I stumbled upon this unique all-weather, year-round ski resort, following in the footsteps of great travellers. I was watching a programme on one of my favourite channels on My Planet, and suddenly I saw IT. Mikhail Yuryevich Kozhukhov was showing and telling the whole world about this unique ski resort. In short, Mikhail Kozhukhov left his mark there, so why shouldn’t we? The fact is, we’re just as good, and we ski even better, so I didn’t wait for a special invitation, and Dubai is almost like home to me. And so I finally made it to Ski Dubai.
Ski Dubai is an indoor amusement park and the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world, covering an area of approximately 22,500 square metres and covered with artificial snow all year round. It can accommodate 1,500 visitors. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates shopping complex.
It was built by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, a group specialising in shopping complexes.
It has a 60-metre lift with five slopes of varying steepness and difficulty. There is a 90-metre snowboard track. Lifts are available to transport skiers and snowboarders to the top of the hill. The slope is surrounded by an area of about 3,000 square metres with various toboggan runs, climbing walls, an ice cave and a cinema. Warm clothing, skis and snowboards are also available for visitors.
Thanks to a modern system, the temperature in the park is maintained at 1-6 °C below zero. In 2007, the park received its first award for its activities.
The height of the complex is 85 metres.
Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, located in the UAE, in the emirate of Dubai.
Ski Dubai Ski Dubai is located in the UAE, in the emirate of Dubai, next to the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, and has 5 slopes of varying difficulty, height and slope.
The longest run is 400 metres long and more than 60 metres high. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy these slopes.
Parents with children will also have a great time in the huge interactive Snow Park, covering an area of 3,000 square metres, which is the largest indoor snow park in the world.
You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment. Ski Dubai offers guests the use of winter clothing, skis and snowboard equipment.
Equipment included in the ticket price: jackets and trousers, ski boots and snowboard boots, skis and snowboards, ski poles, helmets for children.
Hats, gloves and socks are not included (for hygiene reasons). However, you can always buy them at the resort shop.
Approximate prices at Ski Dubai and opening hours
Snow Park: adults = 100 dirhams (~£27), children under 12 = 90 dirhams (~£25);
Ski slope (2 hours): adults = 180 dirhams (~$50), children under 12 = 150 dirhams (~$40);
Extension (per hour): adults = 40 dirhams (~$11), children under 12 = 30 dirhams (~$8);
Ski slope (day pass): adults = 300 AED (~82 USD), children under 12 = 240 AED (~65 USD).
Locker rental 20 AED (~5 USD), refundable deposit for key 10 AED (~3 USD).
The complex is open to visitors: Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. – midnight, Friday 9:00 a.m. – midnight, Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Ticket sales end 1.5 hours before closing time.
Ski & Snowboard Academy
Please note that Ski Dubai guests must have minimum skiing skills to access the main slope. Skiers and snowboarders who do not meet these requirements will be required to take lessons. If you have ever wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, here you can do it.
Group lessons at Ski Dubai: Maximum 8-10 people per group of approximately the same skill level. If you would like to take lessons, you will be placed in a group that matches your skill level at a time that is convenient for you.
For beginners, lessons are held on a separate slope for beginners. A professional instructor conducts the lesson for 1.5 hours on the slope (if there are fewer than 3 people in the group, the lesson time may be reduced to 1 hour).
For children, the lesson time is not reduced, but if the participants are tired, they can just play.
Prices for group lessons: adult group (90 minutes) 220 dhs (~60$); children’s group (90 minutes) 190 dhs (~52$); junior group (3-6 years) 160 dhs (~44$) per hour.
Private lessons at Ski Dubai: Designed for people who would like to train with a personal instructor or a small group. The level of training can vary from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Maximum number of participants is 3 per instructor.
Prices for individual lessons: private lesson for one (60 minutes) 595 AED (~163 USD); additional person (per person) 150 AED (~41 USD).
In these photos, I am sunbathing by the pool on the open roof of the DUNES hotel, located directly across the road from the Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai itself.
Entertainment for children and where to eat in Ski Dubai
Polar Bear Club. Designed especially for children. It offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere. After each lesson at the Polar Bear Club, progress is recorded in a personal passport. When the course is completed, students are entitled to wear a Polar Bear badge corresponding to their level. These badges are a reward for achievement and can only be obtained when the required level of proficiency has been reached.
St. Moritz Cafe. Want to relax in a cosy mountain lodge with a crackling fireplace and a view of the snow park? St. Moritz Cafe offers you this opportunity. Our menu offers a wide selection of international dishes to suit every taste: steaks, salads, soups, grilled meats, hot and cold appetisers, sweets and desserts, as well as a children’s menu.
Avalanche Cafe. For those who don’t want to take a long break from skiing, the Avalanche Cafe, located halfway down the slope, is the perfect place. The café has an outdoor terrace, so you can watch what’s happening on the slopes. There is a large selection of soups, sandwiches, drinks and sweets for hungry skiers and snowboarders.
So you can go skiing even in countries with a hot climate.
