NEOM's Trojena snow resort:
A pinnacle of sustainable skiing in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's
visionary project, NEOM, reveals substantial progress on its groundbreaking
snow resort, Trojena. Situated within the Kingdom's highest mountain range in
Tabuk, Trojena is set to become the Gulf's first sub-zero snow destination and
outdoor ski resort. Developers are exclusively sharing with Al Arabiya English
the significant headway made on this mega endeavor that aligns with NEOM's
overarching sustainable ambitions.
As a core facet of
NEOM's $500 billion mega project, Trojena will house 7,000 permanent residents
and beckon over 700,000 annual visitors. This sprawling winter wonderland will
encompass a "vertical village," a lively "fun cluster," a
diverse retail scene, vibrant nightlife, and more—all nested among its
captivating winter slopes.
The Executive Director
of Trojena, Philip Gullett, highlighted the project's distinctive proposition.
The region's topography and cooler climates make it ideal for the GCC's
inaugural outdoor skiing experience. Gullett emphasized Trojena's unique
feature: natural snowfall and sub-zero temperatures that occur annually during
the winter months.
Engineered for sustainability
Trojena is a massive
engineering marvel, exemplifying NEOM's commitment to environmental
sustainability. Gullett outlined the resort's eco-conscious practices,
including renewable energy utilization, minimal water consumption, and robust
water recovery processes. The resort's snow machines will operate using NEOM's
carbon-neutral and greenhouse gas-free renewable energy grid.
Innovative snow production
Given Saudi Arabia's
desert climate, sustainable snow production was a pivotal consideration.
Trojena's main skiing stretch, located around 2,400 meters above sea level,
offers an optimal temperature range for skiing—ranging from -17 degrees Celsius
to 22 degrees Celsius during the winter months. Trojena's slopes will feature a
mix of natural and machine-made snow, with about 75% of the area covered in
sustainable machine-made snow. This snow will be created using only water and
air, omitting any chemical additives.
A year-round haven
Trojena will offer a
comprehensive experience beyond winter sports, with activities spanning all
seasons. The all-year Ski Village is set to blend living spaces, activities,
mobility, and entertainment. This village will host mid to high-end hotels,
promising a rejuvenating retreat after adventurous days. The resort will
encompass various outdoor activities, including snow skiing in winter and other
leisure pursuits throughout the year.
The resort's allure
extends to a man-made freshwater lake and a 'vertical village.' A Water Village
at the lake's edge will provide water sports and entertainment experiences.
Trojena's sustainable luxury offerings, comprising high-end residences, hospitality
units, fine dining, and retail outlets, will ensure an unparalleled experience.
Unprecedented diversity
and sustainability
Trojena stands as an
exemplar of Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversification and environmental
stewardship, enhancing the Kingdom's natural wonders. Gullett emphasized the
site's strategic location for skiing enthusiasts, bringing a unique experience
closer to home.
As Trojena gears up
for completion, it will pave the way for over 10,000 jobs and contribute SAR 3
billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP by 2030. This winter sports hub will proudly host
the 2029 Winter Asian Games, marking a monumental milestone for the region. As
the epitome of NEOM's green and sustainable ambitions, Trojena promises to
redefine mountain tourism with an unprecedented blend of luxury, adventure, and
environmental mindfulness.
Source: Alarabiya
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