There’s snow in Dubai! I still get a thrill seeing the powdery flakes drift down inside the Mall of the Emirates, even after living here for years. Ski Dubai is one of those “only in Dubai” attractions that you simply have to experience when visiting the UAE.
Where else can you go from sweating in 40C heat to shredding down snowy slopes in a matter of minutes?
As a Dubai resident, Ski Dubai is one of my favorite ways to beat the brutal summer temps. Strap on your skis or snowboard and leave the desert behind as you glide down the slopes, with views of the mall and penguins!
Even if you aren’t into skiing or snowboarding, it’s still a magical experience to play in the snow in the middle of the desert.
Tips for Visiting
CLOSEST METRO STATION
Mall of The Emirates
ESTIMATED TIME
3 – 5 hours
BEST TIME TO GO
Afternoon
WHERE TO BUY
BOOK NOW!
Snow Fun Amidst Sands at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in Mall of the Emirates. It’s kept at a crisp -2C to -6C year round for the snow and its resident penguins! With both beginner and advanced runs, as well as a terrain park, there’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you’re a total newbie, no worries – Ski Dubai has ski and snowboard lessons for kids and adults. The excellent instructors will have you pizza-ing down the bunny slope in no time!
When you need a break from the slopes, spend some time wandering around the Snow Park. This play area has something for everyone – ski fans and non-skiers alike. Glide down hills in a donut ring, race down the mountain in a sled, build a snowman, or brave the super fun (but chilly!) Snow Bullet zip line. And don’t miss the sledding hill – my kids could spend hours zooming down this thing!
The Snow Park is also home to Ski Dubai’s adorable colony of King and Gentoo penguins. Multiple times a day, you can catch the March of the Penguins as they waddle through the snow. Stick around after the march and you may get the chance to pet these cuties! I highly recommend booking the additional Penguin Encounter. You’ll get to feed the penguins, learn some cool facts about them, and even take a fun souvenir photo while petting them. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
As a long-time Dubai resident, I’ve been to Ski Dubai more times than I can count. It’s the perfect activity for when my friends and family visit from out of town. I never get tired of seeing their faces light up at the novelty of skiing and snow in the desert!
On my most recent visit, I was hosting my sister and her two kids who were visiting Dubai for the first time. It was the perfect chance to take my niece and nephew (ages 8 and 10) skiing for the very first time. We started with a discovery ski lesson for the kids, while my sister and I did a few warm up runs on the intermediate slopes. The instructors were excellent with the kids, taking time to ensure they understood the basics before going up the magic carpet to the bunny hill. 2 hours later, the kids were already gliding down the beginner’s slope!
After their lesson finished, we met up to enjoy the Snow Park. The kids had a blast sledding, tubing, and playing in the snow. I even convinced my sister to try out the Zorb balls with me – rolling down the hill encased in a giant inflatable ball was terrifying but so fun!
To warm up afterward, we treated ourselves to hot chocolates and snacks at Avalanche Café. Sitting in the lodge-style café with views of the slope gave us the full ski resort experience! We refueled on pizzas, fries and hot chocolates before heading back out for more fun.
Absolutely smashing!
My sister’s take on her first visit to Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai’s snowy slopes are a Dubai must-do—topping the lot for unexpected holiday thrills in Dubai.
My Top highlights for visiting Ski Dubai –
1. The Ski slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced, plus terrain parks for freestyle skiers and snowboarders
2. Equipment rental and storage available besides the ticketing counters
3. Lessons available for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, starting at age 3
4. Snow Park play area with sledding hill, ice cave, climbing wall, Zorb balls, and more
5. Instagram worthy ice sculptures around the snow park
6. Home to King and Gentoo penguins that do a presentation with their trainers for everyone to see
7. Dining options like Avalanche Café and North 28 provide good quality food and beverages (don’t miss the hot chocolate in -4 degrees at Ski Dubai)
8. Ski Dubai regularly hosts competitions and events such as Ice Warrior and Freestyle contests
9. Open daily from 10am to 11pm (Ramadan and Eid timings may vary)
10. Located in Mall of the Emirates, easily accessible by metro
How much did my tickets cost?
The ticket will cost AED 240 per person.
I booked my tickets in advance online to save time on Get Your Guide.
Where is Ski Dubai Located?
Ski Dubai is located at The Mall of The Emirates. It’s easily accessible via Dubai Metro.
Alternatively you can also arrive by car or taxi.
Ski Dubai Snow Park Classic Pass
There’s something for everyone at the 4,500 square meter Snow Park, offering countless hours of exhilarating entertainment options, including Bobsledding, Tubing Run, Snow Bumpers, Climbing Wall, Zorb Ball (Giant Snowball), and more.
Pros
- A totally unique experience you won't find anywhere else in the world. Where else can you ski in the desert?
- Excellent ski instructors who prioritize safety and fun.
- Well maintained slopes and high quality equipment.
- Fun for both ski fans and non-skiers.
- Indoor, so you can enjoy the snow year round, protected from Dubai's hot sun.
Cons
- Weekends and evenings can get very busy. Be prepared for some chair lift lines at peak times.
- Skiing and equipment rentals can get pricey, especially for families.
- Food options are limited inside.
- Can feel very cold inside!
- Advanced skiers may find themselves wanting more of a challenge.