Snowboarders and skiers enjoy the grand opening of Big Snow in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America's first indoor ski and snowboard slope with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — An indoor ski slope that has been the most visible feature of the long-delayed American Dream megamall in New Jersey for more than a decade has finally opened.
Olympic downhill champion Lindsey Vonn took the first official run down the 1,000-foot slope Thursday. Mall owner Triple Five says it’s the only indoor slope in North America.
The ski slope was one of the first elements built more than a decade ago and could be seen from the adjacent New Jersey Turnpike.
The retail and entertainment project began in 2003 next to the Meadowlands sports complex but stalled because of financing problems. Triple Five took over in 2010 and began a phased opening in October. All elements are expected to be open by spring.
The ski slope measures 180,000 square feet and includes a beginners’ area. It is 16 stories high with a 160-foot vertical drop. It is equipped to make more than 4 tons of snow per hour. LJ Henriquez, center, waits for the grand opening of Big Snow in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard slope with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Mikey Mastrianni, 8, threatens his family with a snowball before the grand opening of Big Snow in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard facility with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Ella Baldassano, 6, plays with her mother Ashley Baldassano in a play space at Big Snow during the grand opening in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard slope with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Snowboarders and skiers enjoy the grand opening of Big Snow in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard slope with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Snowboarders and skiers enjoy the grand opening of Big Snow in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard slope with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Skier Lindsey Vonn sign greets fans at the grand opening of Big Snow in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. The facility, which is part of the American Dream mega-mall, is North America’s first indoor ski and snowboard slope with real snow. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
