All Articles Skiing in Dubai? Here's what you need to know

Skiing in Dubai? Here's what you need to know

By Diego Ortiz12 Jul 2021 4 minutes read
A group of friends on a ski lift at Ski Dubai
Photo: Christopher Pike/Tripadvisor

Never thought that you’d find yourself skiing in the middle of the Arabian Desert? The land of the tallest and the biggest architectural wonders is also home to one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world. With a total area of 22,500 sq m (242,187 sq ft), Ski Dubai, located within the sprawling Mall of the Emirates, is an entertainment complex for the whole family. Around the ski slopes, you’ll get to enjoy attractions like the Snow Cinema, the rides at the Snow Park, and even interact with snow penguins.

Indoor skiing at Ski Dubai

Boy skiing down the indoor ski slope at Ski Dubai
Photo: Christopher Pike/Tripadvisor

Ski Dubai opened in 2005, featuring an impressive 85m (280ft) tall mountain with five slopes that vary in difficulty and steepness, all covered in almost a meter (3ft) of snow. And although the setting is, of course, man-made, the snow here is very much real. The temperature is kept at a constant -4°C (25°F), which is perfect for the Gentoo and King penguins that call Ski Dubai home.

Ski Dubai prices

Ski Dubai offers a few different packages to suit your budget. A 3-hour pass costs about AED260 (USD71), while for a day pass you’ll shell out a little less than AED340 (USD93). At AED100 (USD27), a morning hike is the cheapest option, though you won’t actually get to ski.

The Snow Daycation Pass AED285 (USD78) and the Snow Premium Pass AED490 (USD133) give you access to the rides at the Snow Park and let you choose between some time at the slope and other attractions (for example, a ski or snowboard beginner lesson). You’ll often find special offers like four passes for the price of three on Ski Dubai’s website.

Après ski in Dubai

After letting loose at the ski slopes, pick one of the other attractions within the complex to wind down.

Watch a movie at the Ski Dubai Snow Cinema

As seasoned a skier as you might be, going to a snow-themed movie theater is probably not something you do very often when you make it to the mountains. But at Ski Dubai, you can watch the same movies that are playing everywhere else in a unique setting.

Seats are equipped with wireless headsets, blankets, and heaters. And in case you’re looking for an exclusive experience, you can book the VIP chalet, where you’ll be served a two-course complimentary meal during the movie.

Catch the march of the penguins

Two girls hugging penguins at Ski Dubai
Photo: Christopher Pike/Tripadvisor

The Ski Dubai penguins parade every day between 2p.m. and 4p.m., and the best thing is you can watch this spectacle for free. If you’d like to get up close and personal with these cuties, book a 40-minute penguin encounter instead. Kids and grown-ups alike will love it!

Get a hot drink and some comfort food to warm you up

At Ski Dubai, you’ll find plenty of options to fuel up, from appetizers to their signature hot chocolate. North 28, with its cool views of the Snow Park, boasts an international menu with both breakfast items and full meals. Within the park itself, you can stop at the Snow Bullet Café, the Ice Café and Avalanche Café, which offers commanding views of the main slope.

Après is a pub-like restaurant which, despite being located outside Ski Dubai, also has wide windows overlooking the Snow Park. Even though steak is one of the restaurant’s specialties, there are vegetarian options too.

How to get to Ski Dubai

If you’re using public transportation, just alight at the Mall of Emirates station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, then head south using the dedicated skyway, which will lead you straight into the mall. Alternatively, bus lines 81, 84, and 93 stop right outside the mall.

Since the Mall of the Emirates is located off Sheikh Zayed Road (aka E 11), Dubai’s (and the UAE’s) main thoroughfare, getting there by taxi or car is pretty straightforward too. Parking is free on weekends for all visitors and on weekdays for Ski Dubai customers.

Preparing to Ski in Dubai

A girl getting her helmet fitted before skiing at Ski Dubai
Photo: Christopher Pike/Tripadvisor

Since it’s so cool inside, you’ll need comfortable and protective ski wear. You’ll be able to rent a ski suit and a locker with all ticket packages. More comprehensive packages like Snow Premium also include boots, disposable socks, and equipment.

The rest of the gear, from gloves to the skis, can be either rented or bought at Snow Pro, Ski Dubai’s outlet shop. Here you’ll find both equipment by reputable brands and souvenirs to bring home with you. But don't worry, if you have your own ski clothing with you, you can wear them at Ski Dubai.

Age and skill requirements

A ski instructor teaching a boy how to ski
Photo: Ski Dubai

Visitors of all ages must know how to stop safely, control their speed, link turns, and use the chairlifts to be allowed onto Ski Dubai’s indoor ski slope. Also, for safety reasons, only kids aged three or older are admitted. Two-year-olds, meanwhile, can have fun at the snow park as parents zip down the slopes. And anyone younger than 14 has to be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older.

But in case you’ve never skied or need to take your skills up a notch, over 20 instructors at Ski Dubai’s Ski School are ready for you. Lessons go from absolute novice through advanced for both skiing and snowboarding, and learners are grouped by age: 3-6, 7-13, and 14+. Private lessons are available as well.

Beyond the snow: other skiing adventures in Dubai

If you don’t feel like you have come all the way to Dubai to face sub-zero temperatures, there’s no shortage of exciting activities that still require good balance yet no more than putting on your bathing suit or gym clothes.

Sandboarding

Since Dubai is literally surrounded by desert, many travel agencies offer day tours packed with exciting activities around the area’s golden dunes. Try sandboarding on the rolling dunes of the Arabian Desert at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Many tour operators offer thrilling desert safari tours that include sandboarding.

Ski simulator

One last skiing or snowboarding experience to consider is Infinite Ski’s one-of-a-kind Maxxtracks slope. Their ski simulator, made up of a revolving belt, takes indoor ski in Dubai to a whole new level. It’s especially recommended for first-time skiers and those in need of a refresher training.

Jet skiing

If what you’re after is a water-based activity, there are 30-minute to 2-hour jet ski tours of the Dubai Marina, depending on how much time you have.


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Diego Ortiz
Diego Ortiz majored in International Relations, but his love of travel and languages has led him to write mostly about that. Whenever he’s off work, you’ll find him cycling around town, catching up on political news (and gossip), or counting the days until the next Rio Carnival.