A Guide to Ski Dubai
Did you know that Dubai can get as hot as 43 degrees Celsius during the summer? Luckily, there are plenty of places around the city to cool down – and we’re not just talking about air conditioning here.
Can you imagine skiing in the snow in the middle of a very hot city? In Dubai, that’s actually possible at Ski Dubai. Remember, you’re in a city of endless possibilities.
So, bring your thickest coat, beanie and sense of adventure as we brave the cold in one of the coolest places in the city.
What is Ski Dubai?
Ski Dubai is a 22,500-square meter indoor ski resort at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. It has the world’s largest indoor ski slope at 1,300 feet long, 280 feet high and 260 feet wide.
We know what you’re thinking: how can you keep snow in one of the hottest cities on earth? It’s actually simple: the resort makes snow every single day – yes, 40 tonnes of it!
The entire resort requires 6,000 tonnes of snow. So while we all sleep, its snow making machine works overtime to create snow using pure water, which fills up the resort through snow guns. Amazing, isn’t it?
So, how does all that snow stay frozen? Ski Dubai has 23 blast coolers that help to maintain its indoor temperature at -1 degrees Celsius. Let’s just say that it’s one of the largest and most efficient refrigerators in the world.
Ski Dubai has five runs at varying heights and difficulties. So, whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Ski Dubai has a 400-meter run with a 60-meter fall. Yes, that compares to sliding down a slope in the Alps or Colorado. In fact, it’s the first indoor black diamond run in the world.
The resort is also big enough to accommodate up to 1,500 guests at a time. You even get to experience riding a tow lift and chairlift up and down the indoor “mountain.”
Want to learn how to ski or snowboard? The resort offers courses that will allow you to learn the tricks of the trade from the pros.
But if you’d rather have a relaxing experience, Ski Dubai also has a 3,000-square meter Snow Park complete with an ice cave, giant snowballs, sled and toboggan runs and climbing towers.
And what’s a day in the snow without the penguins? The resort has its resident penguins that come out to have fun with the guests every day.
Because of its amazing features, Ski Dubai has been recognized as one of the best indoor ski resorts in the world, bagging several awards through the years.
Best Time to Go
Ski Dubai is open daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Friday to Saturday.
But if you want to ski without competing with other guests, it’s best to visit during the weekdays at noon time since it’s when the resort is the least crowded.
Things to Know
We know you’re ready to ski down the slope and have some fun in the snow. But before you get giddy, here are some things you must know first:
- Book your ticket online.
While Ski Dubai accepts walk-ins, it’s best to book your ticket ahead, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. You can also take advantage of discounts and deals by booking early.
- Get to know ticket prices.
Tickets and passes can range from AED 180 to AED 500 depending on the activities that you want to try inside the resort.
Here, you’ll see different packages, their cost and inclusions:
| Snow Park PassAED 220 | Single entry to the Snow Park including unlimited access to all the rides Free fleece gloves and hot chocolate |
| Snow Daycation PassAED 295 | A choice of 2 hours on the slope, 1 hour discovery lesson, 2 rides of the Snow Bullet or 40 minutes of penguin encounter A standard locker and unlimited chairlift rides |
| Snow Premium PassAED 450 | Unlimited access to the Snow Park and its rides A 40-minute penguin encounter A choice between a slope pass or 1 hour discovery lesson One photo in the Snow Park Standard locker, waterproof gloves and hand warmers Unlimited chair lift rides |
| 2 Hours Slope PassAED 250 | 2 hours of access to the slopes provided that you’re a Level 2 skier or snowboarder Access to the drag lifts and chair liftslocker |
| Full Day SlopeAED 350 | All day access to the slopes, chair lifts and drag lifts provided that you’re a Level 2 skier or snowboarder |
| Penguin Encounter PassAED 230 | 40 minutes of encounter with King and Gentoo penguins Free standard locker |
| Breakfast with PenguinsAED 195 | Available only every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM Walk with the penguins and enjoy breakfast at North 28 A printed photo with the penguins, a souvenir and fleece gloves Free locker rental |
- Wear comfortable clothes.
Your ticket will include winter jackets and pants, disposable socks, snow boots and helmets. But since you’re spending a few hours in below zero temperature, it’s best to come prepared.
You can wear regular long-sleeved shirts and pants or invest in winter wear to keep yourself warm, especially if you’re planning to stay long inside the resort.
And don’t forget your gloves and skull cap to keep your hands and head warm enough while skiing.
How to Get Around
Where to Stay Near Ski Dubai
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Address: Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 341 0000
Pricing: $$$
The Kempinski Hotel is a five-star luxury accommodation with direct access to the Mall of the Emirates where Ski Dubai is located.
Fun fact: you can book one of the hotel’s Aspen Chalets that offer views of Ski Dubai’s slopes. Who says you have to travel to Colorado to enjoy this experience?
With 375 rooms and suites to choose from, you’ll surely find the right accommodation for you at the Kempinski.
Plus, you get direct access to the mall with more than 700 retail outlets, restaurants, cafes and more. So, if you crave retail therapy, you can shop wearing your pajamas and no one would mind!
