Ski Dubai

Spend the day at Ski Dubai and you could be forgiven for forgetting you are in the middle of the desert. Real snow brings this huge indoor ski complex to another level with slopes, jumps, runs and chairlifts, and even a snow park all adding to the genuine arctic experience.

The dome expands across a massive 22,500 square metres and will suit every type of skier from the tentative beginner to the more advanced. Inside the ski complex there are five different levels of run which vary in length, gradient and difficulty, the longest of which stretches to 400 metres.

The real snow is what sets Ski Dubai apart as one of the finest indoor ski resorts there is. Snow guns on the ceiling of the dome blow out cooled water which, once it hits the freezing temperatures, immediately crystallises to form snow.

It isn't just skiing on offer here either you can also try your hand at snowboarding, with a Freestyle Zone where the more adept boarder can practice on jumps and rails.

Ski Dubai Snow Park is a great place for younger children to join in on bobsled runs, try out the toboggan or just play around in the snow. Here they can take some time out and watch the March of the Penguins, a free show where King and Gentoo penguins entertain the audience. Shows run many times throughout the afternoon and early evening so you have no excuse for missing it.

Get some energy back by refuelling at either of the dome's restaurants, the St. Moritz Café which can be found at the entrance to the ski resort, or Avalanche Café located at the mid-station and boasting great views of the slopes.

If you are a first-time skier it is recommended that you book into a group lesson where a professional instructor will help you learn how to ski or snowboard for a small fee. The entrance fee to Ski Dubai includes jackets, pants, skis, poles, ski boots and disposable socks. Please note that hats and gloves are not included so either bring them with you or purchase them in the equipment shop, Snow Pro.

Access to Ski Dubai is easy as it is situated conveniently at the Mall of the Emirates in New Dubai. Over 7,000 free parking spaces make travelling by car hassle-free. You can get here by bus or metro also, with a metro stop on the 1st floor of the mall. Ski Dubai is open every day.