New ski slope in Dubai to be world’s biggest
Plans have been unveiled to build a new indoor ski centre in the city of Dubai, one which will become the largest in the world upon completion.
Sure to become a superb attraction for those visiting the region to practice for their ski holidays in Meribel and other French resorts during the winter months, the proposal for the colossal attraction was outlined earlier in August by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Larger than many European runs
While the city is already home to the Middle East’s first indoor snow centre in the name of Ski Dubai, the brand new facility will offer a slope which is 1.2km long – three times as long as the largest slope at the aforementioned attraction. In actual fact, the proposed run in Dubai will be 300m longer than the Grand Couloir, a black-graded piste which is enjoyed by millions during their ski breaks in Courchevel. However, it doesn’t even come close to the 3km slope offered by the legendary Combe de la Saulire, also in Courchevel.
It is being proposed as part of the Meydan Project, which will also see the construction of a mall, 711m tower, civic plaza and a marina. Because of the sheer size of the slope, it’s sure to be the star feature of the new project. As well as this, there’s also going to be a 150m-long ice rink constructed at the site. The longest of its kind in the world, it’s perfect for those who feel like a change from the snow.
If you can’t wait until the new slope is completed – which is currently scheduled for 2020 – there are plenty of fantastic artificial ski centres here in the UK that provide the perfect opportunity to practice before your ski getaway this coming winter. Check out our artificial ski slope guidefor details of the UK’s best.
Image Credit: Peter Dutton (Flickr.com)