*For a full range of winter fun–in a desert–drop by Ski Dubai. Photo: courtesy SkiDXB media*

Trip report from March 2024

The slopes stir to life with a welcoming blend of relaxation-plus-readiness. Tip-to-tail and side-to-side, their morning-fresh groom is clean, precise, and waiting.

Wide grins say more than words in moments of anticipation and several are shared here, as First Chair opens another day at Ski Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

*An impressive range of on-snow attractions reside side-by-side under one very big roof. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Mall of the Emirates offers boutique shopping beside a viewing deck and direct access to Ski Dubai. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Exploration and creativity are at the core of snow culture; same goes for a ski trip to Arabia. It’s a beautiful, drifting landscape stretching nearly one million miles square, where countless wonders await –including one of Earth’s premier indoor ski resorts.

Related: 7 Largest Indoor Ski Areas in the World

*The route of this remarkable 4-person Chairlift hooks left thanks to a 3rd bull wheel positioned midway up-slope. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*A wholly different take on ‘combing the desert’. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Related: Saudi Arabia Hosts Skiing and Snowboarding Big Air Competition

A standout among an already competitive field, 2023 celebrated Ski Dubai’s crowning as the “World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort ” by World Ski Awards. It’s the resort’s eighth consecutive win in the category.

QUICK FACTS

Orientation: Elev. 50ft. Coastal, Persian Gulf. Emirate of Dubai, UAE
Lift Operations: One 4-person chairlift, Two tow-bars & Magic carpet
On-Snow Facilities: Five downhill trails, Terrain Park, Snowtube & Luge course, Ice cave, Climbing tower, Zip line, and Bumper cats
Accolades: 8yr-winner, World Ski Awards. Thea Award, Outstanding Achievement in Design. World’s first indoor black diamond
Vibes: Genuine welcome, premier professionalism, plus penguin-chill

To score turns in this desert snowscape means aiming the compass for the enchanting land of the Emirates. There are seven Emirates in total, each under its own leadership, but all unified as a federated nation under a vast desert sky. The alluring Emirate of Dubai stretched alongside the waters of the Persian Gulf is renowned as a global hub. And the reputation is well-deserved, at 3.3 million persons it is the most populous among the seven Emirates as well as home to DXB, the largest international airport in the union.

Focusing on the City of Dubai itself, rich culture walks hand-in-hand with a modern metropolis for which no expense has been spared. Traditional dress or haute couture, local dishes to fine dining, and yes, even fresh snow in the middle of Earth’s sixth hottest sandbox; no amenity is missing at Dubai, yet the city’s most amazing nuance might simply be its youth.

Here, nearly all the eye can see is less than seven decades old.

*A very good evening to you, from the City of Dubai. (Earth’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, at center) Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*In terms of the atypical, this playground in the center of Dubai is absolutely unique. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

It’s not every day that a singular star stands out so definitely from a galaxy of glimmering highlights, yet Ski Dubai manages it with flourish. Naturally, the mere presence of shell jackets and snow pants in a desert is enough to cause a double-take. But beyond the novelty, it’s the sheer magnitude that secures this facility its reputation.

Dubai’s underroof mountain stands the vertical equivalent of a 25-story building and hosts a sprawling snow park/play area around its base. In total, this wintery tilt-a-whirl ranges over 240,000 square feet of area. With such a territory to roam it’s safe to expect an exhilarating quiver of snow-attractions, and there are.

*The double-seater snowtube; a classic. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*A kickball big enough to climb inside–aka, the Zorb. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Laidback style at the luge course. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Skiing or snowboarding are the flagship activities here, but by no means are they the sole methods to send it. Classic snow tubes as well as the quirky awesomeness of a zorb are two all-around favorites in the snow park/play area. Guests flock to these for the ride–or roll, as it were. And according to Dubai crew, the job of ‘Launcher’ is definitely a perk of employment.

Also at home in this alpine-esque neighborhood is a zoomy two-lane luge course beside an arena for bumper snowcats (yes, you read that right). Plus, for the spectator, a raised swing bridge links play area attractions as well as offers an excellent upward panorama of a zip line that descends directly over the downhill trails.

*Fairytale snowmaking at Ski Dubai. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*This homemade handful of pow went directly down the author’s collar. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

To maintain its show on snow, Ski Dubai adheres to an impressive routine of creating winter. And it just-so happens there’s a whole colony of seasoned experts living on site to evaluate the quality of the cold.

At Ski Dubai, a resident population of Gentoo as well as King penguins train their attentive beaks upon matters of climate control (and guest relations). Thanks to their careful oversight, a delicately balanced range of 28-tor-29 degrees Fahrenheit helps to sustain the resort’s roughly 6,000 tonnes of crystal corduroy snowpack. And roof-mounted snow guns–costumed as clouds–pitch in to the approximately forty tonnes of chemical-free snow produced each night.

*Indoor or out, and all the world over, high fives pair perfectly with dropping-in. Photo: P.M.Fadden*

Much the same as peer outdoor resorts, providing unforgettable experience is a central focus at Ski Dubai.

Ladies as well as Lads look forward to their own dedicated evenings, on Wednesdays and Mondays, respectively, when each enjoy exclusive discounted price scales as well as special entertainment packages.

*The author, dotting the ‘i’ . Photo: P.M.Fadden*

*Fresh builds for Freestyle Nights, the final Friday & Saturday of each month. Photo: courtesy SkiDXB media*

Then there’s ‘Freestyle Nights’; a highlight on the calendar which drops on the final Friday/Saturday per month. For these dates, park features are freshly installed and professionally tailored by Bavaria-based action sports firm, Schneestern. The Schnee crew make a point to vary the line-up with every session, guaranteeing a unique feel for each evening of freestyle and adding particular shine to the Ski Dubai experience, overall.

At home in an Arab Emirate which already sets the standard for luxury, Ski Dubai extends its own unique wealth of welcome. To a ski visitor stepping in from a 100-degree Arabian afternoon, the resort’s chill (& outstanding) hospitality is priceless.

A laundry list of nationalities comprises this mountain crew. Most are newcomers to recreation on snow, for whom “hot lap” is a curious phrase. But the sincere excitement and kindness they share every run, every day are the very nutrients which nurture Mountain Lifestyle.

After all, to explore and to be creative are at the core of snow culture–which goes for a quest to Ski Dubai too.