In the remote heights of Jebel al Lawz, Saudi Arabia is building the Trojena Vertical Ski Village, a first-of-its-kind winter resort in the desert. Rising 2,500 meters above sea level, this futuristic retreat is a core piece of the $14 trillion NEOM megaproject led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trojena aims to defy both geography and logic. It promises 30km of artificial ski slopes, powered by snow machines and a 57-billion-litre man-made lake. Towering above desert rocks will be hotels, malls, and villas forming the world’s tallest ski village.
This bold project is one of six major NEOM developments. Together, they represent Saudi Arabia’s vision for a high-tech, luxury-driven future. But the cost, scale, and timelines have drawn growing skepticism.
The Trojena Vertical Ski Village is scheduled to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games. That leaves just four years to complete the resort. Project officials admit the desert location brings enormous logistical hurdles.
Trojena’s development manager confirmed most snow will be artificial, but insists extensive testing has ensured it meets quality and sustainability goals.
This resort is just one piece of the NEOM puzzle. Other parts include The Line—a 170km-long mirrored skyscraper—and Oxagon, a floating port city. However, the immense complexity has caused delays and forced leadership changes.
In 2024, NEOM’s former CEO resigned amid allegations of budget manipulation. Aiman Al-Mudaifer, now confirmed as interim CEO, is tasked with streamlining operations.
He is focusing on completing essential parts of NEOM, including a 2.5km stretch of The Line, which must be finished by 2034 to host the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Trojena Vertical Ski Village remains central to Saudi Arabia’s campaign to attract global elites. The project blends luxury tourism with futuristic infrastructure to reshape the kingdom’s global image.
But challenges remain. Labour shortages, rising costs, and environmental concerns have slowed progress. Critics also point to a high worker death toll since 2017 and concerns over NEOM’s remaining $24 billion in cash reserves.
Despite obstacles, Saudi officials remain committed. They believe the ski resort will be a symbol of ambition, innovation, and transformation in the heart of the desert.
