If you’re itching to hit the slopes, or just fancy a bit of après-ski festivities, it’s not too late to book a ski trip.
Popular resorts in the Alps may not be the most practical option for a quick getaway, but there are plenty of other options that are actually just a short-haul flight away from the UAE.
These resorts are amongst the most underrated in the world. They offer the same experiences and romances of popular ski resorts, albeit less-crowded and much more affordable. A win-win if you ask us.
Plus, these slopes are open until mid-April, so if you’re looking to catch some snow during Eid, this is your chance.
Shymbulak, Kazakhstan
Distance: 4.5 hours from Dubai.
Snow before you go: Shymbulak is Central Asia’s largest ski resort, towering high above the city of Almaty and within Kazakhstan’s famous Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range. At an altitude of 2,200 meters, Shymbulak is a well-organized resort with lessons, rental services and even night skiing available. The slopes are a mere 45 minute drive from Almaty, should you choose to base yourself there. Otherwise, there are plenty of accommodation options on the mountains at the centre of the action.
Erciyes, Turkey
Distance: 4.5 hours from Dubai.
Snow before you go: Most people wouldn’t associate Turkey with skiing. The country actually has four major resorts, but if you want to make the most of the tourist sites, head to Erciyes. With epic runs, incredible views and a variety of slopes, Erciyes is certainly the most popular skiing resort in the region. Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Instagram hotspot Cappadocia to make the most of the winter break. Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes are only an hour’s drive from the slopes, and look especially magical in winter.
Gudauri and Bakuriani, Georgia
Distance: 3.5 hours from Dubai.
Snow before you go: A popular spot among Middle Eastern travellers, the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia has ski slopes that rival the Alps. Georgia’s peaks actually reach altitudes higher than the Alps, and makes for an affordable ski trip spot with uncrowded slopes and untouched terrain. Sign us up! Gudauri reigns as the largest and highest ski resort in Georgia, and one of the most underrated in the world. Its ski season spans from mid-December to the end of April, so there is plenty of time to get your snow fix in before the season ends!
Mzaar Kfardebian, Lebanon
Distance: 4 hours from Dubai.
Snow before you go: Known as the ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’, Mzaar Kfardebian is indeed Lebanon’s answer to the Alps. You’ll find this popular resort high in the mountains an hours drive from Beirut, and it’s actually the largest ski resort in the Middle East. It has some great skiing conditions with over 80km of perfect slopes. And if that hasn’t sold you, maybe the après-ski will. Mzaar Kfardebian is a known party hotspot, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for sure.
Tsaghkadzor, Armenia
Distance: 3 hours from Dubai.
Snow before you go: Located 60 kilometres from the capital Yerevan, Tsaghkadzor is Armenia’s most popular ski resort. Whilst its slopes may not be as impressive as some others, it has some great terrain for all levels, and is a super affordable option for a quick getaway. The slopes were actually where 2,819 metres at the highest point, and have fairly reliable snow. It was on these slopes that Armenia’s athletes trained for the Winter Olympics in Soviet times, and are a great place for beginners to try their hand at the sport for the first time.
Looking for some more travel inspo? Find out where to travel according to your zodiac sign here!