Novotel Suites Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Address: 2A Street – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 382 3200
Pricing: $$$
Novotel Suites is a stone’s throw away from the Mall of the Emirates where Ski Dubai, Magic Planet and VOX Cinemas among other attractions are located.
This hotel is especially ideal if you’re traveling with family since it has family suites that guarantee comfort, convenience and accessibility.
Here, you can easily go shopping, ski and even enjoy a dip at the outdoor swimming pool. And the hotel is also just a few minutes away from Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
Courtyard by Marriott Al Barsha
Address: Al Barsha Road – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 506 1111
Pricing: $$$
Courtyard by Marriott Al Barsha is a four-star luxury hotel near Ski Dubai, Al Sufuoh Beach and other popular attractions in the city.
True to the Marriott brand of luxury, you’ll be treated like a true VIP at this hotel with all its world class amenities including a gym, private parking and a rooftop outdoor pool.
You also get to relax in a fully furnished room or suite with a seating area and a mini bar. Plus, you can easily go skiing at Ski Dubai, swimming at Aquaventure Waterpark or shop at the Mall of the Emirates.
Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Address: 22nd Street – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 307 0707
Pricing: $$$
Hilton Garden Inn is a family friendly hotel just next to the Mall of the Emirates and a few minutes away from Al Sufuoh Beach and Palm Jumeirah.
To make sure that your family enjoys enough space and privacy during your stay, you can book connecting rooms for you and the kids.
You also get to enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, spa, fitness center and the Grille restaurant for whenever you get hungry.
Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Address: 2A Street – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 382 3000
Pricing: $$$
Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates is a modern hotel right beside the Mall of the Emirates, making it a great place to stay if you want to be near Ski Dubai.
Here, you can relax in modern guest rooms complete with all the amenities you need. And because it’s only 7 minutes away from the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station,you can easily explore Dubai’s top attractions by taking the metro.
Where to Eat in Ski Dubai
Avalanche Cafe
Address: On the Slope – Ski Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 409 4164
Pricing: $$
The Avalanche Cafe is where you go if you want to grab a bite or a cup of coffee without leaving the slopes.
This quaint cafe offers relaxing views of the slopes while you enjoy a snack before heading right back into action. The cozy space is also perfect for warming up if the slopes get too cold.
North 28 Restaurant
Address: Next to Ski Dubai Entrance – Ski Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 409 4164
Pricing: $$
North 28 is an Alps-themed restaurant inside Ski Dubai that serves food inspired by the East and West.
Named after the 28th circle of the equator’s north latitude, the restaurant’s interiors offer a cozy and warm ambiance, making it perfect for relaxing after all that skiing and snowboarding.
And don’t forget to try North 28’s tableside meat torching service to witness your food being prepared right before your eyes.
What to Do in Ski Dubai
Experience winter wonderland at the snow park
The Snow Park is the perfect place to start your journey inside Ski Dubai, especially if you have kids since it’s a winter wonderland filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The 4,500-square meter snow park has everything you need for a fun day in the snow – from building your own snowman to riding a zorb ball down the slopes.
Craving for some adrenaline? Try the mountain thriller and snow bullet for a good thrill with the entire family. Of course, you can’t miss meeting the cutest residents of Ski Dubai – the penguins!
Ride down the slopes on your ski or snowboard
Ski Dubai’s slopes are some of the best in the world, whether you’re a newbie or pro. Get on your ski or snowboard to try the slopes by yourself or book a session with one of Ski Dubai’s instructors to teach you the basics.
But if you’re already a Level 2 skier or snowboarder, you can get a two-hour or full day slope pass to get unlimited time to ride the slopes at Ski Dubai.
Want to take skiing or snowboarding seriously as a sport? Enroll at the Ski Academy for AED 180 per person if you’re a group or AED 595 per person for private one-on-one lessons.
Meet the penguins
What’s a day in the snow without meeting its famous residents? Ski Dubai has Gentoo and King penguins that you can meet through a penguin encounter package.
For 40 minutes, you get to learn about these gentle creatures while getting up close with them. Don’t forget to take photos with these winter friends!
Where to Shop Near Ski Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 663 6255
After spending a day on the slopes, you’d want to treat yourself to some retail therapy. Luckily, Ski Dubai is located within the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping centers in Dubai.
This massive shopping complex has over 700 stores ranging from designer brands to local shops, so you’ll have plenty of options for a great shopping day.
Feeling hungry? Choose from one of the many cafes and restaurants around the mall serving different types of cuisines.
And while you’re in the mall, you might also want to catch a movie at VOX Cinemas or explore Magic Planet, one of the best family entertainment centers in the city.
Apps to Download When Visiting Ski Dubai
Visit Dubai: The officlal tourism app of Dubai where you can get all the information you need about the top tourist spots in the city to help you plan your trip
GetYourGuide: Don’t know where to go during your holiday in Dubai? This app has all the best tourist spots around the city including Ski Dubai
RTA Dubai Drive: A must-have app when driving around Dubai because of its detailed maps of the city and parking suggestions that will help you navigate easily when renting a car
Uber: Useful for booking a private car service to take you around Dubai
Careem: Dubai’s alternative to Uber for booking car service to take you around the city