FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Q: Is it real snow in Ski Dubai? How is it made?
- A: Yes, Ski Dubai has real snow. Snow is made using a simple
procedure similar to how snow is artificially made at outdoor ski
resorts. Pure water, with no chemicals added, is put through a
chiller to cool. It is then sent through pipes to the snow guns
which are on the ceiling. When the cooled water is blown out into a
freezing cold environment it crystallizes and makes snow. The
temperature during the time when snow is made is -7c to -8c. The
final product is real snow, as if it came from nature. We just give
it a little help.
- Q: How does it stay cold in Ski Dubai?
- A: Our facility is specially designed as a massive cold box.
The walls have numerous levels of insulation and the roof is 5
meters higher than the ceiling, providing very efficient
insulation. This makes Ski Dubai one of the best refrigerators in
the world! We have 23 blast coolers (air conditioner type machines)
that chill the air and maintain a temperature of -1c during
operating hours. There are also kilometers of glycol tubing running
through the floor (similar to the back of your refrigerator) that
chill the snow, keeping the base of the snow solid, 30 tones of
fresh snow is made daily.
- Q: So I pay for a 2 hour session. Do I have to keep track of
the time myself? What if I would like to stay longer?
- A: You need to keep an eye on the clock. After the time on your
key card expires you will not have access to the lifts. If you
would like to stay longer, it is possible to extend your time for a
small additional charge. Please see the pricing information on the
website for more information.
- Q: I would like to give a friend or a family member a unique
gift, do you have gift certificates?
- A: Yes, you can purchase a gift certificate for ski/snowboard
sessions, ski/snowboard lessons and Snow Park passes. Gift
certificates can be purchased from the ticket counter at Ski
Dubai.
- Q: Do I need to book in advance for ski/snowboard lessons?
- A: Yes, you need to book lessons in advance. Please call the
Ski Dubai call centre to make a booking. Soon you will be able to
book a lesson on-line through our website.
- Q: Can I bring my own equipment?
- A: Skiing and snowboarding equipment and warm clothing rental
are included in the entry price. If you have your own equipment,
please feel free to use it, however, Ski Dubai is not responsible
for equipment that is not Ski Dubai's property. You will receive a
5% discount for having all of your own equipment and a 5% discount
for having all of your own clothing. Our Equipment Service Centre
offers Servicing and Tuning of personal equipment.
- Q: How many people are in a group lesson?
- A: Groups usually vary between 4 -10 people. Adult groups of
less than 3 people receive equivalent instruction of 1 hour. Junior
programs are not shortened if there are less participants, but if
juniors grow tired they may be placed in the Snow Park until the
end of the session.
- Q: Do you divide classes by age as well as ability?
- A: Our first criteria in forming groups is ability, then age.
As much as possible children are kept within age bands of 3 years
to match energy levels.
- Q: How efficient is Ski Dubai in terms of energy?
- A: Ski Dubai spans 22,500 square meters and is 85 meters high
is one of the most energy efficient facilities in the region.
Designed by international consultants, Ski Dubai uses a very
efficient cooling plant to cool down the facility. 100km of glycol
pipes runs beneath the bottom layer of snow at a temperature of
approx -16c, the same glycol is then used for the cooling units in
the ceiling to maintain an air temperature of approx -8c.
In addition to this very efficient cooling plant, state of the art
insulation ensures that Ski Dubai retains the cold. The walls and
ceiling of Ski Dubai are 5 meters thick ensuring the cold is kept
within the facility hence we can say that Ski Dubai is in essence a
giant cooling box. With such efficient insulation, it is in fact
very cost effective to maintain Ski Dubai at sub-zero
temperatures.
To ensure that we maximize the efficiency of the old snow, we also
recycle the used snow through a melt pit. As the old snow melts it
cools down the water that is used for the air conditioning of Mall
of the Emirates. With this advanced technology in place costs are
low and Ski Dubai and Mall of the Emirates work hand in hand to
minimize energy use.
- Q: Do you have lessons for girls only or boys only?
- A: All our classes are mixed, however, we do our best to
accommodate special requests. Separate male and female classes can
be arranged subject to availability, and depending on which
instructors (male or female) are available during certain
times.
- Q: How do I know which level I am?
- A: If this is your first time, start with a discovery lesson.
Instructors will then be able to see how quickly you learn and
advise you on the best lessons for you. If you have participated in
snow sports before, have a look at the ability level chart which
outlines the skills necessary for each level. You should have an
idea of your level, but if you have any problems, our instructors
can help.
