Turkey doesn’t always have to be associated with beautiful sandy beaches and 35 °C in the shade in summer, because in winter skiers can actually let off steam here too! Turkey has a total of 42 ski resorts with a total of 377 kilometres of slopes. Winter sports fans can also enjoy these thanks to the excellent snow conditions and modern lifts. And if that’s not enough, SnowTrex explains once again why skiing in Turkey is really worthwhile.
1. Skiing fun and après ski on a volcano
The largest and one of the most popular ski areas in Turkey is called Erciyes-Kayseri. It is located in central Anatolia and includes 55 kilometres of pistes and 14 modern lifts that take guests up to an altitude of 3,346 metres. It is located on the dormant Erciyes volcano in Cappadocia, not far from the metropolis of Kayseri. It is reminiscent of a ski area we know from Ischgl or Zillertal, the small difference being that instead of serving “Jagertee” and mulled wine for après ski, Turkish coffee or “sahlep” is served, which is a Turkish hot drink consisting of orange blossom water, orchid roots, sugar and cinnamon.
2. Spectacular pistes
The second largest ski area in Turkey is called Palandöken and is located in Eastern Anatolia. Since 2016, the ski area has been part of the new Ejder 3200 World Ski Center, a merger of the local ski areas of Palandöken and Konakli. It reaches an altitude of up to 3,176 m and is well equipped with 43 kilometres of pistes and 13 lifts. Its gigantic height and fine snow make it one of the most spectacular ski areas in Turkey. In addition, the longest downhill run in Turkey can be found here with a length of 12 kilometres and a difference in altitude of 1,000 metres. The steepest run, the Ejder piste, can be found on the northern slope of Mt. Palandoken. However, the ski area is not only reserved for experts – beginners can also enjoy the winter fun here.
3. Modern lifts and hotels
The Uludag ski resort is located on the Uludag massif around 30 kilometres from the city of Bursa. With 1.5 million inhabitants, the metropolis in western Turkey is the fourth largest city in the country. In recent years, the ski lifts there have been thoroughly modernised and the range of hotels has been steadily expanded. There are currently 22 chairlifts and T-bar lifts as well as two gondola lifts. This winter sports infrastructure gives Uludag an almost homely alpine feel. This is reinforced by the fact that the 28 kilometres of pistes are embedded in the mountain landscape of a national park that has existed since 1961. Accordingly, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy views of almost untouched nature from the pistes at altitudes of up to 2,322 metres.
4. Skiing with a view of the sea
Skiing in the morning, swimming in the still somewhat chilly sea in the afternoon and then going for a walk on the beach: it may sound like a fairy tale, but it’s actually possible in Sakliken! The ski area of Sakliken is only 50 km away from the well-known seaside resort of Antalya, which is less than an hour’s drive. Not only that, but if the sea is still a bit too cold, there are other great things to do: white-water rafting, boat and river tours, a visit to a bazaar or the beautiful old town and harbour.
Best of all, when visibility is good, you have a fascinating view from the piste overlooking Antalya and the sparkling sea.
5. Ideal snow conditions
The ski season in Turkey is shorter than the Alpine season and runs from mid-December to the end of March, although at higher altitudes, it is sometimes possible to ski until May. Due to the many 3,000-metre mountains, you can count on excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions here. This also applies to friends of off-piste skiing, who can ski towards the valley in fantastic deep snow under normal weather conditions.
