News in the Algarve

 

 

 Reproduced from 'The Portugal News, Portugal's National Newspaper in English'.

 

 


 

 

Ski slope for downtown Faro.... As part of this year's Christmas and New Year celebrations, a giant ski slope complete with artificial snow is to be erected in downtown Faro, in the city's Praça da Pontinha.

 

Building works will commence in the middle of this month, with the structure's inauguration taking place on November 24th, and will remain open until January 6th, Portugal's ‘Day of Kings'.

Faro City Hall councillor João Marques described the slope as being "a unique structure in the south of Portugal", and represents an investment of €70,000, fully financed by the City Hall. Part of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

"It will have a 60-metre slope, 40 metres of which are of inclined and 20 metres for de-acceleration. It is 10 metres wide and eight metres high", he said.

Both ski and snowboard enthusiasts can use the slope, and there will be large rubber rings to sit and slide down on for those who are not so confident on two feet! As the slope is in Faro, the City Hall has voiced its intention to host a snowboard competition, though nothing as yet has been confirmed.

To entice city-goers into the swing of festive cheer, a red carpet will be rolled out throughout the city streets, lights and decorations will add to the atmosphere, along with music and mini merry-go-rounds for children.

New Year's Eve in Faro promises to be equally as entertaining, with a number of leading national acts lined up to see in 2008.