(Editor’s note: Turkey has mountain ranges in the east, center and west. The Taurus Mountains north of Antalya connect all the way east to Armenia. Eastern Turkey is, compared to the west, lightly populated. The largest cities are Diyarbakir, Erzurum and Kaysteri.)
In the minds of most of us, Turkey is a summer destination with endless beaches, known for Istanbul with its historical heritage and great shopping.
Perhaps, skiing in Turkey may seem an unexpected idea. But you would be surprised that there are more than 50 ski centers offering slopses for any skill level.
Let’s discover the key spots, among which you may definitely find a great alternative to high-end European winter destinations:
How to Get There?
Once you’re already in Turkey, transportation to the ski resorts is easy. You may get to your destination either by car or by plane.
Whether you’re in Istanbul or Antalya, you may check domestic flights via your favorite booking system or directly on Pegasus, AnadoluJet, or SunExpress websites. In winter, there are flights to the key destinations every day. For expats in Europe, getting there is fast, easy and affordable through Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris and other expat centers.
What Is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit is from mid-December to mid-March, when the snow cover reaches three meters. In some resorts, the season may last until April, but the weather conditions are unpredictable and have to be checked before coming.
The ski resorts listed below offer plenty of sunny days, but also snowfalls, and the air is quite dry with moderate temperatures. Additionally, snow cannons are installed on the slopes.
Erciyes (Kayseri)
Erciyes is the best ski resort in Turkey, highly recommended by Turks. The place is located on the highest mountain in Anatolia (3,000 meters), has 14 ski lifts, and the best infrastructure for skiing. There are numerous accommodation options, from Radisson Blu Mount Erciyes to fancy boutique hotels.
Insider tip: You may save a lot on your stay if you book accommodation in Kayseri, getting an opportunity to visit the Göreme National Park in Cappadocia.
Location: Erciyes, 38210 Hacılar/Kayseri, in eastern Turkey about 350 kilometers southeast of Ankara.
Uludag (Bursa)
Uludag provides 30 kilometres of slopes at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The destination is a perfect choice for the intermediate level of skiers and snowboarders.
A wide selection of hotels offers a comfortable stay. Another advantage of Uludag is that almost all the hotels are located at the foot of the mountains, offering free use of the ski lifts. The resort is especially popular among families with children.
Insider tip: Don’t miss your chance to try the longest cable car ride in Turkey, Bursa Teleferik.
Location: Osmangazi, 1. Kirazlı Sk., 16340 Yıldırım/Bursa in western Turkey about 150 kilomters south of Istanbul.
Palandöken (Ejder 3200 World Ski Center)
Palandöken is a young but dynamically developing ski resort conveniently located just 20-25 miles (40 kilometers) from the international airport in Erzurum. There are slopes for every skill level, from beginner to expert. The longest black run, 12-kilometers long, begins at Ejder at an altitude of 3,125 meters. Special bonus: many hotels have direct access to the ski lifts.
Travel tip: If you’re tired of skiing, you may try one of the numerous available activities, among which should be mentioned paragliding, the giant swing, zipline, and even ice wall climbing!
Location: Yunusemre, Palandöken Yolu, 25080 Palandöken/Erzurum in far eastern Turkey.
Sarikamis (Kars)
Sarıkamıs is an ideal place for beginners. It is a very convenient place for family vacations, especially for those who have decided to try downhill skiing for the first time. There are gentle slopes covered by picturesque pine forests. Skiing here is comparable to Austrian ski resorts, which is why this rapidly developing resort is called the “Turkish Innsbruck”.
Travel Tip: Try a snow park for snowboarders and designated skiing trails for cross-country skiers.
Location: İnönü, Hançerli Mevkii, 36500 Sarıkamış/Kars in extreme eastern Turkey, close to the border with Armenia.
Davraz Ski Resort (Isparta)
Davraz is less than a two-hour drive from from Antalya on the Mediterranean. The resort is surrounded by pine, juniper, and cedar forests, opening up an amazing opportunity to combine rest on the seashore with skiing. This Turkish ski holiday spot features ski schools and diverse options for Nordic and alpine skiing from the summit reaching 2,635 metres.
Travel tip: Dedicate some time to visit Eğirdir and Kovada Lake National Park, located nearby. The natural park is breathtaking any time of the year.
Location: 32000 Çobanisa/Isparta Merkez/Isparta north of Antalya.
Saklıkent Ski Resort (Antalya)
Saklıkent Ski Resort is one more place to spend a unique winter near the resort city of Antalya. The ski resort is rather compact. It provides 10 kilometres of slopes for skiers, but its location is unique since it’s the closest to the Mediterranean. The resort’s slogan is, “”Skiing during the day, swimming in the sea in the afternoon.” One of the rare places in the world you can do this.
Travel tip: Choose a cable car to reach a Turkish ski destination to witness the stunning views of the Antalya Bay and the views of Taurus peaks.
Location: Bakırlı dağı Saklıkent, Doyran, 07070 Konyaaltı/Antalya
Kartalkaya Ski Resort (Bolu-Köroğlu Dağı)
Kartalkaya covers two ski resorts, Kartal and Doruk, good for skiing and snowboarding. By the way, Doruk (Dorukkaya) is an Austrian-designed snow park, created by European standards. Skiers find pleasant runs here among picturesque forests.
Travel tip: Visit the Seven Lakes National Park (Yedigöller Millî Parkı), located nearby and enjoy a unique panorama of the lakes from the observation tower.
Location: Gökpınar Yaylası, Kartalkaya Yolu, 14200 Gökpınar/Bolu Merkez/Bolu between Istanbul and Ankrara.
Ilgaz Ski Resort (Kastamonu)
The ski area is a hidden gem among ski resorts in Turkey, mostly visited by locals. There are just four runs totalling 1.4 kilometers and three lifts. The spot is a good choice for a short break from the hustle and bustle of Ankara. Additionally, there is a tiny snow park and six restaurants.
Travel tip: For the traditional gastronomic experience, visit the cafe Zirve on the summit, and try local salep, perfect drink for winter time.
Location: 37210 Bostan/Kastamonu Merkez/Kastamonu, Turkey
Takeaways
The reasons for choosing Turkey for a ski holiday are obvious. The country has simple tourist e-visa entry, a mild climate and affordable prices (about 30-percent less than Europe) for the great quality. You’ll get crisp snow, cosy mountain lodges, and an all-inclusive system, all combined with Turkish hospitality.
Most resorts, from well-known ones like Uludağ to lesser-explored ones like Sarıkamıs, are ideal for beginners and children. Turkey is very welcoming for Alpine skiing or snowboarding.
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See more about Turkey here in Dispatches‘ archives.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
