Ski Dubai is one of the largest indoor ski and snow dome in the world. The stats say everything. The snow park covers 22,500 square meters with the height of the building at 25 storeys high. The construction covers an amazing 22,500 square meters covered with real snow all year round from the in house snow machine which makes 30 tons of snow each day by the process of putting pure 100% water, through a chiller to cool and then sent through a pipe system to the snow blowing guns located on the ceiling. When cooled water is mixed by blowing into a freezing cold area the water then turns to real snow, the same real snow you get in winter around the world. The constant temperature of the complex remains at a regular -1º to -2º Celsius.

The slope is built similar to an upside “L” shape,  taking the dimensions of the slope to 400 meters long and the width varying to a maximum of 80 meters and is covered in at least 3 feet of snow. You will be reminded that the longest stretch of the ski slope is reserved for advanced skiers as this will be the fastest section available. Beginners will not be allowed access to the ski slope until they have satisfied the instructors of the minimum capabilities.

it is the perfect place to take the children with you, as there is more than enough to relieve any boredom that may have set in, and to cool the family down with its snow sports consisting of skiing, tobogganing , twin bobsled ride, a snowball throwing gallery and a snow “cavern” containing interactive experiences. There is the chance to build snowmen or just enjoy messing about on the snow hills away from the skiing activities. If you are lucky enough to be in the right place you will be snowed on during the snowfalls that tops the amount of snow up.

As snow is something you would not expect in Dubai, all equipment is provided including a winter coat, boots, disposable socks, skis and snowboards. Hats and gloves are not provided due to health and hygiene however they are available to buy at a small cost. Lockers are available to rent. Short breaks are inevitable but you cannot leave the ski centre only then to return.

There are five runs which vary in difficulty by height and angle with the longest ski run being a whopping 400 metres in length and plunging over 60 metres.  Snowboarding is also catered for with all manner of levels being available with stunts being able to be performed on the quarter pipe that is nearly 100 meters long.

For those too tired and excited to make their way to up to do the next run there is a quad-chairlift and tow lift that will transport you back to the top for your next run.

There are some themed restaurants in the centre to grab a bite to eat and a hot drink to refresh you. The St Moritz Café is at the entrance to Ski Dubai, the Avalanche Café is half way at mid-station which offers great views of the slopes and will prompt you to go somewhere you haven’t yet been or simply to keep an eye on the kids.

There is a retail shop, Snow Pro, which can advise you on your activities needs and the ski instructors will be able to offer a bit of advice or tuition to introduce you to both skiing and snowboarding.

Candylicious, is a 10,000 sq ft sweetshop at the Dubai Mall. Some of the elaborate features at the store include such oddities as “visually mesmerising” pillars embedded with candy, plus a 10-metre chocolate tree covered with lollipops and a Candylicious Airplane “taking off” above visitors’ heads. 

The store’s products also features brands such as Hershey’s Kisses and chocolate bars, novelty M&M’s, Garrett Popcorn from America, freshly baked brownies from Hot Blondies Bakery, a soda fountain, every flavour of Jelly Belly beans and lollipops “in all shapes and sizes”.

The store is also home the largest ‘Pick and Mix’ wall in the world.

Currently the worlds largest mall; The Dubai Mall is the region's premier shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination. With the number of stores totalling more than 1,200 stores The Dubai Mall was determined to revolutionise the modern shopping experience all in a building totalling 440,000 sq ft over four floors.  Incorporating Dubai’s first Olympic-size ice rink, and the flagship 22-screen Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall which is the first Megaplex developed and operated by the company; not to mention a huge SEGA republic.

Inset in the mall is an aquarium like no other, housing an impressive 33,000 aquatic animals and carrying over 10 million litres of water you can understand why this centrepiece is a world record holder for the largest in its class.

There is a store for everyone from fashion to boutiques, from the sports and leisure industry to nearly 20 specialised sweet and confectionary stores including the 10,000 sq ft Candilicious store. Whole wings of the building are given over to specialised areas such as High End Fashion brands and Watches.  This mall has everything including watches and jewellery stores totalling over 40 stores selling Tag Heuer to Rolex, Omega to Mont Blanc, although time will pass quickly once in this mall as you lose yourself in such an immense shopping area.  This venue also houses Dubai’s largest department store Galeries Lafayette which is Frances most famous store and will soon house an even larger store from the US, Bloomingdales due to open late 2010; department stores from the UK such as Debenhams and other well know UK brands such as Next, M&S, Topshop and Burton.

Its almost like shopping in New York, London, Paris & Rome all under one roof.

If you get hungry whilst shopping, and you fancy a bite to eat, there are over 150 food outlets to choose from.