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You don’t have to go to Switzerland every time you wish to ride through the snow! From Georgia to Lebanon and Turkey, here are skiing destinations near the UAE that take under 5 hours. Time to plan a trip!
1. Georgia
A three hour flight from the UAE brings you to a land of snow-covered mountains, vineyards, old churches and breathtaking scenery. When you think about Georgia, skiing is inevitably the first thing that comes to your mind. Winters in Georgia get very crude with temperatures ranging from 2 and 6 degrees celsius, making it ideal for mountain sports. Gudauri, located in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains is one of the most popular skiing resorts in the region. The mountains are seated 2,200m above the sea level and offer over 50 km of uninterrupted white cover. The season runs from December to February and there are seven ferry lifts to take you to the highest point. Night skiing is also available on weekends. Bakuriani, Mestia and Adjara are some of the other skiing resorts in this region.
2. Mzaar Ski Resort, Lebanon
Also known as Middle East’s largest skiing resort, Mzaar has a legacy of ski culture. The resort offers 80km of ski tracks, with three peaks ranging from 1,850 to 2,465 metres. Apart from 15 ski lifts, 50 runs and 100km of terrain, the resort is also home to eclectic restaurants, and boisterous bars. So, now you know what to do once you are done riding through the snow. And if you are the kind who likes to stay indoors, de-stress at their spa, watch a movie in the cinema, play a game of bowling, or go swimming in their heated indoor pool.
3. Kartalkaya, Turkey
Quietly docked between Istanbul and Ankara, Kartalkaya is one of the most-visited ski resorts. The ski Centre covers over 1850-2200 metres and is embellished with dense pine forest in the background. Tourists can enjoy skiing and snow boarding between December and March. Stay at the Kaya Palazzo Ski & Mountain resort and you can directly access the ski lifts. Plus, the Swiss Fondue restaurant serves lip-smacking food. The resort also has a wellness centre, an open air ice rink and a snow-tubing park where kids can cool off.
4. Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Troodos is a magical place to be in during winters with a ski scene that dates back to the 1930s. Covered in a blanket of glistening snow, against beholding splendid greenery, Troodos offers a sight that is enough to take your breath away. From skiing to snowboarding, adrenaline junkies have a lot to explore once here. Make your way up to the Troodos Ski Resort on Mount Olympus and you will find people of all age groups, having a blast on the snowy peaks. Whether you want to take it easy and unwind or get adventurous, the resort has a little something for everyone. February is known to be the best month for snow skiing on the Troodos Mountains.
5. Ski Dubai
Last but not the least, if you cannot get out of the country, but are still craving some white sheets, head to our very own ski dubai. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is perfect for beginners. There are five small ski runs – the longest is 400 metres with a 60-metre drop, plus they also have ski schools where you can ace the skill. And don’t forget to check out the fun games and savor the hot choc0late at the Avlanche cafe.
