MALL OF THE EMIRATES DUBAI

BEST FOR: TESTING THE SPORT

The best place in the world to learn to ski is where you would least expect: the Middle East. Inside Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, the indoor mountain has real snow 365 days a year. The slopes haven’t been carved by the chaos of geological evolution; they have been carefully designed by experts to provide progressive learning areas that enable rapid progression in a controlled environment. It is the one place where the quality of both the snow and the weather are monitored and controlled to ensure optimum ski conditions every day.

Book to stay at the Aspen Ski Chalet in the Kempinski Hotel kempinski.com and the ski slope is right outside the front door, which means you’ll consume little energy getting your skis on.

Ski Dubai’s school has instructors from around the world who come with great experience and beginners’ packages include all clothing and ski equipment, so there is no immediate commitment to buy into the sport. A discovery lesson lasts for an hour. Why not follow it by swapping your ski jacket for a swimsuit and reflect on your first endeavours with a cocktail by the beach?

Its lift system was designed to suit the relevant levels of skier, so you can progress to the next gradient as your confidence develops. There is a real sense of space, which helps nervous skiers and you almost feel as though you’re in the mountains – without the stunning landscapes, of course. Après-ski is limited to the hot chocolate in the chalet at the mid-station but there are plenty of options for dining. Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara in the Burj Al Arab jumeirah.com should be high on every list.

THE DETAIL A one-hour discovery lesson costs £40pp, including refundable key deposit. Further lessons from £56pp. skidxb.com