No Snow? Try the Ski Simulator!

OK, what can you do close by when there is no snow? Head to the Connecticut Science Center and try to ski simulator.

The simulator is located on the sixth floor in the sports lab gallery. Unlike some of the simulators in arcade establishments, this one does not cost anything extra beyond admission. You simply step into the "skis" set the ability level and course and then head downhill.

It takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the screen because you are staring a two-dimensional image while trying to participate in a three-dimensional activity. But the simulator is fast and it feels close to the real thing.

A word of caution:Be careful1 The turning mechanism is really loose so increasing the speed can cause the skis to get away from you. (I must admit it is kinda fun crashing into the boundary fence.) Obstacles include trees, lifts and a few walls. 

The Science Center is located at 250 Columbus Blvd. in downtown Hartford. 

If you’re interested in strapping on a virtual pair of skis over this school vacation the center is open through Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Dec. 31 and Jan. 1-2 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

For admission prices, go to the Science Center website.

About this column: Snow Business explores the world of skiing and snowboarding throughout the Northeast and United States. Chris Dehnel is the Vernon Patch editor and a past president of the Eastern Ski Writers Association.