Turkiye’s Ski Resorts Brace Themselves for a Tremendous Season – Tis the season to be jolly – especially if you enjoy the thrill of skiing, as many parts of Turkiye received intense snowfall over the last few days. Resorts such as Erciyes, Palandöken and Konakli are bracing for an influx of visitors and plenty of investments have been made throughout the year to ensure a quality time will be had by all.
Palandöken, for example, which is situated just outside the town of Erzurum is home to 55 tracks with a combined length of around 100km plus as they can boast night skiing on top of being able to provide both natural & artificial snow it’s one of the best resorts around. The town’s Mayor Mehmet Sekmen was keen to point out in a recent interview that given they can provide visitors with international standard tracks, five-star hotels and a ski-centre all of which is within proximity to the airport, it’s become a popular hub for many tourists & nationals. ‘This year we anticipate 2.5 million visitors’ he stated, ‘and we should easily reach that number because it’s impossible to find a resort of this quality and level’.
The Erciyes Ski Resort just outside Kayseri is due to open early December, and also expects to reach a higher number of tourists when compared to 2022. They’ve got around 112 km of slopes and every effort has been made to ensure that all their mechanical facilities are in great working order, with many having been refurbished over the summer months. The general manager of the resort, Zafer Akşehirlioğlu, has also been out pushing the Ski-Resort as a top-quality destination at many of the Winter Tourism fairs, so excitement is high.
Built three years ago, the Keltepe Ski Centre will also be in action this year, with the opening planned for the last week of December. The 53rd ski centre in Turkiye, it offers an altitude of around 2000m, plus a ski-lift which can carry around 1200 people per hour. Much shorter than its counterparts, but no less enticing, it offers three ski-tracks, lessons for beginners, as well as an array of bars and restaurants. Coskun Guven, the provincial director of youth and sports in the area, said that families with children are especially liking it, and the resort was quickly becoming a pioneer in training for new athletes.
Turkiye boasts several fantastic ski resorts that offer a unique blend of culture, history, and pristine slopes, plus there’s a variety of terrain available for skiers of all levels. Compared to many other skiing destinations in Europe, Turkey offers a more budget-friendly option for those looking to hit the slopes. Accommodation, lift tickets, and dining out are often more affordable, making it an attractive choice for travelers who want to enjoy world-class skiing without breaking the bank.
Many ski resorts are located near historical sites, allowing you to combine your skiing adventure with visits to ancient ruins, Ottoman-era architecture, and vibrant local markets. After a day on the slopes, you can immerse yourself in Turkish hospitality and cuisine, savouring delicious dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight.
If you prefer the convenience of skiing near a major city, Uludağ is the perfect choice. Situated just a few hours from Istanbul, Uludağ is the most popular ski resort in Turkey. It features a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife options, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a vibrant apres-ski scene.
Uludağ offers excellent skiing conditions with numerous slopes catering to all skill levels. The resort also has snow parks and terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. A ride on the cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, is a must-do experience.
For the adventurous skier seeking untouched slopes and pristine wilderness, the Kaçkar Mountains in the Eastern Anatolia region is a dream come true. This remote area is a paradise for backcountry skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The challenging terrain, deep powder, and dramatic landscapes make it an exhilarating destination for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
Turkiye definitely has something to offer every snow lover and skiing there is an experience you won’t forget.
