Ski Resorts Turkey

Uludağ Ski Resort, one of Turkey's oldest and most popular ski destinations, offers a blend of historical significance and modern skiing in Bursa. Located on the highest mountain in the Marmara Region, Uludağ Hill, the resort rises to 2,543 meters, providing stunning views and diverse winter sports activities. It boasts 11 main pistes for alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and heli-skiing, with its longest track reaching two kilometers. As Turkey's first and largest ski resort, Uludağ is a skier's haven from mid-December to mid-March, featuring over 30 accommodation options. Its varied terrain supports both Alpine and Northern skiing styles. The resort's infrastructure includes 31 tracks, 13 teleskis, a gondola, and 10 chairlifts, alongside activities like snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice skating.

Location: About 36 km south of Bursa and 150 km from Istanbul, in the Marmara region,Uludağ Ski Resort (Bursa)

Altitude: Ranges from 1,800 to 2,543 meters.

Features: Known as Turkey’s most popular and oldest ski resort, Uludağ offers around 28 km of slopes with 24 lifts, catering to beginners and intermediates. Its proximity to Istanbul makes it a favorite for city dwellers. The resort is surrounded by dense forests, adding scenic charm, and features a lively après-ski scene with hotels and chalets (over 5,000 beds total). A cable car (Bursa Teleferik) provides a stunning ride up the mountain.

Season: December to April.

Why Visit: Ideal for families and those seeking a vibrant atmosphere with easy access.

Sarikamis Ski Resort

Sarıkamıs Ski Resort in Kars offers a unique skiing experience in Turkey's east, operating from December to March. Known for its 25-kilometer-long track and rare "Crystal Snow" similar to the Alps, the resort is enveloped by pine forests that provide a wind-protected environment. It caters to both amateur and professional skiers with tracks between 2,200 and 2,900 meters above sea level. Located in the Allahuekber Mountains National Park, Sarıkamış is distinguished for its alpine-like crystalline snow, earning its place among Europe's top ski resorts. This unique snow doesn't stick to clothes, enhancing the skiing experience. Visitors can choose accommodation in Sarıkamış center or at the ski resort itself.

Mount Erciyes, an extinct volcano soaring to 3,916 meters, Erciyes Ski Resort in Kayseri, Turkey, blends stunning alpine landscapes with top-tier skiing. Just 25 km from Kayseri’s city center, it offers seamless access to its expansive 112 km of ski tracks and 41 diverse slopes, catering to all skill levels. Elevations range from 2,150 to 3,400 meters, with slopes varying from a gentle 10% gradient to a thrilling 50% incline.

Renowned for its snow reliability, Erciyes boasts Turkey’s longest chairlifts, ensuring smooth connectivity across the resort. The ski season extends from December to early April, with peak conditions from December to March. The resort is also a hotspot for snowkiting, thanks to its steady winter winds and open, treeless terrain.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure, 14 modern lifts, and the capacity to accommodate 26,750 skiers per hour, Erciyes meets European standards, making it a prime destination for both leisure skiers and professional athletes. Hosting national and international ski competitions, the resort is a short 30-minute drive from Kayseri Airport, allowing for effortless travel.

Ideal for intermediate skiers, Erciyes also offers the unique opportunity to combine skiing with cultural excursions to Cappadocia, making it a must-visit destination in Central Anatolia.

Kartalkaya Ski Resort

Kartalkaya Ski Resort, nestled in the picturesque region of Bolu, Turkey, emerges as a top ski destination, complementing the renowned Uludağ. Located just 40 kilometers from Bolu's city center, Kartalkaya is easily accessible and offers a comprehensive skiing experience with its 25 tracks and 20 kilometers of slopes. The resort caters to a variety of winter sports, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ATV adventures. The best time to visit Kartalkaya is from December to late March, when the conditions are most favorable for skiing. The resort is well-equipped to handle up to 10,000 visitors per hour with its advanced infrastructure, including 8 teleskis, 6 chair lifts, 2 baby lifts, and 8 ski lifts.

Not just a ski hub, Kartalkaya has also become a destination for nature lovers and plateau tourism. For convenience, many hotels in the area provide ski rooms, equipment rentals, and a dedicated Snowpark area for snowboarding. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, Kartalkaya offers a range of accommodation options to suit every preference, ensuring a memorable winter adventure in the heart of Turkey.

Location: 38 km from Bolu, between Istanbul and Ankara, Kartalkaya Ski Resort (Bolu)

Altitude: 1,500 to 2,220 meters.

Features: Offers over 40 km of slopes amid pine forests, with 18 lifts. Known for its powder snow and luxury hotels (1,600 beds, growing to 3,500), it’s a stylish retreat. Tracks suit all levels, with off-piste options for experts.

Season: December to April.

Why Visit: A chic getaway with good snow quality, ideal for a weekend trip from Istanbul (260 km).

Kartepe Ski Resort in Kocaeli offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a winter retreat close to Istanbul. Just a two-hour drive from Istanbul and 20 minutes from Kartepe district center, this resort blends natural beauty with a range of amenities, including chairlifts, hotels, and restaurants. Overlooking the picturesque Sapanca Lake, Kartepe, formerly Keltepe, reaches an altitude of 1,601 meters and is the second-highest mountain in the Marmara Region. Accessible via Maşukiye, Kartepe stands out with its ski center located at the mountain's summit, near Green Park Hotel. This proximity to the sea makes it a strong alternative to Uludağ, especially for Istanbul residents seeking a skiing day trip or a longer winter holiday. Kartepe's ski season, boasting abundant snowfall from mid-November to late April, features a vast ski area covering 42 kilometers with 14 natural pistes, 3 chairlifts, and 2 ski lifts. The resort is tailored for skiers of all skill levels, offering 4 easy, 5 intermediate, and 2 advanced pistes. Snow levels range from 1.5 to 3 meters, ensuring optimal skiing conditions. For beginners, professional instructors are available for lessons. Kartepe is a must-visit for those looking for a diverse and enjoyable skiing experience in Turkey. 

