Popular ski resorts in Turkey

While Turkey has a reputation for a country where it is good to have a rest in summer thanks to the warm climate, good beaches and clean sea, there are also many opportunities for winter recreation. Almost 60% of the country's territory is covered by mountains, from where stunning views are opened. In the winter months they have a good snow cover. Currently, in the ski resorts of Turkey: Uludag, Sarykamysh, Palandoken and others, large investments are made, so in the near future the country can become an important European center of winter tourism. The peculiarity is also that in certain seasons at some resorts you can swim in the sea and ski on the same day.

Ski resorts in Turkey, as a rule, are located on mountains of medium height throughout the country. Now they have less developed infrastructure than in other countries, but are more accessible to tourists. Many ski centers can easily be reached by car or by plane. Peak of the ski season in Turkey falls on the period from December to April.

The most famous and most equipped ski resort in Turkey is Uludag. It is located 36 kilometers south of Bursa and 150 kilometers from Istanbul. Skiing area covered with forests, is at an altitude of 2547 meters. The season lasts about 120 days a year, but the most suitable conditions for skiing are from December 20 to March 1. The resort offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, family chalets and après-ski facilities. There are chair-lifts, ski lifts, slalom and giant slalom courses, slopes for beginners. Skis and equipment can be rented. There is also a small hospital. The ski runs have a total length of about 20 kilometers.

Some ski resorts in Turkey are suitable not only for amateur skiing, but also for international competitions. One of these centers is Palandoken, located 6 kilometers from Erzurum. It lies at an altitude of 2200 to 3100 meters and is distinguished by long and complex routes. The total length of the trails is about 28 kilometers. In February 2011, it was here that the Winter Universiade ski competitions were held. The resort offers accommodation in ski lodges and hotels.

As already noted above, ski resorts in Turkey have ideal conditions for skiing. This is especially true for the ski center of Sarykamysh, located near Kars, 50 kilometers from the airport. This area is known not only for ski slopes, but also for its hunting. It is located at an altitude between 2200 and 2900 m above sea level. Guests can stay either in the city itself or directly at the ski resort.

Other well-known ski resorts in Turkey are: Kartepe in Kocaeli Province, Saklikent 50 kilometers from Antalya, Kartalkaya in Bolu Province, Bolkar and Ergan near Erzincan. The country also has several smaller skiing areas, such as Hasandag in Aksaray and the mountains in Bayburt. In the future, the country plans to develop these resorts and open new ones in other areas.