posted or updated date. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.