After an unusually warm start to the winter, the severe drop in temperatures during the past fortnight coupled with the arrival of snow throughout the country, including in Turkey’s western coastal provinces of Izmir, Çanakkale and Balıkesir, suddenly made the conditions for skiing, one of the best winter sports activities out there, ideal. With the start of the semester break this week and the recent lifting of weekend lockdown restrictions on ski centres, the sport has understandably become in high demand. Luckily, Turkey has a variety of ski centres catering to different levels and aspects of the sport throughout the country.
Uludağ
Located just 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) south of the city of Bursa and less than 200 kilometres 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 kilometres of slopes and 24 lifts for Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snow biking, with dozens of comfortable accommodation options.
Kartalkaya
A close second favourite for Istanbullites especially, Kartalkaya is located in the pine forests of the western Black Sea’s beloved Bolu province, 38 kilometres southeast of Bolu city and just over 260 kilometres from Istanbul. The ski centre has over 20 kilometres 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 totalling 71 kilometres, 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 kilometres 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 centre to Istanbul and is popular as a day-trip destination. Less than half an hour’s drive from picturesque Sapanca Lake, Kartepe is a favoured 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 Centre is becoming a favourite skiing destination for experts in the sport. The location, on top of the nearly 4,000-meter volcanic summit, even reached semi-finalist 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 centre hosts 34 different runs ranging from easy to difficult, totalling 102 kilometers of slopes, with nearly 20 lifts. Accommodation options are available at the centre or in the colourful city of Kayseri, located 28 kilometres away.
Arıkamış
The Sarıkamış Ski Center in eastern Turkey’s Kars is another picturesque destination for skiing. There are five ski runs at Mount Cıbıltepe, the longest of which is 12 kilometres, and the area is laden with pine trees. There is limited accommodation at the resort but more options in the town of Sarıkamış. A favourite pastime at this particular destination is to take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh.
Davraz Ski Center
Located in southern Turkey’s Isparta but known for its proximity to Antalya and its views of Eğirdir Lake, Mount Davraz and its namesake ski centre has 12 runs and 19 kilometres of slopes. There are also affordable accommodation options at the centre or in Isparta, which is 28 kilometres away, making it an easy getaway from Antalya.
Ilgaz Ski Center
Located between Kastamonu and Çankırı in northern Anatolia’s Ilgaz mountain range, this ski centre is situated in the pine forests of Ilgaz National Park. Another picturesque destination to ski, albeit smaller – with just four runs, the longest of which is less than 1.5 kilometres long, and admittedly fewer accommodation options. However, it is located 200 kilometres from Ankara, with Kastamonu being the closest airport.
