If you’ve booked a break in a luxury five star hotel in Dubai then there is a good chance that you’ll plan to spend at least a little bit of time simply chilling out by the side of the pool.

We certainly wouldn’t blame you, with the opportunity to sit back and do nothing with a cocktail in hand whilst the sun beams down from a clear blue sky holding obvious appeal when you compare it to some of the conditions you have to face back home - even as we hurtle towards summer.

However, during a visit to the Emirate, you could elect to chill out quite literally with a visit to Ski Dubai, which is widely regarded as one of the top visitor attractions anywhere in the UAE and has been voted as the best indoor ski resorts on more than one occasion.

Opened back in 2005, Ski Dubai is a huge complex that is located close to the Mall of the Emirates and offers everything that a winter sports fan could want from an indoor centre.

If you think that all you’ll find inside is a simple slope to whizz down then you’ll certainly be in for a surprise - with the 400m long run only being part of the fun.

With a drop of 60 metres, it’s the first ever indoor black run but skiers of all levels are welcome to pay a visit, with lessons available to book for complete beginners who feel Dubai is the place to sample snow for the first time.

Alongside the slope, an expansive snow park covering 4,500 square metres features activities for all of the family ranging from bobsled runs to the high-speed Mountain Thriller, and Snow Bullet - a zip line where you can race against a friend as you soar above the snow below.

Aside from the snow activities, a major attraction when it comes to Ski Dubai is the opportunity to get up close to the colony of penguins that live within the complex.

The 'March of the Penguins' takes place a number of times a day and you are able to book experiences that allow you to get up close to the colony of Gentoo and King penguins with a trained professional guide to tell you everything you need to know and to answer any questions.

It’s an experience that you might not have expected to enjoy in Dubai, but one that is sure to live in the memory.

If skiing isn’t your thing, then Ski Dubai isn’t the only subtropical experience available in the Emirate.

Head for the Chillout Ice Lounge and you’ll be able to enjoy a drink or grab a bite to eat at the first ice lounge in the Middle East, which has been welcoming visitors since 2007.

Featuring a range of ice sculptures, ice seating and tables, the Chillout Lounge is kept at a steady -6 and offers a range of dining options, including hot food and beverages.

For obvious reasons, should you be planning to visit either Ski Dubai or the Chillout Lounge, you’d be well advised to pack a few extras layers to make the conditions a bit more appealing!