ICE HOTEL
By Barbara Kingstone
Nothing could get me into an igloo. I’m a hot house flower. When the
temperature hits 30c I’m in heaven as other moan and grown about the heat
and humidity. Therefore, I can’t believe that I actually accepted an invitation
to visit the Ice Hotel on the outskirts of Quebec City. But suddenly, I was
transported into a magical fairyland where everything looked like crystal. This
was the ultimate winter experience. I must interject here that I never once
took off my gloves, hat or coat as I wandered through this amazing edifice shuffling
snow with my fur-lined boots. Winter 2002 was only the second year that this
amazing ice and snow building which took its inspiration from the Swedish hotel
in Jukkasjaarvi , was erected and it’s the only ice hotel in North America.
FIRST IMPRESSION
The immense entrance truly evoked my oohs and aahs. And when I looked up, there
was an incredible ice chandeliers, lit by fibre optics and candelabras hanging
from the 18 foot ceilings. In my haze of astonishment, I was offered a glass
of vodka from The Absolut Ice Bar. When I took the square cut ‘glass’,
I realized it too, was make of ice. This cathedral to snow and ice generates
50 full time and seasonal jobs
WHO COMES
Much to my amazement, I was told that weddings are in great demand in the ice
chapel where the pews are, of course, made of ice and that goes for the honeymoon
suite. Many Americans booked before the hotel was opened and for those who have
staying on the fur-covered beds, I spoke to one who saw this experience as “terrific
and unique”. It could certainly make great conversation at any dinner
or cocktail party. Foreign magazines didn’t miss a beat as journalists
from Figaro, Newsweek, Conde Nast Traveller came to walk through the snow drift
flooring.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are various sizes to choose from in this 31 thematic room complex which.
accommodates 76 guest. One of my favorites was the New York Suite where an ice
sculpture of the Statue of Liberty was part of the décor.
Another large room, with ice wall sconces, also had a TV set and a king sized
bed. The beds are ice but there is a wooden inner section and fluffy fur covers
for warmth. Incredibly, one suite actually boasts of a fireplace. A larger version
of this inside ‘warmer’ stands in the center of the large public
area where I warmed my hands along with a few fellow travellers. The number
of reservations more than doubled this year. Where 500 guests were expected,
over 3,000 visited the Ice Hotel. The heated bathrooms and showers are down
a hallway and not made of ice but are sort of “Johnny on the spots”,
the type of facilities used at outdoor events.
PUBLIC AREAS
The art museum has original artwork and furniture carved out of ice blocks.
And for extra entertainment after you’ve tossed a few snowballs, huddled
for warmth, had a comforting drink, there’s a movie theatre,
CONSTRUCTION
The complex uses 11,000 tons of snow and 350 tons of ice and takes about 5 weeks
to build. . The Ice Hotel is made entirely of snow. The stainless steel molds
are first put into place then the wooden walls are set at a desirable distance
from the steel molds. Between the walls and the molds, snow is blown and completely
covers the mold before the metal frames are removed after the snow has frozen.
This takes about 10 hours to three days. Within the interior, ice blocks are
used for such items as the bar, furniture, columns and sculptures. The walls
are four feet thick at the base and two feel thick for the roof.
The surface measures about 2,500 square metres. The area is equipped to entertain
about 600 guests for various activities. The cocktail party I attended had hot
finger food barbecued outside in the circular walled area where the hot bath
is located.
FOOD
a five minute walk takes you to a lodge where meals are served.
ACTIVITIES
All snow activities can be organized from dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobile
tours, cross country skiing, forests sigh seeing, wilderness survival, wildlife
tracking and the use of the outdoor spa (if you dare!).
PRICE
Overnight stay is approximately $230 and includes an American breakfast, a cocktail
and dinner and all the bedding to keep you warm.
Prices on request for special events, public visits ($12) and packages.
INFORMATION 1 877 505 0423
LOCAL 418 875 4522
LOCATION
Station Duchesnay, . Thirty minutes from Quebec City by car or bus.
CLOSES the end of March.
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