Guide to Ski Resorts in Turkey

Turkey is renowned not only for its extensive beaches, diverse holiday resorts, and vivid blue bays making it a standout in summer tourism, but it also offers some of the most special destinations for winter holidays. Thanks to recent significant investments in ski resorts, Turkey has become a favorite for winter vacations, hosting numerous ski centers. Many of these are yet to become well-known, but across the country, including even along the Mediterranean coast, both skiing and other winter sports are possible.

We've made it easier for those asking, "Where are these ski resorts?" by compiling a list of ski resorts in Turkey! Get your ski gear ready. We are setting off to some of Turkey's most beautiful ski resorts, some you may know, and others you might not have even heard of.

Kartepe Ski Resort 

Starting with the ski resort nearest to Istanbul... Kartepe is one of the most frequently chosen ski resorts due to its proximity to Istanbul. The winter season starts in November and continues until early March, with snow thickness reaching up to 3 meters. Kartepe, one of the most beloved ski centers in Turkey, offers a fantastic holiday experience with its easy, intermediate, and challenging slopes. Having three of its four lifts as chairlifts provides an advantage to athletes.

Click here for hotel recommendations near the Kartepe area: Link

Also, check out The Green Park Kartepe. The Green Park Kartepe

Uludağ Ski Resort 

Gaining fame day by day with Yeşilçam movies, Uludağ is undoubtedly Turkey's most visited ski resort. As the first ski resort in Turkey, Uludağ has recently been divided into two areas due to its growing popularity. The ski center, hosting 11 slopes, sees those who prefer tranquility gravitating towards the 2nd Hotels Area, though the real excitement is in the 1st Area where there are numerous hotels and dining venues. The Uludağ evenings start beside the fireplace after dinner and continue with sausage parties on the snow. During periods like semester breaks, the area is busier than usual with various venues hosting concerts and parties.

Click here for nearby hotel recommendations in the Uludağ area: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/Uludag-Hotels

Additionally, we recommend the following hotels in the Uludağ Area. 

Bof Hotel 

Kaya Hotel

Kartalkaya Ski Resort 

How could we not include Kartalkaya in the list of Turkey's ski resorts! Following Uludağ, Kartalkaya is Turkey's next most famous ski resort, boasting 23 slopes, 11 of which are mechanical. Located on the famous Köroğlu Mountains in Bolu, Kartalkaya Ski Center is only 50 km away from the city center of Bolu. The area offers suitable conditions for Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and ski touring, and you can also try activities like snowboarding and ATV tours.

Click here for hotel recommendations near the Kartalkaya area: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kartalkaya-hotels

Additionally, we recommend the following hotels in Kartalkaya: 

Grand Kartal Hotel 

Kaya Palazzo Hote Doruk

Dorukkaya Hotel

Palandöken Ski Resort

If you're looking for a real skiing experience, let's take you to Palandöken in Erzurum. With a winter holiday season that extends quite long, Palandöken Ski Resort can have snow thicknesses reaching up to 120 meters. Thanks to this feature, Palandöken also hosts slalom and giant slalom competitions. The reputation of the challenging Ejder and Kapıkaya slopes in the area transcends national borders, attracting both novice and professional skiers.

Palandöken Hotel Recommendations: Sway Hotels Palandöken and Dedeman Ski Lodge

Elmadağ Ski Resort

 If you live in Ankara or its surrounding provinces, you're quite lucky! Because you have a fantastic ski resort that you can even visit for a day trip. Elmadağ Ski Resort, suitable for amateur and intermediate skiers, promises an enjoyable skiing experience throughout the winter due to its consistent snow coverage. Located quite close to Ankara city center, the area also features artificial snow machines. If you want to ski in Ankara and its vicinity, you can head to Elmadağ and have a pleasant day.

Bozdağ Ski Resort 

Many may not know, but İzmir is quite successful in winter holidays as well, hosting the Bozdağ Ski Resort. Situated near Ödemiş district in İzmir, Bozdağ Ski Resort welcomes ski enthusiasts starting from December. With a 3-kilometer long slope, the ski center is preferred by both amateurs and professional skiers. If you want to be on the Aegean coast and enjoy winter, you can plan your next skiing holiday in Bozdağ.

