In a groundbreaking move that defies geographical expectations, Saudi Arabia is embarking on the construction of a state-of-the-art ski resort in the heart of the desert. This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward in the country’s commitment to diversify its offerings and create innovative attractions.
The futuristic ski resort is set to redefine the boundaries of conventional tourism and leisure destinations. Located amidst the arid landscapes, the development promises a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, architectural marvels, and the thrill of winter sports against the backdrop of sandy dunes.
Three months of the year will be dedicated to skiing at Trojena; during the other months, visitors can enjoy mountain biking and water sports.
A winter wonderland is the furthest thing from the stereotype that most people have of Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the nation is constructing its €461 billion ($500 billion) “city of the future” amidst the Neom mountains.
In the province of Tabuk, in the northwest of the nation, is where this new urban project is being built. It will be home to Trojena, an otherworldly ski resort with stunning views, a man-made lake, and a blend of real and virtual architecture.
Although it may seem absurd, Clark Williams, the manager of marketing and communication at Neom in Saudi Arabia, tells Euronews Travel that it’s actually not as difficult as you might think to ski down the resort’s slopes.
Williams claims that “people go like, wait a minute, there’s snow in Saudi Arabia?” “In actuality, we can produce snow in Neom with just three degrees Celsius, and we can do so for three months of the year.”
In the winter, the temperature in the mountains near Neom naturally falls below zero.
The designers of Trojena assert that they are concentrating on minimising water use and optimising water recovery during the snowmaking process in order to promote sustainable tourism.
Williams says, “We’re going to use as many sustainable resources as we can, whether that’s solar or wind power, in our snowmaking.”
In addition, we’ll be utilising water from our state-of-the-art desalination plant. We’re working to gather as much water as we can from the snowmelt.
According to Williams, this water would be recycled back into the system that produces the powder for the resort’s slopes.
More Than Simply A Wintry Paradise
Trojena has 36 kilometres of slopes for skiing, but during the rest of the year, visitors can enjoy the man-made lake and engage in a variety of water sports, including mountain biking.
Residents of Trojena, where the average temperature is roughly ten degrees lower than in other Saudi cities and there is no humidity, would be able to cool off in the summer when the Gulf gets extremely hot.
What Awaits Visitors Within The Ski Resort?
Trojena promises all the amenities one could expect from a typical mountain village.
According to Williams, the idea behind the ski village is to combine all the elements of a traditional mountain village into a single structure.
This includes dining establishments as well as an opulent wellness centre for people who require a vacation from the piste.
Williams claims that when the centre finally opens in late 2026 or early 2027, there will be multiple hotels at the ski resort that can welcome guests right away.
“Considering that we’re building a whole new environment there, with streets, bars, restaurants and hotels all crammed into one village, that’s pretty soon.”
The project is currently in its early phases of development, and workers have already moved in.
Trojena will become more than just a tourist attraction. Current plans call for about 7,000 permanent residents to be able to live and work in the vertical village.
Other Notable Aspects Of Neom
There are four main regions in Neom, not including Trojena. The first destination, Sindalah in the Red Sea, is anticipated to open in 2024. Other anticipated attractions include OXAGON, a futuristic floating industrial metropolis, and THE LINE, a 170-kilometer-long city that could eventually house up to 9 million people.
According to Niall Gibbons, Head of Tourism at Neom, “Neom is one of the megaprojects that was announced as part of the Saudi Crown Prince’s vision for 2030,” which was reported by Euronews Travel. It is roughly the size of Belgium and is expected to have 3.5 million visitors by 2030.
Neom will initially concentrate on domestic travel before opening up to foreign tourists, with 60% of visitors coming from outside Saudi Arabia by 2030, according to Gibbons.
Ninety-five percent of Neom’s land will be left for natural areas, and the entire country will run entirely on clean energy. According to Gibbons, rewilding efforts in the region have already begun, with ostriches and wild oryx being reintroduced in the desert and “giving birth to their first babies this year.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Tourism
This bold initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to transform itself into a global tourism hub. By diversifying its offerings and investing in innovative projects, the country seeks to attract a diverse range of visitors, both domestic and international.
The ski resort serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The use of cutting-edge technology to create a winter wonderland in the desert reflects the nation’s determination to overcome geographical challenges and offer unique, world-class experiences.
Anticipated Economic Impact
The construction and operation of the futuristic ski resort are expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. Job creation, infrastructure development, and a boost in tourism-related industries are among the anticipated positive impacts. Additionally, the resort aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification goals outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative.
As construction progresses on this extraordinary project, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia as it transforms a vision into reality. The futuristic ski resort promises not only an exhilarating experience for visitors but also represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the country’s tourism landscape.
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