In addition to Saudi Arabia's growing NEOM project, they are also planning to build a ski resort called Trojena. If all goes to plan, it will be the first outdoor ski resort located in the Gulf. The location of the proposed resort is also where the glass city will be built.
The Ambitious Ski Resort
The attempts at creating an outdoor skiing resort go in line with Saudi Arabia's hope to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, given that they can submit a winning bid. The location of Trojena makes it ideal for the skiing resort to become a reality.
It will span an area of around 540 square miles north of the country, which is located 31 miles off the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Since it will be perched on mountainous areas ranging from 4,900 ft to 8,500 ft, the temperatures could sustain the idea of an icy skiing resort.
The skiing resort, specifically, will only take up 22 square miles of Trojena for the main development. This information was released by the project's management consultant, Betchel. It will have six development districts, according to Interesting Engineering.
The activities in the ski resort will fall under NEOM's winter season, which spans from December to March. Other activities are available, like snowboarding, ice skating, music festivals, film festivals, and winter fashion week.
More About Trojena
Other than its promises of year-round skiing and adventure sports available by 2026, the project also promised a whole array of projects that focus on innovation and sustainability. There will be homes, retail, leisure, and dining options included in the plans.
According to NEOM's website, the development will also build homes like apartments, chalets, and mansions for its residents. It will also feature ulta-luxury hotels and family resorts. There will also be a nature reserve for hiking and mountain biking.
The mentioned districts are divided into Gateway, Discover, Valley, Relax, and Fun. The place will become a year-round destination for major events like art exhibitions, concerts, cultural festivals, and even sports.
The Gateway is the part of Trojena that will welcome people into the innovative destination, and it is also referred to as The Vault.
The Valley will have a lake and an experiential public space for water sports and other events.
The Fun district is located in higher altitudes, which is where the year-round skiing resort will be built.
The Discover district has an observatory that will allow visitors to observe the stars and galaxies with technology that amplifies the experience.
As for the Relax district, there will be programs, treatments, and therapies that go with the picturesque surroundings.
For Explore, visitors could go and view the ancient nature reserve, which will be the home of unique wildlife, geology, and take hikes.
With all these projects under development, NEOM aims to make Trojena a world-class destination with a blend of both natural and man-made landscapes. The districts are said to be centered around experiences that go with the environment, as well as architectural and engineering innovations.
