In just a few years, Saudi Arabia is set to host the Arab Winter Games. Now, it’s probably not images of snowy mountain peaks that come to mind when thinking of Saudi Arabia. Or are they?
And yet they would be quite a good prerequisite for winter sports competitions. We just think so. But the desert state wouldn’t be what it is if a pragmatic solution hadn’t already been found. You simply build what you don’t have. “The project is called “Trojena.
Snow Lake
Trojena is part of the NEOM development project. This has already caused a stir with “The Line. The city of the future, which stretches along a 170-kilometer line through the desert. Top: The megacity is to provide a home for 9 million people. And it will do without any cars or roads at all. Construction work began in November 2021. At the moment, they are working diligently on it. At least, if you believe the latest satellite images.
But the city has not yet sprung from the ground, there are already other plans. Namely those for the country’s first winter sports area. Skiing in Saudi Arabia should actually be possible from 2026. Several architectural firms participated in the designs. Even such sounding names as Zaha Hadid Architects can be found in the list. A central element will be the lake from which the snow will come in the future. It will be continuously refilled with desalinated seawater from the Gulf of Aquapa, 50 kilometers away.
Winter and Summer Destination
During the winter months, the water is used for the production of artificial snow. With temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees, it is too warm for real snow. And there is not enough of it. In summer, the lake is used for swimming. In addition, they want to sink treasures for which the summer visitors can then dive.
The mountains on which it will be possible to ski in Saudi Arabia in the future rise from 1,500 to 2,600 meters. The area available is almost 60 square kilometers. Ski slopes account for 30 kilometers of this. One of the centerpieces of the project is to be “The Vault”. In other words, the vacation village where visitors will be able to sleep, eat and enjoy themselves.
Eco Tourism in Saudi-Arabia
It will consist of villas, chalets, apartments and of course hotels. Houses for the family vacation up to Wellness oases and Dependencen from the Ultra luxury segment are intended. Numerous stores, restaurants, leisure facilities and whatever else one dreams of will be available. Construction began in December 2022.
“Trojena will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting our efforts to preserve nature and improve the quality of life of the community, which is in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Board of Directors of NEOM Company.
The Chedi goes Trojena
The first hotel partners have now also been confirmed. The General Hotel Management Ltd. group (GHM) recently signed a contract with NEOM. The operator of stylish and exclusive hotels and resorts around the world has been entrusted with the management of The Chedi Trojena. It is being built nestled in the so-called “Slope Residences” on the mountain peaks. The iconic residential village is plat in the “Relax” area. This already reveals what The Chedi Trojena will be about: Rest, relaxation, luxurious getaways and top-level wellness. Culinary delights, leisure activities, service: Top everything, of course. That’s why people love The Chedi Hotels. The design of the hotel will also be pretty cool.
It combines futuristic echoes with Saudi elements. Contemporary meets tradition. Elegance meets relaxed atmosphere. “The Chedi Trojena is a prime example of the region’s rich cultural and environmental heritage. And as such, it is a perfect addition to our collection of venues for unparalleled lifestyle experiences in the world’s most enticing destinations,” enthuses Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of GHM. And the first hotel partner? Ennismore! And this hotel developer, in turn, is behind 25hours Hotels and Morgans Originals. So we can look forward with anticipation!
