The O2 is London’s first-ever artificial indoor skiing destination, with twin slopes measuring forty-five meters each and covered in a material called “perma-matting” that simulates real snow. It is the ideal way for beginners to learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding, with four experienced instructors on hand, or for expert to get some practice in before heading out to the nearest mountains in northern England. For family fun, a romantic date or a day out with friends, the O2’s indoor slopes (open until the end of January) are tough to top. In fact, London’s usual tourist attractions may all seem downhill from there!
What makes the O2 slopes even more of a must-do is the convenience: Equipment can be rented as part of the reasonably priced hour or half-hour tickets, making the rest of your day in London much easier without having to carry skis while you sightsee or lug snow tubes onto the Tube! In addition, the arena itself is well-stocked with culinary choices—from fish and chips and traditional British pub grub to an elegant and eclectic Thai eatery, sushi restaurant and tapas bar.
It has all the tastes of London under one roof (that, granted, resembles an overturned cockroach…you really do have to see it for yourself)—plus a charming slope-side cabin/café complete with evergreen trees to make you feel like you’re really in the mountains.
Best of all, the O2 arena is centrally located in North Greenwich, an area full of sightseeing delights, such as sprawling Greenwich Park, the stately Queen’s House, the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian, the Maritime Museum and some of the most memorable views of London. It’s one of the few places where you can go from the slopes to the riverside to the grassy, green hillside all in one afternoon.
To get the most out of Greenwich, stay in a New York Habitat vacation accommodation in London!
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