# A Winter Oasis (DD-253)

> Ski Dubai, built by the developer and operator of the Mall of the Emirates, opened in November 2005 as an artificial indoor mountain. It holds the hall at about −1 to 2 °C all year and claims the world's first indoor black diamond run.

- Department: Locations
- First published: 2024-06-18
- Last updated: 2024-06-18
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/a-winter-oasis/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **2005**: Ski Dubai opens

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=a-winter-oasis

## Quick facts

- **DD-253-F01**: Ski Dubai opened in 2005. _(Write-up · Exhibit C (A first for indoor skiing))_
- **DD-253-F02**: It covers 22,500 square meters. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (A 25-storey mountain))_

## Write-up

Running a ski slope in the desert is less about snow than about holding an entire mountain at freezing point through the Gulf summer.

1. **A 25-storey mountain**: The indoor mountain is 85 metres high, roughly the height of a 25-storey building.
2. **Held below freezing**: The park keeps a temperature of −1 to 2 °C (30 to 36 °F) throughout the year, despite the desert climate outside.
3. **A first for indoor skiing**: Ski Dubai's runs include what is described as the world's first indoor black diamond run, with boxes, rails and kickers that are changed regularly.
4. **Built by the mall's owner**: The resort was developed by Majid Al Futtaim Group, the same company that operates the Mall of the Emirates.

## Related case files

- [Grass Skiing (DD-074)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/grass-skiing/): I linked skiing without snow
- [Wanderlust & Desert Dust (DD-254)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/wanderlust-desert-dust/): I linked another Dubai case
- [Mall of the Emirates (DD-252)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/mall-of-the-emirates/): I linked the mall it sits in

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: A Winter Oasis: Ski Dubai's Longest Run Is 400 Meters Long

- Duration: 51.4 s · Published: 2024-06-18
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C8Xg899Je-m.mp4

### Transcript

Ski Dubai, situated within the Mall of the Emirates, is a remarkable indoor ski resort that brings winter sports to the heart of the desert. Spanning 22,500 square meters, this impressive facility features five slopes of varying difficulty, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From beginners to experts, the longest run is 400 meters, complete with a fall of over 60 meters, providing a thrilling experience akin to that of a traditional mountain resort. In addition to the slopes, Ski Dubai also has a snow park, which is the largest indoor snow park in the world, offering attractions such as Tobogganing Hills, an ice cave, and a giant snowball fight area. For those looking to experience more than just skiing, the resort also houses a colony of king and Gentoo penguins, with daily penguin encounters that delight visitors of all ages. Ski Dubai's unique offering of snow-based activities in the midst of a desert city makes it a standout attraction, providing a year-round winter wonderland experience in one of the hottest regions on the planet. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Where is Ski Dubai?**  
A: Al Barsha. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (A first for indoor skiing) · Wikipedia: Ski Dubai)_

**Q: When did it open?**  
A: Indoors. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (A 25-storey mountain) · Wikipedia: Ski Dubai)_

**Q: How long is the longest run?**  
A: About 60 m drop. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (A first for indoor skiing) · Wikipedia: Ski Dubai)_

**Q: How many runs?**  
A: Varying difficulty. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (A first for indoor skiing) · Wikipedia: Ski Dubai)_

**Q: Which penguins live there?**  
A: Daily encounters. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (A 25-storey mountain) · Wikipedia: Ski Dubai)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Ski Dubai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_Dubai)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "A Winter Oasis." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-253, last updated Jun 18, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/a-winter-oasis/