Saudi Arabia is now synonymous with showstopper projects and jaw-dropping innovations.
With numerous mega- and giga-projects already completed and coming to finalisation, the Kingdom is reshaping its landscape with record-breaking architecture, visionary developments, and unparalleled luxury experience; setting new standards for global ambition while expanding its worldwide influence.
One such project that has the captured the imagination of the world is Trojena; a futuristic mountain resort in NEOM, which is slated to become a world-class winter sports destination, featuring year-round skiing, luxury accommodations, and cutting-edge sustainability initiatives and innovations.
Amid the breathtaking mountains of NEOM, Saudi Arabia is defying expectations by engineering perfect, powdery snow for its futuristic ski resort, Trojena. In a nation widely known for its arid weather and desert landscapes, cutting-edge snowmaking technology is slated to transform the high-altitude terrain into a world-class winter sports destination, proving that skiing in Saudi Arabia is not just a dream, but a reality.
As Trojena gears up to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, this ambitious project is redefining the limits of innovation, sustainability, and adventure, offering skiers an experience like no other.
But one question is top-of-mind for everyone - HOW will the Trojena team create ever-lasting, all-year-round snow?
The Science Behind Saudi's Snow
Sitting at up to 2,600 metres above sea level, Trojena’s high-altitude location, creates a naturally cooler environment with lower than average temperatures, making it ideal for producing and maintaining artificial snow. This pivotal element is a key advantage for the planned ski resort.
In a recently released video, Senior Development Manager, Richard Scott explains that over the last five years, the team has tested a selection of snow-making technologies - comparing and monitoring the quality and lasting power of the snow created. The ski slopes are north and north-east facing, to minimise the natural exposure to the sun and reduce the opportunity of snow melting. Whilst the water from the melting snow will be used throughout the resort and the residences for irrigation, and to preserve the plants of the surrounding landscape.
The soon-to-open luxury ski destination utilises a selection state-of-the-art snowmaking technologies; blending humidity control, temperature regulation, and specialised water systems to generate the ideal snow for skiing. Wind machines will be utilised to mimic the falling of fine, powdery snow that closely resembles that of natural snowfall.
In March it was announced that Trojena's first test ski slope was open and being used by project professionals: the test slope measures 400 metres long and 35 metres wide. Former professional alpine skier, Abbie Macey, who is now Trojena's Development and Operations Manager of the Ski Village was the first person to test out the slope.
Unlike traditional ski resorts that rely on naturally occurring and seasonal snowfall, Trojena’s engineered snow ensures consistent and ideal skiing conditions throughout the year. Once completed, Saudi's first luxury ski destination will feature over 30 kilometres of ski slopes and a guaranteed 28km of slopes covered in snow, with routes catering to both amateurs and professional athletes, including those competing in the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable tourism is reflected in Trojena’s eco-friendly snow production methods, and reduce the impact of the development of this project on natural environment. Despite creating snow all-year-round, the snow-making process has been designed to minimise water consumption, and any associated pollution while maintaining high-quality ski terrain. The resort’s modern infrastructure, which will include luxuriously branded accommodations, wellness retreats, and adventure experiences, is set to position Trojena as a world-class winter destination in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
Take a look below at how Saudi Arabia is proving that even in the desert, perfect powder snow is possible:
