Ski

A glittering modern metropolis that sits in on the edge of miles upon miles of dry desert might not be the first location that comes to mind when thinking of skiing destinations. However, travel a little further into the metropolis of Dubai and you might be surprised to find that the largest city in the United Arab Emirates is also home to 22,500 sqm of snow, all year round.

At least, that is what's on offer at Ski Dubai, part of the city's impressive Mall of the Emirates. Sitting 85 meters high, this artificial ski slope encompasses five runs of varying degrees of difficulty, a freestyle zone, and a snow park. There is also a chairlift to keep taking you back to the top. The brave can even try the world's first indoor black run - a 400 meter run with an overall fall of 60 meters.

What's more, you can stay close to the slopes in true ski-style in the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates' luxurious Aspen Chalets.

For more information and booking enquiries, call +971 4 341 0000 or email reservations.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com.

The quintessential skiers' paradise, Switzerland is a heavenly destination. Travel to the resort of Zermatt, a destination whose lofty ski lanes and cable cars pale in comparison to the towering Matterhorn, one of the most recognisable and awe-inspiring peaks in the world. For skiing mixed with a lively nightlife, Verbier is a paradise, perfect for those eager to venture on to the many surrounding off-piste (unmarked) skiing areas.

For many though, it is St Moritz that holds the title as the best ski resort in the Swiss Alps. It is famed for its astonishing natural beauty, excellent variety of sports, and unparalleled luxury accommodation that includes the elegant, yet relaxed Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, located at the foot of the famous Hahnensee ski run. Here guests can relax, dine, and stay in total luxury before heading out once more in to the snowy landscape beyond.

Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
info.stmoritz@kempinski.com

Famed for its glamour, natural wealth, and exceptional skiing areas, Austria has a number of wonderful skiing resorts. Saalbach's huge variety of pistes and trails, St Anton's startlingly steep runs and beautiful off-piste locales, and Ischgl's high-tempo nightlife, this nation hosts some of the best slopes and ski cities in the world.

Austria is also home to the charming Kitzbühel, a sleepy and handsome medieval walled town. Here the slopes are open to both beginners and the more advanced skiing community, and both can enjoy the opulence and class of the Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol, home to the largest – and arguably the most comfortable – penthouse suite in the country.

Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol
info.tirol@kempinski.com

Although Bavaria's ample skiing opportunities are well known throughout the world, perhaps the most enjoyable of the state's skiing resorts is Berchtesgaden, a scenic town and resort that is home to the exclusive Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. 

The Berchtesgaden National Park and its associated winter sports areas are deserving of any alpine tourist's attention. The Königssee lake and pulse-raising Jenner ski area are often at the top of visitors' itineraries, and within the latter both beginners and intermediaries can carve, cruise and hurtle down the astoundingly quiet slopes.

Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
info.berchtesgaden@kempinski.com

A growing ski destination that promises outstanding skiing experiences for a price well below those offered by surrounding alpine nations, Bulgaria has a host of fun-filled ski resorts that cater for every sort of winter sports traveller. If you love an exciting nightlife, dependable snowfall, and wondrously beautiful mountain vistas, Pamporovo should definitely be visited, alongside the modern, alpine-focused resort of Borovets.

It is the resort of Bansko that many herald as the top Bulgarian ski resort, though. With a long ski season and an excellent variety of ski runs, catering for beginners, amateurs, and pros alike, these factors make this wonderful ski destination. Visitors can stay in comfort and style at the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena after a long day of skiing, relaxing in surroundings that skilfully mix modern and traditional design.

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena
reservations.grandarena@kempinski.com

The High Tatras are one of the best undiscovered treasures in Eastern Europe, a place where glittering snow, monumental natural surroundings, and price tags – low compared to similar alpine destinations in Europe – combine to make for an excellent stay.

Take the picturesque Lake Strbske pleso, home to the idyllic Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras. Here the pine forests, bewilderingly vertical peaks and deep winter snows are incredibly relaxing, exciting and sumptuous, with something for every kind of alpine adventurer to enjoy. Given Slovakia's relatively recent rise as a ski destination, you can be one of the first travellers to discover this hidden gem.

Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras
reservations.hightatras@kempinski.com