BEST SKI RESORTS in TURKEY (Winter Holiday in Turkey)

 

Hello — I'm Fatih Yayla, a travel vlo  gger based in Istanbul. Turkey is beautiful year-round, but winter here is something special. Turkish ski resorts are family friendly, affordable and in recent years have developed excellent facilities. Below you'll find a ranked list of the 10 largest ski resorts to chase snow in Turkey, based on figures from the Turkish Ski Federation and my own experiences visiting many of these mountains.

“Turkey ski resorts are quite affordable and a great choice for a budget ski holiday.”

Why ski in Turkey?

Skiing in Turkey is a great value: good snow in many regions, a variety of terrain for beginners through advanced skiers, comfortable hotels at reasonable prices, and the opportunity to combine your ski trip with cultural visits (for example, Cappadocia near Erciyes or historic Bursa near Uludağ). Below I list the top 10 resorts, with short descriptions and practical details to help you choose.

Top 10 Ski Resorts in Turkey

1. 10. Davras

   Location: Near Isparta (about 26 km from the city). Davras is a small, family-friendly ski center perfect for a relaxed weekend. It has three lifts — two chairlifts and one surface lift — serving roughly 3 kilometers of runs. A good choice for beginners and families who want a quiet mountain experience.

2. 9. Bozdağ (Bozdağlar)

   Location: East of İzmir (around 110 km from İzmir city). Bozdağ’s ski season typically runs December through March. Ski areas sit between approximately 1,700 and 2,157 meters altitude. Expect short but sweet seasons and slopes suited to intermediates and those looking for a quick escape from the Aegean coast.

3. 8. Saklıkent / (Cyclokent)

   Location: West of Antalya (around 50 km). This mountain in the Beydağları/Taurus range reaches altitudes near 2,550 meters, with skiable areas generally between 2,000–2,400 meters. Snow depth can reach around a meter in season, though the season can be short—check conditions before you go. A great option if you want to combine sea-and-snow in one trip.

4. 7. Kartepe (Cartepe)

   Location: Kocaeli province (close to the Marmara region). Kartepe is an ideal hill for beginner and intermediate skiers. It features three chair lifts and a summit around 1,700 meters. Its proximity to Istanbul makes it a popular, convenient weekend choice for city residents.

5. 6. Ilgaz (Ulga / Ulgaş)

   Location: Near Kastamonu (about 40 km). Ilgaz Ski Resort lies in a forested mountain range and offers a winter season that typically runs from December through April. The mountain provides longer season potential in colder years and is a good pick for families and mixed-ability groups.

6. 5. Kartalkaya

   Location: Bolu province (approximately 40 km from Bolu). Kartalkaya sits between 1,850 and 2,200 meters altitude. The best skiing time usually spans from late December through late March. It’s a favorite among locals for weekend trips and offers a variety of runs for intermediates and experienced skiers.

7. 4. Sarıkamış

   Location: Near Kars (about 50 km). Sarıkamış typically offers a long season from December to April. Runs include tracks around 1,200 meters long and summit elevations around 2,100 meters. The powder here is famously dry and good—but expect simpler, more basic hotel options compared with large resort towns.

8. 3. Palandöken (Erzurum)

   This is one of Turkey’s largest and most highly regarded ski areas and is my personal favorite. Located in Erzurum, Palandöken has consistent snow cover and is known for long runs, reliable conditions, good hotels and facilities. Many skiers compare its powder to Colorado-style powder—great for those who love long, technical descents.

9. 2. Erciyes (Mount Erciyes)

   Location: Close to Kayseri (around 25 km) and about 80 km from Cappadocia. Erciyes is one of Turkey’s oldest and most important ski resorts. The mountain’s peak reaches roughly 3,915 meters — making it among the highest skiable summits in Anatolia. Expect broad terrain, modern lift infrastructure and a long season when snow conditions are good.

10. 1. Uludağ

    Location: Near Bursa (around 36 km). Uludağ is Turkey’s oldest and most popular alpine resort village. The ski area ranges between roughly 1,800 and 2,500 meters altitude, and the classic ski season runs from December through April. Uludağ combines lively après-ski and village life with convenient access from the Marmara region, making it an all-time favorite.

Quick Practical Tips

• Best season: Generally December–April across most resorts; higher mountains like Erciyes and Palandöken can offer longer seasons.
• Who each resort suits: Kartepe and Davras for beginners and quick getaways; Kartalkaya and Uludağ for mixed groups and lively resort atmosphere; Palandöken and Erciyes for those seeking large areas and longer runs.
• Combine trips: Erciyes is convenient for visiting Cappadocia; Uludağ is easy to pair with a cultural stay in Bursa or a short trip from Istanbul.
• Book accommodation early for holiday weeks — Turkish resorts can get busy during peak season and local holidays.

Conclusion

Turkey offers a wide range of ski experiences: small, quiet family hills; high, snow-reliable mountains with long runs; and lively alpine villages with good hotel infrastructure. Whether you want budget-friendly skiing, powder hunting, or a weekend escape from the city, there’s a Turkish resort that fits the bill.

Which Turkish ski resort is your favorite? Share your pick — and if you’d like more travel guides from me, follow my channel and social media for updates and personal trip videos.