Ski Dubai is no longer the largest indoor ski resort in the world: that title now goes to Huafa Ice and Snow World in Shenzhen, China, which opened on 29 September 2025 with about 100,000 square meters of indoor snow. Ski Dubai, at the Mall of the Emirates, has about 22,500 square meters and is still the best-known indoor slope in the Middle East.
| Resort | Location | Indoor snow area | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huafa Ice and Snow World | Shenzhen, China | About 100,000 sq m | 29 September 2025 |
| Harbin Wanda Indoor Ski Resort | Harbin, China | 72,600 sq m | Not verified |
| Ski Dubai | Mall of the Emirates, Dubai | 22,500 sq m | November 2005 |
About Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai opened in November 2005 inside the Mall of the Emirates, which is owned and run by Majid Al Futtaim. Outside, the desert; inside, an 85-metre indoor mountain, about the height of a 25-story building, with five slopes of different difficulty.
The longest run is about 400 meters. It also bills itself as home to the first indoor black diamond run in the world. A chairlift and a tow lift carry skiers up, and the features in the terrain park (boxes, rails, kickers) are changed regularly.
The air is kept between roughly -1 and 2 degrees Celsius. Skis and jackets come with the ticket, and a 3,000 square meter Snow Park next to the slopes has sled and toboggan runs, an ice cave, climbing towers and giant snowballs.
Who owns the title of largest indoor ski resort now?
Dubai held the headline for years, but the Chinese build-out left it behind. Huafa Ice and Snow World in Shenzhen has five certified slopes, runs of up to about 441 meters and an 83-meter vertical drop. That is more than four times the snow area of Ski Dubai, going by the figures above.
It took the crown from L*SNOW in Shanghai, which was the largest until 2025. Harbin Wanda, with 72,600 square meters of indoor snow, was also once billed as the biggest. Dubai’s slope would fit in any of them with room to spare, though it still has the one thing the Chinese resorts cannot copy: a ski day that ends in a shopping mall.
How much does Ski Dubai cost in 2026?
Prices change by season, weekday and pass type, and we could not open the official price page this session, so check it before you book. Third-party listings put an entry-level Snow Park pass at roughly 200 to 250 dirhams, a two-hour slope session around 300 dirhams and up, and a penguin encounter at roughly 150 to 300 dirhams depending on the seller. Gloves are generally not included, and lockers cost extra.
The penguins
A colony of penguins lives on site, comes out several times a day, and can be booked for a closer encounter. For most visitors, that is the part they remember best, and they steal the show from the ski runs.
The technology is the point: enough refrigeration and snow-making to keep a winter going in the middle of the desert.
Original piece by Irina, updated for 2026. [button color=”red” size=”small” link=”http://imapuma.wordpress.com” target=”blank” ]I’m a puma [/button]
FAQ
What is the largest indoor ski resort in the world?
Huafa Ice and Snow World in Shenzhen, China, opened on 29 September 2025, with about 100,000 square meters of indoor snow. It replaced L*SNOW in Shanghai as the biggest.
How big is Ski Dubai?
Ski Dubai has about 22,500 square meters of indoor snow, an 85-metre indoor mountain, five slopes and a longest run of about 400 meters.
When did Ski Dubai open?
In November 2005, as part of the Mall of the Emirates.
Is ski gear included in a Ski Dubai ticket?
Skis and jackets are provided with the ticket, while gloves are usually extra. Check the official site for what your pass covers.
How cold is it inside Ski Dubai?
The slopes are kept between about -1 and 2 degrees Celsius all year.
Can you see penguins at Ski Dubai?
Yes. Penguins come out several times a day and you can book a penguin encounter.
Last updated: October 2026.