Erciyes Ski Resort

 If you're confident in your skiing skills and want to push your limits, let's take you to Kayseri's Erciyes Ski Resort. Offering suitable conditions for skiing throughout the winter, Erciyes has slopes even for those who prefer the most challenging conditions. The slopes are color-coded according to difficulty levels, with black representing the most challenging ones. Besides having slopes for amateurs, the area also offers private lessons for those who want to learn skiing.

For hotel recommendations near the Erciyes area, click here: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/Erciyes-Hotels

Sarıkamış Ski Resort

 Ranked among not only Turkey's but also the world's best ski resorts, Kars Sarıkamış Ski Resort is perfect for adrenaline-loving skiers! In this region where crystal snow typical of the Alps is seen, snow thickness can reach up to 1.5 meters. Surrounded by pine trees, the ski center boasts a 12-kilometer long slope consisting of 12 stages. Besides offering suitable conditions for skiing, Sarıkamış Ski Resort stands out with its mesmerizing landscapes.

For hotel recommendations near the Sarıkamış area, click here:https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kars-hotels

Sarıkamış Ski Resort Hotel Recommendations: Kayı Snow Hotel Sarıkamış Snowflake Mountain Hotel Ekinata Grand Toprak Hotel

Saklikent Ski Center

Although Antalya is preferred for summer vacations, it has also been under the spotlight of ski lovers in recent years. Located about 1 hour away from the city center, Antalya Saklikent Ski Center has a snow thickness of up to 200 m. There are no hotel options in the region with easy and medium level slopes. However, the ski center, which is very close to the city center, attracts great attention from both Antalians and tourists visiting the city.
Click on the link for hotel recommendations close to Saklikent: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/antalya-hotels

Ilgaz Ski Center

Located in Çankırı and close to Kastamonu, Ilgaz Ski Resort is one of the most famous ski resorts in Turkey. The ski center, which is generally preferred by amateurs, has 3 pistes as well as a practice area. The ski resort, which has accommodation facilities belonging to the Turkish Ski Federation, offers its guests a more economical holiday opportunity compared to other ski resorts in Turkey. The center, which offers suitable conditions for snowboarding and sledding as well as skiing, is also one of the favorite routes of photography lovers with its nature surrounded by fir trees.
Click on the link for hotel recommendations near Ilgaz:https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kastamonu-hotels

lgaz Ski Hotel Recommendation: Ferko Ilgaz Mountain Hotel

Zigana Ski Resort

Gümüşhane is famous not only for its beautiful plateaus but also for the Zigana Ski Center, which has attracted the attention of ski lovers in recent years. Surrounded by dense forests, the region appeals to professional ski lovers with its intermediate and difficult slopes. The most important feature of Zigana Ski Center, which is 40 km from Gümüşhane city center, is that it is 60 km from Trabzon Airport. In this way, it is possible to reach the region with a journey of approximately 1 hour from the airport.

Zigana Ski Hotel Recommendation: Zigana Gümüşkayak Yaylakent Hotel

Yalnızçam Ski Resort 

Located just 13 km away from Ardahan city center and close to Kastamonu, Yalnızçam Ski Resort is one of Turkey's lesser-known ski resorts. With 3 kilometers long main slope and additional shorter slopes mainly preferred by amateur skiers, the ski center offers accommodation in its only lodging facility. Surrounded by fir trees, Yalnızçam provides a charming natural setting for visitors throughout the year.

Davraz Ski Resort 

Isparta Good snow quality. Snowboarders love it. Especially easy for those living around Denizli - Antalya - Bodrum for a quick weekend getaway. Only Turkish Airlines flies here. Lift prices for hotel guests: daily weekdays 25TL, weekends 45TL, all semester 45TL (2019) For non-hotel guests: Weekdays 45 - weekends 85, all semester 85. Also, as the duration extends, prices decrease. With a total of 23 kilometers long and 13 slopes in total. For Hotel Recommendations: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/Hotels-in-Isparta

Davraz Ski Resort Hotel Recommendation: Isperia Davraz Hotel

Other Alternatives in Turkey for a Snowball Experience During Winter Vacation

Nemrut Mountain, Bitlis

In the enchanting nature of the East, Nemrut transforms into a fairytale-like atmosphere during the snowy season. Covered in a blanket of white, this unique region is perfect for those seeking tranquility and an opportunity to embrace nature. Stroll around the lake as the snow crunches underfoot, surrounded by breathtaking views, and feel as though you've stepped into another world. Share joyful moments playing snowball fights with loved ones in this magical setting. Don’t forget to capture the stunning reflections of the snow-covered peaks on the lake’s surface to create unforgettable memories.

