O2 Arena to host ski slope extravaganza this winter

Forget swanky Chamonix or Verbier this winter - go skiing in Greenwich instead.

The 02 is to install a giant twin ski slope next month, following the success of its ice rink last year.

Visitors will be able to ski and snowboard as well as snow tube, where revellers careen down the slopes in giant rubber rings.

The two 45-metre runs will be dotted with real Norwegian spruces and Scots pine trees and the piazza surrounding the slopes is to be themed like a "winter wonderland".

Tickets go on sale this Friday, with prices starting at £15 per adult for an hour's ski or board, and £8 for half an hour's snow tube. There will also be coaching for all levels.

"You can learn to ski or snowboard or warm your legs up before you hit the mountains for real," says a spokeswoman. "The Slopes are designed for all abilities and the snow tubes are ideal for kids as well as adults. You can spin, slide or just sledge."

The slopes will open in late November and run through to 9 January.

It comes as the 02, which opened in June 2007, is set to celebrate its ten millionth visitor on Sunday - putting paid to the former Millennium Dome's reputation as an expensive "white elephant".