A new ski resort will open its doors in 2009 on Mt. Gilboa. This may sound a little sci-fi, but the grandiose plan - which was approved by the Ministry of Interior on Wednesday – will offer enthusiasts and beginner 320 meters (about 1050 ft.) of illuminated tracks, a cable car, skiing school and a tourist commercial center.
And all just an hour and a half from Tel Aviv.
The Sha'ar HaGilboa center will boast a 375-acre mountain ski track all year round, rain or shine. How? By covering the decidedly green Gilboa ridge with an artificial substance that imitates ideal snow for skiing.
The project is being led by the Gilboa Regional Council.
“It will be a unique and leading attraction in Israel,”
Council Head Danny Atar said Wednesday. “We believe that it will give a big push to tourism in the area.”
The project is estimated at $20 million.
Israeli skiers sounded excited about the initiative. A seasoned skier, Attorney Yaakov Carmeli said: “This will be a refreshing change after the bad skiing conditions in the Hermon over the past few years. Israel is truly lacking a leisure ski resort that will be open year-round and offer safe and fun skiing."
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