Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Saudi Arabia's Desert Ski Resort Faces Setbacks for Winter Games
Saudi Arabia is building a ski resort called Trojena in the desert for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, but it's having trouble.
The resort is part of a big, expensive project called Neom.
Building in the mountains is hard, and they need to make snow since there isn't much naturally.
They're also having problems with getting water to the resort.
Because of these issues, the games might be moved to China or South Korea.
Saudi Arabia might also make the resort smaller or hold the games later.
It's not yet certain if the resort will be ready in time.
Saudi Arabia's plans to build a desert ski resort, Trojena, for the 2029 Asian Winter Games face delays.
Construction challenges include mountainous terrain, a difficult road, and the need for artificial snow.
Trojena is part of the $500 billion Neom mega-project and is estimated to cost $19 billion.
China and South Korea are being considered as alternative venues for the 2029 games.
Saudi Arabia may scale back plans or delay the games due to construction setbacks.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia is building Trojena, and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is involved.
- What
- The construction of Trojena, a ski resort for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, faces delays.
- When
- The 2029 Asian Winter Games are scheduled to be held; construction delays are currently occurring.
- Where
- Trojena is being built in Saudi Arabia's Neom project in a mountainous region, and the games might be moved to China or South Korea.
- Why
- Construction challenges and potential delays in completing Trojena are causing concerns about hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia.
Optimistic View
Pessimistic View
Project Timeline
Optimistic View
Saudi Arabia is committed to building the resort and may still meet the deadline.
Pessimistic View
Construction delays may force the relocation or rescheduling of the Asian Winter Games.
- Project Name
- Trojena
- Event
- 2029 Asian Winter Games
- Location
- Neom, Saudi Arabia
- Estimated Cost of Resort
- $19 billion
- Terrain
- Mountainous
- Snow Source
- Artificial