The skiing season is upon us! winter is coming and schools are going into their break. so you have a chance to go out and about and enjoy the things turkey has to offer. One of these activities is skiing. After a sudden drop in the temperature in Turkey we have snow throughout the country. So its time for winter sports. here are some of the ski centers to try this winter in Turkey:
One thing you should know: In order to stay at a winter resort and ski over the weekend, guests must have prior reservations and provide their codes from the Health Ministry’s track-and-trace Life Fits into Home (HES code) application. While day-trippers are allowed to visit and ski on weekdays, the only guests allowed on the slopes or in the hotels on the weekends will have to be booked in for the entire weekend at most resorts.
Uludağ
Located just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of the city of Bursa and less than 200 kilometers from Istanbul, Mount Uludağ is considered Turkey’s largest ski resort. In past years, there would have been blowout parties with performances by Turkey’s most prominent musical figures held on both New Year’s Eve and during spring break. However, as we all know, this year is a bit different. However, the ski town still has a lot to offer, especially with its 28 kilometers of slopes and 24 lifts for Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snow biking, with dozens of comfortable accommodation options.
Kartalkaya
A close second favorite for Istanbullites especially, Kartalkaya is located in the pine forests of the western Black Sea’s beloved Bolu province, 38 kilometers southeast of Bolu city and just over 260 kilometers from Istanbul. The ski center has over 20 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding and 18 ski lifts as well as ample accommodation options.
Palandöken
While the previously mentioned ski towns are favored for their proximity to Istanbul, Mount Palandöken and its namesake winter resort and district located in eastern Erzurum province, is the real deal for more advanced skiers. Established for the 2011 Winter Universiade, there are 55 runs totaling 71 kilometers, including two of the longest in Turkey that are suitable for slalom skiing. In addition to an ice wall, zip line and giant swing, there are also night skiing, albeit within the bounds of the curfew, and aerial and gondola lifts in addition to chair lifts. Accommodation is available at the ski resort or in the town of Erzurum, which is located just 7 kilometers away.
Kartepe
Northwestern Kocaeli province's Kartepe gets a shout-out for its proximity to Istanbul. At just over 100 kilometers away, this is the nearest ski center to Istanbul and is popular as a day-trip destination. Less than half an hour’s drive from picturesque Sapanca Lake, Kartepe is a favored getaway spot year-round and has plenty of local accommodation options. Simpler and newer than its predecessors, the ski resort offers four lifts and a dozen runs that are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Erciyes
Located in the central Anatolian province of Kayseri, the Erciyes Ski Center is becoming a favorite skiing destination for experts in the sport. The location, on top of the nearly 4,000-meter volcanic summit, even reached semifinalist status in a poll by the U.K.-based website Goforski.com on the best skiing destinations in Europe and is set to be included in the European Commission’s European Destinations of Excellence Network (EDEN). The ski center hosts 34 different runs ranging from easy to difficult, totaling 102 kilometers of slopes, with nearly 20 lifts. Accommodation options are available at the center or in the colorful city of Kayseri, located 28 kilometers away.
One thing you should know: In order to stay at a winter resort and ski over the weekend, guests must have prior reservations and provide their codes from the Health Ministry’s track-and-trace Life Fits into Home (HES code) application. While day-trippers are allowed to visit and ski on weekdays, the only guests allowed on the slopes or in the hotels on the weekends will have to be booked in for the entire weekend at most resorts.
Uludağ
Located just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of the city of Bursa and less than 200 kilometers from Istanbul, Mount Uludağ is considered Turkey’s largest ski resort. In past years, there would have been blowout parties with performances by Turkey’s most prominent musical figures held on both New Year’s Eve and during spring break. However, as we all know, this year is a bit different. However, the ski town still has a lot to offer, especially with its 28 kilometers of slopes and 24 lifts for Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snow biking, with dozens of comfortable accommodation options.
Kartalkaya
A close second favorite for Istanbullites especially, Kartalkaya is located in the pine forests of the western Black Sea’s beloved Bolu province, 38 kilometers southeast of Bolu city and just over 260 kilometers from Istanbul. The ski center has over 20 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding and 18 ski lifts as well as ample accommodation options.
Palandöken
While the previously mentioned ski towns are favored for their proximity to Istanbul, Mount Palandöken and its namesake winter resort and district located in eastern Erzurum province, is the real deal for more advanced skiers. Established for the 2011 Winter Universiade, there are 55 runs totaling 71 kilometers, including two of the longest in Turkey that are suitable for slalom skiing. In addition to an ice wall, zip line and giant swing, there are also night skiing, albeit within the bounds of the curfew, and aerial and gondola lifts in addition to chair lifts. Accommodation is available at the ski resort or in the town of Erzurum, which is located just 7 kilometers away.
Kartepe
Northwestern Kocaeli province's Kartepe gets a shout-out for its proximity to Istanbul. At just over 100 kilometers away, this is the nearest ski center to Istanbul and is popular as a day-trip destination. Less than half an hour’s drive from picturesque Sapanca Lake, Kartepe is a favored getaway spot year-round and has plenty of local accommodation options. Simpler and newer than its predecessors, the ski resort offers four lifts and a dozen runs that are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Erciyes
Located in the central Anatolian province of Kayseri, the Erciyes Ski Center is becoming a favorite skiing destination for experts in the sport. The location, on top of the nearly 4,000-meter volcanic summit, even reached semifinalist status in a poll by the U.K.-based website Goforski.com on the best skiing destinations in Europe and is set to be included in the European Commission’s European Destinations of Excellence Network (EDEN). The ski center hosts 34 different runs ranging from easy to difficult, totaling 102 kilometers of slopes, with nearly 20 lifts. Accommodation options are available at the center or in the colorful city of Kayseri, located 28 kilometers away.