Saklıkent Ski Center

Saklıkent Ski Resort, located near Antalya, stands out as one of the ski resorts closest to the Equator and the Mediterranean Sea. Offering an average of 120 days of skiing each year, Saklıkent is easily accessible from Antalya's center, just 35 kilometers away, with options like city tours, paid customer services, and private vehicles.

Famous for its unique slogan “First ski, then jump into the sea!”, the resort operates from late February to mid-March, embodying the rare opportunity to enjoy both skiing and sea activities in close proximity. The resort boasts an accommodation facility and three cafeterias to cater to its visitors' needs.

With a total of 4 ski slopes, a toboggan run, a teleski, a chairlift, and a babylift, Saklıkent Ski Center is equipped to accommodate a range of winter sports enthusiasts. The facility also includes chalets and a ski room. The resort's tracks attract daily visitors from nearby cities and Antalya itself, offering suitable conditions for both amateur and professional skiers. Saklıkent provides a unique and memorable skiing experience, combining the thrill of the slopes with the allure of the Mediterranean.

Zigana Ski Center, located on Zigana Mountain in Gümüşhane's Torul district, is a hidden gem in Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region. It's the only ski destination in this area, attracting visitors for weekend winter escapades with activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. The resort, surrounded by forests, sees snow depths of 100-150 cm, creating perfect conditions for skiing. The resort features a piste length of 661 meters, with ski lessons and equipment rentals available for beginners. Zigana's slopes, open from early January to late March, are situated between elevations of 1,900 and 2,500 meters, providing an exciting skiing experience. Zigana Ski Resort, 40 kilometers from Gümüşhane and 60 kilometers from Trabzon Airport, is well-known in the Karadeniz (Black Sea) region. Its accessibility is enhanced by well-maintained asphalt roads. The resort includes a chairlift and a baby lift for convenient slope access.

While accommodation at Zigana is limited to one storage facility, the resort compensates by organizing group tours for additional entertainment. For those visiting Trabzon or Gümüşhane, Zigana Ski Resort is a must-visit for a delightful winter adventure in the Eastern Black Sea region.

Palandoken Ski Resort

Palandöken Ski Resort has been a premier destination for winter sports since 1993, offering some of Turkey’s longest and steepest slopes. Renowned for its powder snow and excellent conditions, it gained international recognition after hosting the 2011 Winter Universiade.

With 71 km of ski tracks, including a 12 km uninterrupted run, Palandoken caters to all skill levels with FIS-registered tracks, 7 easy, 8 medium, and several advanced slopes. The resort also offers night skiing on illuminated tracks, making it one of Turkey’s top choices for extended skiing hours. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy paragliding, snowboarding, snow tubing, and sledding.

Situated just 7 km from Erzurum, Palandöken offers a seamless travel experience, with luxury accommodations like Sway Hotels Palandöken and Dedeman Ski Lodge. With an altitude ranging from 2,200 to 3,271 meters, the resort guarantees an extended ski season from December to April. Its modern infrastructure includes 5 chairlifts and a gondola, supporting up to 12,000 guests simultaneously.

Ideal for experienced skiers seeking challenging terrain and uncrowded slopes, Palandöken blends adventure with comfort, making it an unmissable winter destination in Eastern Turkey.

Ilgaz Ski Center, perched atop the majestic Ilgaz Mountain at 2,850 meters, offers a serene winter escape in Kastamonu, Turkey. Available from December to April, the resort boasts two top-notch tracks and is located in the beautiful Ilgaz Mountain National Park, straddling the provinces of Kastamonu and Çankırı.

This picturesque resort is known for its winter sports tracks that meet International Ski Federation standards, appealing to both nordic and alpine skiing enthusiasts. The facilities include a 700-meter-long chairlift accommodating 700 people per hour and a 950-meter-long chairlift for 1000 people per hour, ensuring smooth access to the slopes.

Ilgaz Mountain, a beloved natural wonder that has inspired songs, draws visitors from Kastamonu and beyond for its captivating beauty and skiing opportunities. The resort is particularly valued for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers. Ilgaz Ski Resort is not just about skiing; it also offers snowboarding and sledding, making it a versatile choice for a memorable winter holiday. Explore Ilgaz Ski Resort for an exciting yet budget-friendly winter experience in the heart of Turkey.

Davraz Ski Center

Davraz Ski Center, nestled near Isparta, is a unique winter sports destination in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Just 26 kilometers from Isparta city center, it offers a blend of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and mountaineering. This emerging resort, open since 1995, has recently gained popularity alongside Turkey's famous ski destinations.

The resort features amenities including three mountain cafeterias, a 4-star hotel, and additional lodging facilities, totaling three hotel options. Davraz Mountain, offering picturesque views of Lake Eğirdir, also caters to a range of activities beyond skiing, like hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Dubbed the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" by locals, Davraz was declared a tourism center in 1995 and a Cultural and Tourism Protection and Development Zone in 2016. Its strategic location near Antalya adds to its appeal. The ski resort provides modern slopes, ample parking, areas for day visitors, and trails suitable for various skiing abilities. Davraz Ski Resort in Isparta awaits those in search of a distinctive winter holiday experience.