Ski Dubai Alpine/Downhill Resorts Resort (Are you this resort?)

General Comments/Likes

Getting here is as easy as getting to Dubai…depending on where you start. But this “field of dreams” of a city is not only equipped with the the biggest, it has the two biggest in many cases and the most of just about everything too. Ski Dubai emerges from the skyline over the Mall of the Emirates, second largest mall in the world (largest is the Dubai Mall…guess where?)!

Its in a big (primarily fashion) mall, complete with any kind of dining you want, including a TGI Friday’s overlooking the slopes, and a sizable selection of other more locally and internationally influenced options.

It has everything you would want and more at the base including a snow park, sledding, and even a hotel with balconies overlooking the slopes. The other side of the Mall’s hotel at higher floors looks out over the city and the beaches of the Arabian Sea.

While it looks like a straight wedge from the outside and most photos, your descent of the terrain from the top includes a 45 degree turn to the right at mid mountain. The lower half is angled from the top, but is not so visible from outside. The consistency and chemical properties of the man-made snow are quite good. Even late in the day, there were few icy patches. Close to the wall (be careful!) I could tell there were traces of corduroy from the overnight grooming, so if I ever come back first tracks on virgin cord would be fun!

The contrast of seeing people inside the mall with their faces (or cameras) pressed up against the glass with the skiers is quite a sight. Most people wear the uniform ski rental clothing, while some bring their own. Never out of sight are the Arab men’s Kandura cloak (white) or women’s Abaya gown (black), both complete with head coverings and other traditional accessories.

Of the two lifts, the old-school surface Poma is much faster and somewhat steeper than the slow moving, scenic, roof mounted, fixed quad with mid-station. Beware of your pride (guys) as the Poma makes two jerky turns as it makes its way around the bend in the wall. Reminds me of the old Rendezvous Bowl Poma (back in the ’80s at Jackson Hole). Laps on this lift, including the ride up and ski down only take about three to four minutes so its a great place for an on-snow conditioning of your ski muscles. With laps that quick, it may sound like a glorified workout machine, but its way cooler than a NordicTrack!

Dislikes

The ratings are artificially high because there are simply so many things that make up a great ski area, right there! But despite the size of the structure, it is still a small ski area. However, if you’re an ex-pat living or visiting Dubai, there’s really nothing like it if you’re a skier.

Bring as much of your own equipment as possible. The rental gear (including clothing, but not hats or gloves) leaves a little to be desired, especially if you’re used to your own equipment. I upgraded to “tuned” carving skis and decided to MacGyver the second set of boots with some plastic from a fence, to prevent movement between the shell and liner, rather than go back down the escalator to the rental shop for an attempt at a third pair of boots.

Getting an apres ski beer is possible in the private club style bars and restaurants (sounds like Utah), but possession of alcoholic beverages is actually illegal in the UAE and many Arab countries.