Ayder Plateau, Rize

This famous plateau in the Black Sea region turns into a stunning winter wonderland when covered in snow. With shades of white dominating the landscape, you can enjoy peaceful moments immersed in nature. Refresh your body in the healing thermal springs while gazing at the snowy scenery outside, or dive into playful snowball battles with your companions.

Hazarbaba Mountain, Elazığ

Renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, this ski resort is an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet winter getaway. Its safe and enjoyable snowball play areas for children make it a favorite among families, while various winter activities cater to all age groups. Combining silence and natural beauty, this resort is perfect for fully savoring the winter season.

Mount Hasan, Aksaray

One of Central Anatolia’s hidden gems, this region offers snow-covered landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a winter retreat. The snow-covered peak provides an exciting environment for snowball fights, while the surrounding natural beauty creates a dreamlike setting for photography enthusiasts.

Çamlıhemşin, Rize

Experience the enchanting winter scenery of the Fırtına Valley, surrounded by snow-covered nature. Enjoy delightful moments of snowball fights with your loved ones and end the day sipping tea by a warm fireplace. This region offers isolated winter vacation options with its nature-embraced bungalows, making it a popular choice for a secluded holiday.

Ulubey Canyon, Uşak

Turkey’s largest canyon transforms into a magical land during the snowy season. With its pristine white cover, the natural beauty of this place provides a serene atmosphere for nature walks and an ideal setting for snowball fights to create joyful memories.

Aladağlar National Park, Niğde

A wonderful choice for snow-covered mountain walks and snowball games. Enjoy the quiet and peaceful environment while embracing the beauty of winter.

Soğuksu National Park, Ankara

A place where you can enjoy snow-covered nature without straying far from the city. Ideal for families with children, it offers safe areas for snowball play.

Mount Murat, Kütahya-Uşak

Famous for its thermal springs and snowy landscapes, this region offers a delightful winter retreat. It’s perfect for relaxation as well as snow activities.

Ovacık, Tunceli

Nestled at the foot of the Munzur Mountains, this area offers a captivating winter experience with its snowy beauty. Play snowball games and take walks along the snow-covered paths of Munzur Valley.

Mount Ararat, Doğubayazıt

Turkey’s highest peak offers stunning views during winter. Around the mountain, enjoy snowy adventures and explore its unmatched natural beauty.

Akdağ, Denizli

For those seeking to experience snow and immerse themselves in nature, this spot in the Aegean Region is a fantastic choice. Enjoy snowball games and breathe in the crisp winter air in a serene setting.

İkizdere, Rize

Experience a pure white winter vacation in the heart of the Black Sea’s nature. Relax in the thermal springs and engage in snowball fights amidst snow-covered forests.

Gölcük Lake, Bolu

A picturesque destination for winter walks and snowball games surrounded by a snowy lake view. Ideal for those seeking silence and tranquility.

Salda Lake, Burdur

While Salda is a summer favorite, it transforms into a uniquely beautiful destination during the snowy season. Enjoy snowball games and capture amazing photos around the lake.

Kızılcahamam, Ankara

Renowned for its thermal springs, this area offers a delightful escape for a winter vacation. Relax in warm waters while enjoying the snowy outdoors.

Sülüklü Lake, Sakarya

Amidst the stunning winter landscapes offered by nature, enjoy snow activities. Walk along the snowy trails and engage in snowball games in this secluded area.

Küre Mountains National Park, Kastamonu-Bartın

For nature lovers, this park offers unique experiences amidst snow-covered valleys and forests. Engage in snowball games and fully enjoy the charm of nature.

For accommodation options, you can check the Small Hotels website.