Pinoy “Winter Wonderland”: the Snow Playground at SM Aura

There’s something about white Christmases and snowflakes that will always entrance anyone who grew up in a tropical country. 

And with recent blockbusters such as Disney’s animated offering, “Frozen”, made even more popular with the hit song from its soundtrack, “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?”, that same sense of magic and mystery intensifies even more when an attraction becomes available to children and adults alike, letting them experience what it means to have fun in the snow.

Last December 2013, the Snow Playground, the first of its kind in the Philippines, was launched in SM Aura in Taguig City. A mobile ice attraction concept shipped from Italy, the Snow Playground, which can accommodate as many as 30 kids at a time, is an installation that can be placed inside a mall, letting customers interact with simulated snow. The Snow Playground is filled with colorful pails, shovels, toys such as boats and molds to create fun shapes with the snow. 

How is the snow created? First, potable water is chilled to 6 degrees Celsius. Next, this chilled water is then frozen to temperatures as low as -10 to -15 degrees Celsius. “Actually, this is not fake snow because it is made up of frozen water, just like actual snow particles,” clarifies Raymund B. Retumban, Division Head of SM Ice Skating Rinks.

To enjoy 30 minutes in the Snow Playground, guests need to pay a fee of P250. “This is the standard fee for similar attractions abroad,” explains Retumban. “It is inclusive of rubber boots in various kiddie and adult sizes to ensure the safety of our customers.” Guests need to be at least four years old, and are encouraged to bring their own jackets/sweaters and gloves.

For inquiries, call (02)862-7704. For updates, visit the SM Ice Skating Facebook page. 

Click 'View Slideshow' to see more photos of Snow Playground.

Photos by Mark Jesalva and courtesy of SM Prime Holdings