Winter Sports in Turkey – Not Just a Beach Holiday

Tour ItineraryThe North Anatolian Mountains, ranging from 2,587 m to 3,932 m along the Black Sea coast, and the Taurus Mountains, positioned parallel to the Mediterranean coast at heights of 3,086 m to 4,363 m, are dotted with extinct volcanoes almost everywhere. Among these volcanoes, one of the most impressive is Erciyes at 3,917 m in Central Anatolia, and another is the truly majestic Mount Ararat at 5,137 m in Eastern Anatolia.

Turkey's five largest winter sports centers stand out not only for their suitable snow conditions but also for their impressive nature. These centers are located in Uludağ in Bursa province, Kartalkaya in Bolu province, Erciyes in Kayseri province, Palandöken in Erzurum province, and Sarıkamış in Kars province, detailed below.

UludağUludağ is one of Turkey's most popular ski centers, known for its proximity to Istanbul. Here, there is a magnificent skiing area suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers, offering variety. While several hotels provide accommodation for winter sports enthusiasts, guests can experience not only skiing but also activities such as snowboarding, slalom, and cross-country skiing.

In this center, where the best snow conditions are seen from late December to late April, powder snow often reaches up to 3 meters. There are also special slopes and chairlifts for children. For those who cannot ski yet, there are some beginner slopes and experienced ski instructors available.

Season: 120 days
Best snow conditions: December 20 - March 20
Snow layer: Usually about 3 m (wet snow towards the end of season)
Climate: Temperate, forested area
Suitability: Nordic and alpine disciplines, cross-country skiing, heliskiing
Services Offered: 5 chairlifts, 7 T-bars, 1 cable car, certified ski instructors, ski rental, health station, first aid, direct booking; slopes and technical equipment undergo periodic maintenance.

KartalkayaKartalkaya is a popular skiing region in the Western Black Sea region, approximately 220 km from Ankara Airport. The region is famous for its dreamlike slopes, and its season runs from December to March/April.

With a total of 6 ski lifts, 2 chairlifts, and 2 children's lifts, this center provides an ideal environment for all families. Cross-country skiing and ski tours are also possible. In addition to several hotels, there are bars, restaurants, a swimming pool, discos, and a ski rental center. Professional ski lessons are provided for both beginners and advanced levels.

Season: 120 days
Best snow conditions: December 20 - March 20
Snow layer: Usually about 3 m (powder snow, wet snow towards end of season)
Climate: Temperate, forested area
Suitability: Nordic and alpine disciplines, cross-country skiing, heliskiing
Services Offered: 5 chairlifts, 7 T-bars, 1 cable car, certified ski instructors, ski rental, health station, first aid, direct booking; slopes and technical equipment undergo periodic maintenance.

ErciyesThis ski center, close to the historically rich provincial center, is also preferred for summer skiing. Located in Eastern Cappadocia, in Kayseri province, on the southern slope of Erciyes (2,200-3,100 m altitude), this winter sports center is 25 km from the provincial center of the same name (approximately 30 minutes by car, 45 minutes from the airport).

Season: 150 days (November 20 - April 20)
Kar tabakası: Normalerweise 2 Meter Pulverschnee
Suitability: Summer skiing, ski tours, heliskiing
Climate: Continental
Services Offered: 2 chairlifts, 2 T-bars, certified ski instructors, ski rental, first aid, health station; slopes and technical equipment undergo periodic maintenance.

PalandökenThis winter sports center, located on the northern slope of Palandöken in the southwest of Erzurum city center, is 5 km from the city center (10 minutes by car, 20 minutes from the airport).

Season: 150 days (December 10 - May 10)
Snow layer: Usually 2 to 3 meters of powder snow
Suitability: Alpine discipline, ski tours, heliskiing (Guide service available)
Services Offered: 3 km long cable car, 1 chairlift, 3 T-bars, certified ski instructors, ski rental, first aid, health station; slopes and technical equipment undergo periodic maintenance.

SarıkamışSarıkamış ski center is 60 km from Kars city center and 50 km from the airport. Located in the southeast of Sarıkamış district of Kars province, at an altitude of 2,200-2,634 m, this center is situated among Scotch pine forests, 50 km from the international Kars Airport and 60 km from the city center. With Turkey's best chairlifts, skiing here offers a unique experience accompanied by magnificent natural scenery. Sarıkamış is located between Erzurum and Kars, and thanks to its dry and cold climate, powder snow is preserved for a long time.

Season: 120 days (December 20 - March 20)
Snow layer: Usually about 1.5 meters
Suitability: Suitable for alpine and nordic disciplines, cross-country skiing
Climate: Continental
Services Offered: 1 chairlift, 2 T-bars, certified ski instructors, ski rental, first aid, health station, security service; slopes and technical equipment undergo periodic maintenance.

A Special Holiday Experience: SaklıkentSaklıkent offers tourists a unique holiday experience. After skiing in the morning, you can relax and swim at the beach in the afternoon.