Mumbai, Jul 15 (IANS): It might be raining in the city, but at this mall in central Mumbai, it is snowing!

Over 1,500 Mumbaikars screamed of joy as they experienced their first snowfall. The elated crowd was a part of the launch of "Snow World" at Phoenix Marketcity in Kurla.

The mall management in association with Freezing Rains @ Snow World, the company that set up the snow-based theme park in Mumbai, hosted the fun-filled experience for hundreds of Mumbaikars.

Speaking on the occasion, Shreesh Misra of Phoenix Marketcity said the theme park is at par with international standards.

"We at Phoenix Marketcity are delighted to introduce Mumbai to its first snowfall with the launch of Snow world. The snow-based theme park provides customers with an innovative and fun-filled experience at par with international standards," he said.

Agreeing, Rajendra Jain, owner of Freezing Rains @ Snow World, said that with growing need for getaways, a snow-based theme park was called for.

"Mumbai has a variety of entertainment zones. However, we observed that a snow-based theme park was missing from the buzz. Hence we thought of bringing this innovative concept for the very first time in the city," he said.

Spread over 18,000 square feet, the internationally designed Snow World's temperature is maintained at minus 10 degree Celsius. With a capacity to host over 250 people at any given point of time, the park offers fun activities like sledging, sliding, relaxing in an Igloo with a fire camp and skating on ice amongst a horde or other activities.

The cost per head is Rs.350 in regular category and Rs.500 in the VIP category including protective jacket, boots and gloves.

And it is not only Mumbai. Earlier this month, Pune residents also enjoyed their first snow as Pan India Paryatan Pvt Ltd. (PIPPL), launched 'EsselWorld Freeze' at Inorbit Mall in Pune.

With Freeze, PIPPL, that launched Essel World in Mumbai over two decades ago, has entered into the mall format and has made active entertainment fun and reachable.

The format of Freeze as been conceptualised keeping in mind its adaptability to malls.

Spread across 5520 sq.ft, the project has been divided into three zones - Arctic Circle, North Pole and the Freeze Bar.

Arctic Circle, an ice-skating zone has been designed to accommodate around 30-40 people in one go.

The themed snow zone - North Pole, gives an unusual experience of snow fall in the scorching heat of Pune and can accommodate 40-45 people.

Freeze Bar is a themed lounge overseeing North Pole, serving variety of hot and cold beverages (beer, colas, coffee and a unique tea-bar), and has the capacity to accommodate 36 people.

The temperature of these zones range from minus four to four degree Celsius.

"Our product mix comprises of Ice skating rink (on real ice!) which is a semi-skilled activity where as snow zone is meant for spending enjoyable time with real snow. Entertainment blended with mega-style hospitality is what we are aiming to offer through this project," said Marketing Head of PIPPL, Bhushan Motiani.

The per person rate of entry in the Arctic Circle and the North Pole is Rs.225 for 30 minutes of ice-skating. The package includes ice-skates & protective skate-gear, training through professional trainers protective specialised jacket, shoes, socks and gloves.

A combined pack of Rs.400 offering entry into both Arctic Circle and North Pole is also available.