DUE to open in Japan on Thursday is the oddly named LaLaport Skidome Ssaws (pronounced Za-uss). This is an indoor ski and swimming centre in Funabashi City - 20 kilometres from Tokyo, and 30 minutes by train, then five minutes walk from the Minami-Funabashi station.
The centre has a 490 metre run, with a slope as wide as 100 m and as steep as 20 degrees. It can handle 2,000 skiers. Temperatures will be cold - minus 2?C during the day, and minus 6?C in the evenings. Snow will fall in the evenings, as water particles are blown to the ceiling.
The cost to ski is JPY5,900 (HK$420) for a two-hour session, and JPY400 for each 15 minutes after that. Rental costs for minimum equipment (clothes and ski equipment) are JPY3,600.
Phone (81-474) 32-7111 for more information, or book through the Japan tourist office in Hongkong, phone 522-7913. THE China World hotel in Beijing, part of the Shangri-La group, has introduced a summer rate running until August 31. The rate is US$150 (HK$1,200) for the regular rooms, which compares with the published tariff of US$210.
Contact Shangri-La reservations, phone 810-7782. IN THIS column two weeks ago, we detailed special rates at the Four Seasons resort in Bali. We did not note that although these rates are for Hongkong residents, they must be booked direct with the hotel, and not with its Hongkong reservations office as we listed.
The relevant contacts are phone (62-361) 71288, or fax (62-361) 71280. DRAGONAIR is due to upgrade its weekly flight to Dhaka to twice weekly - Tuesday and Sunday - from the start of August.