Ski & snow in Turkey
Including Erciyes Ski Resort, Kartalkaya Ski Resort, and Palandöken Ski Resort. On the map.
The vibe
High-altitude volcanic bowls provide wide-open alpine cruising that feels raw and far less manicured than the commercial mega-resorts of the Alps. Deep winter delivers the most reliable powder packs above the tree line. Lift operations are straightforward, though infrastructure can be rustic and visitor numbers skew mostly local on weekends.
lift pass at the station
Erciyes Ski Resort
Kayseri
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Perched on the flanks of an extinct volcano in central Anatolia, Erciyes is a modern, world-class ski destination. It features extensive lift networks, wide volcanic bowl runs, and excellent amenities suitable for both skiers and snowboarders.
Access. Fly into Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), followed by a 30-minute shuttle or taxi transfer directly to the mountain base.
Notes. Season runs from December to April. Mountain reaches an elevation of nearly 3,916 meters.
Kartalkaya Ski Resort
Bolu
Melih Rustu CALIKOGL… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Tucked away in the Köroğlu mountains of Bolu province, Kartalkaya is famed for its consistent powder snow and dedicated freestyle snowboarding scene. The resort features excellent snow parks and tree-lined slopes.
Access. Accessible via road transfers from either Ankara or Istanbul airports, roughly a 3-hour drive.
Notes. Season runs from December to March. Best known in Turkey for its snowboard park culture.
Palandöken Ski Resort
Erzurum
Ben Bender / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Situated in eastern Turkey near Erzurum, Palandöken boasts some of the highest peaks and longest ski runs in the country. Known for its reliable powder snow and steep international-grade trails, it caters to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Access. Fly into Erzurum Airport (ERZ), which is located just a short 15-minute drive from the ski slopes.
Notes. Season extends from December to May due to its high altitude, peaking at 3,176 meters.
Sarıkamış Ski Resort
Kars
Собственный корреспондент Журнала "Разведчик" (1916) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Located in Kars province, Sarıkamış is celebrated for its crystal-clear 'champagne powder' snow, similar to the Alps. Surrounded by dense pine forests, it offers sheltered runs and a tranquil atmosphere for alpine skiers.
Access. Fly into Kars Harakani Airport (KSY), then take a 50-minute road transfer to the resort.
Notes. Season runs from December to late March. Protected forest environment keeps winds low.
Uludağ Ski Resort
Bursa
Javanshir92 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Located in northwestern Turkey, Uludağ is the country's most established and popular winter sports center. It offers wide, well-groomed cruiser runs surrounded by pine forests, making it a favorite for families and resort skiers.
Access. Fly to Istanbul or Bursa, then take a ferry, road transfer, or the Bursa Uludağ Gondola up to the mountain resort.
Notes. Season typically runs from December to March. Altitude ranges up to 2,543 meters.