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Skiing in Turkey: Uludağ, Palandöken, Erciyes, Kartalkaya and Sarıkamış (2026)

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Skiing in Turkey is better than most visitors expect. The five main resorts are Uludağ above Bursa, Kartalkaya in Bolu, Erciyes on a volcano outside Kayseri, Palandöken above Erzurum, and Sarıkamış near Kars. Between them they offer reliable winter snow, long runs, and relatively low prices compared with the Alps. The western resorts are easy weekend trips from Istanbul. The eastern ones have higher, colder, drier snow.

The season generally runs from December to March or April, a little longer at high-altitude eastern resorts. Most skiers stay in resort hotels at the foot of the lifts, often on packages that include lift passes.

Quick facts

  • Where: Northwest (Uludağ, Kartalkaya), central Anatolia (Erciyes) and the east (Palandöken, Sarıkamış).
  • Getting there: Domestic flights to Kayseri, Erzurum and Kars. Road or bus from Istanbul and Ankara to Uludağ and Kartalkaya.
  • Time needed: A weekend for the western resorts. Four to seven days if you fly east.
  • Cost: Lift passes, rentals and lessons are generally cheaper than in Western Europe. Resort hotels range from mid-range to expensive.
  • Best time: January and February for the most reliable snow. December and March depend on the season.
  • Good for: Beginners and intermediates (all resorts), powder and longer runs (Erciyes, Palandöken), snowboarders, ski-and-city trips.

The five main resorts

Uludağ (Bursa)

Uludağ is one of Turkey's oldest and most popular ski areas. It sits inside a national park above Bursa, about 40 minutes by road from the city, and can also be reached by cable car from Bursa. The highest point, Karatepe, is 2,543 m. Published counts put it at around 13 runs and about 20 km of pistes, with snowboarding areas and heli-skiing. It is very busy at weekends and in Turkish school holidays. Pair it with our Bursa day trip guide for the city's Ottoman sights.

Kartalkaya (Bolu)

Kartalkaya, in Bolu province between Istanbul and Ankara, has skiing between about 1,850 m and 2,200 m, with around 38 runs, snow parks, tree-lined off-piste and ski touring. Its season is roughly December to March, and daily buses run from Istanbul and Ankara. It is popular with snowboarders and has an après-ski scene.

In January 2025 a fire at a hotel in Kartalkaya killed at least 78 people. Reports said fire alarms, detectors and emergency exits were inadequate. Whatever resort you choose, take a minute on arrival to find your nearest fire exit and stairwell, and report blocked exits or alarms that don't work.

Erciyes (Kayseri)

Erciyes is a ski area on the slopes of Mount Erciyes, an extinct volcano (3,916 m), about 25 km from Kayseri. The ski area on the Tekir plateau runs from about 2,100 m to 2,900 m, with roughly 112 km of slopes after major investment, modern lifts, snow-kiting and a heli-skiing programme. Kayseri airport has frequent flights from Istanbul. It combines well with Cappadocia: see our Cappadocia in winter guide and Kayseri vs Nevşehir airport.

Palandöken (Erzurum)

Palandöken is the ski mountain above Erzurum in eastern Anatolia. It is known for light, dry powder, cold temperatures, long runs and steep terrain, and is best suited to confident skiers. It has around 22 pistes, some floodlit for night skiing. Its hardest run, Ejder 3200, often closes for fog and avalanche risk. Its high altitude and cold give a long season, so check opening dates for your trip.

Sarıkamış (Kars)

Sarıkamış (Sarikamis), in Kars province in the far northeast, is famous for its dry, crystallised snow and pine forests. The ski area runs from about 2,100 m to 2,634 m. The Cıbıltepe area has five runs, the longest about 12 km. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism gives the best season as about 20 December to 20 March. The resort is about 50 km, or 40 minutes by road, from Kars airport.

Which resort should you choose?

  • Short trip from Istanbul: Uludağ or Kartalkaya. Expect crowds at weekends.
  • Best snow and the most terrain: Erciyes or Palandöken.
  • Quiet, scenic and dry snow: Sarıkamış.
  • Ski plus sightseeing: Erciyes plus Cappadocia, or Uludağ plus Bursa.
  • Beginners and families: All five have ski schools. Check the beginner terrain and the hotel's childcare before you book.

Safety on Turkish slopes

  • Insurance. Check that your travel insurance covers winter sports, including off-piste if you plan to go there. Rescue and evacuation from remote eastern resorts can be expensive.
  • Lessons and rental. Book instruction and equipment through your hotel's ski school or a licensed school at the resort. Make sure rental bindings are set to your weight and ability.
  • Helmets. Wear one: rent it if you don't bring your own.
  • Off-piste. Avalanche risk is real, particularly at Palandöken and in heli-skiing areas. Go off-piste only with a qualified local guide and proper avalanche equipment.
  • Weather and roads. Mountain roads can close in heavy snow. Allow extra time, and fit winter tyres or chains if you're driving. See our driving in Turkey guide.
  • Cold. Eastern resorts can be extremely cold. Pack proper layers, gloves and face protection.

FAQ

When is the ski season in Turkey?

Roughly December to March. High eastern resorts such as Erciyes, Palandöken and Sarıkamış may open earlier or stay open later depending on snow. January and February are the most reliable months.

What is the best ski resort in Turkey?

It depends on your priorities. Erciyes has the most terrain and modern lifts. Palandöken suits strong skiers. Sarıkamış is known for crystal snow. Uludağ and Kartalkaya are the easiest from Istanbul.

Can you ski near Istanbul?

Uludağ above Bursa and Kartalkaya in Bolu are the nearest major resorts, both reachable for a long weekend by road or bus.

Is skiing in Turkey cheap?

Lift passes, rentals and lessons are generally cheaper than in the Alps. Resort hotels and holiday-period packages can be expensive.

Can I combine skiing with Cappadocia?

Yes. Erciyes is close to Kayseri, and Kayseri airport also serves Cappadocia, so a few days on the slopes fit easily around a Cappadocia stay.

Related

Sources

Last checked: November 2026.

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