More Details of Saudi Arabian Ski Area Emerge
More Details of Saudi Arabian Ski Area Emerge
Published : 22-Nov-2023 07:45
Saudi Arabia's first outdoor ski resort has been intriguing ski resort planners since it was first announced a few years ago.
The ski area, known as Trojena, is part of the $500bn 'carbon neutral' Neom mega-city project, which is now unveiling a growing number of western companies as lined up to be a part of it. Trojena has already been granted host status for a revamped Asian Winter Games in 2029 before construction has begun.
The main point of interest is how will the snow be made? At its location in one of the kingdom's highest point it's occasionally below freezing overnight, and even more occasionally there's a dusting on snow, but it doesn't seem to be cold enough for long enough for consistent conventional snowmaking. So guesswork has extended to an army of all-weather SnowFactory type units making snow in refrigerators chambers to spray onto the slopes, and/or artificial 'dry' ski surfaces.
A promotional video showing animated skiers sliding uphill into a blizzard didn't really help much and PR agencies appointed by the project's managers didn't seem keen to provide answers.
However the latest news, that a David McKenzie has left contractor Kier and been appointed executive director at Trojena, joining Philip Gullet, a former COO at Battersea Power Station has raised hopes of some answers.
In August Mr Gullet told Al Arabiya English that the Trojena location was actually colder than was commonly believed,
"What is less-known about Trojena is that it experiences natural snowfall each year with sub-zero temperatures throughout the winter months. All of this supports Trojena as a winter sports destination," he said.
At 2,400 metres above sea level in the Sarawat Mountains, temperatures range from a reported -17 C s to + 22 C it was claimed, with artificial snow 'topping up' the natural stuff. It was also revealed that the resort will have 36km of ski slopes. Snowmaking experts have said the usually dry conditions are a favourable aspect of snowmaking.
Trojena is looking to have over 3,500 hotel rooms and 7,000 permanent residents and is hoping to attract more than 700,000 annual visitors by the end of the 2020s. Besides the snow slopes there'll be a 3,000 seat amphitheatre, over 100 indoor and outdoor activities and 42,000 sq m of retail and dining space.
Marriott Hotels have also announced that their first W hotel in Saudi Arabia will be built at the country's new Trojena ski resort. They'll also build a second Marriott with different branding at the resort.
"Trojena redefines the understanding of ultra-luxury hospitality and mountain tourism. We are delighted to have two of Marriott International's iconic brands at the forefront of luxury travel, W Hotels and JW Marriott, join us to elevate the travel experience for discerning guests," Mr Gullett commented.
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