I know the saying goes, "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" but that was before skiers found out how many great gift bargains are available in the summer. So, now we unofficially celebrate Christmas in July, and this is the week.

Shopping for your favorite skier (it's okay if that happens to be you) year round has never been easier since the explosion of online ski stores. Order online, pay a small shipping charge, and voila (!) the UPS Santa in brown shorts, will be bringing your present - just like I got these 08-09 Head Mojo 94s.

Your favorite brick and mortar ski shop may be bare wall empty right now, but as Lee and Cathy Quaglia of Aspen East Ski Shop in Killington, VT reminded me, the online store is open 24/7 for new equipment and clothing, as well as for leftover bargains.

According to industry audits, the online sale of ski equipment and clothing is the fastest growing sales medium. So, check out the web sites of some of your favorite ski shops and I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of shops that offer online sales and some great winter bargains in the summer heat.

Skiing Shopping

• Ski Clothing
• Ski Equipment
• Ski Outlets

_{Image © Mike Doyle}

I recently watched a very interesting TV documentary detailing the building of Ski Dubai and the attached mall. When it finally got to the snowmaking, it was amazing to see it "snowing" as the camera played over all the surrounding sand.

Just as I was wondering how business might be in a desert summer, DubiaCityGuide.com featured this summer's ski camps available at Ski Dubai for both adults and children.

In fact, it seems Ski Dubai is so popular in the "off season" that they introduced a summer season pass valid for three months. The ski pass includes unlimited access to the slope(s), a locker, cafe discounts. and 4 comp tickets for friends.

In addition to the kids and adults learn to ski camps there is also are three day slalom and freestyle courses. The courses are open to all level of skiers and instructors are on hand during the camp to cater for different learning levels.

How popular could this be in a the sweltering heat of a Dubai summer? Well, until August 31st, Ski Dubai has extended its opening hours from 9am to midnight to allow skiers and visitors to enjoy the coolest place in Dubai when temperatures outside are scalding.

_{Dubai Snowdome Copyright Getty Images Chris Jackson}