WINTERSPORTS

Large parts of Turkey lie on the average 1,000 m high Anatolian peninsula and are therefore very good for the ski and winter sports. That may at first be surprising, since Turkey as a summer destination has long enjoyed a good reputation. But even in winter you can find a great ski holiday in Turkey enjoy.

Parallel to the Black Sea coast is the nordanatolische mountains (2,587 meters - 3,932 m), parallel to the Mediterranean coast of the Taurus Mountains (3 086 m - 4,136 m). Impressive full extinct volcanoes along the Gerbirgsketten, including the 3,917 m high Erciyes in Central Anatolia and the majestic Büyük Agri Dagi, 5,137 m in Eastern Anatolia.

The five largest winter sports centres in Turkey are not only due to favourable weather conditions known, but also for its scenic location. You can find them in:

• Uludag, province of Bursa

• Kartal Kaya, Bolu province

• Erciyes, province of Kayseri

• Palandöken, province of Erzurum

• Sarikamis, province of Kars

• More winter sports centres in Turkey

The most popular winter sports centres in Turkey

Uludag, province of Bursa

Transportation: From Bursa from over a well-paved road (30 km) by car, bus (from Tophane District, in winter every hour) or by cable car (in winter every 20 minutes).

Location: 1,900 - 2,500 m Uludag The 2,543 m is the highest mountain Westanatoliens.

Season: December to May. Nordic and alpine disciplines, snowboard, Bigfoot, Schneemotorad, heli-skiing, skating

Ski Lifts: 5-chair, 7 lifts belt, 1 cableway

Facilities: Hotels, mountain huts, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, discos, ski rentals, ski instructors, accident Station

The ski area is also National Park.

Kartal Kaya, Bolu

Transport network: 220 km from Ankara airport, 275 km from the Istanbul airport and 40 km of Bolu. From Bolu by car or bus in 45 minutes. Some hotels offer transfers.

Location: 1,850 - 2,200 m

Season: December to March. Nordic and alpine disciplines, cross-country skiing, ski tours

Ski lifts: 6 skiing, 2 armchairs, 3 Babylift

Facilities: Hotels, restaurants, swimming pool, bars, discos, ski rentals, ski instructors, Sanitätsstation

Erciyes, Kayseri

Transportation: 40 minutes away from the airport Kayseri, 30 minutes from the city Kayseri. Special feeder service to the mountain hotels.

Location: 2,200 - 3,300 m Highest mountain Mittelanatoliens

Season: November to May. Good slopes, ski tours, heli-skiing, summer skiing

Ski lifts: 2 ski, 1 chairlift

Facilities: hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, ski rentals, ski instructors, Sanitätsstation

Palandöken, Erzurum

Transportation: The airport is open daily from Erzurum Ankara and Istanbul flights. Airport bus in the ski resort about 10 minutes. During the winter season there are constant from Erzurum public bus service to the mountain hotels.

Location: 2,150 - 3,100 m

Season: December to May

Ski Lifts: 5-chair, 1 ski, 2 baby and 1 cabin lift

Facilities: hotels, ski lodge, restaurants, ski rental, ski courses

The Palandöken ski slopes of the centre are among the longest and steepest in the world. Their total length is 28 km. The altitude difference between departure and arrival point for the longest, 12 km long runway is 1,000 meters in altitude.

Sarikamis, Kars

Transport links between Erzurum and Kars. 50 km from the airport Kars and 60 km from the city Kars. 90 min from the airport Erzurum. Onward journey by bus is possible.

Location: 2,200 - 2,634 m

Season: December to March. Alpine skiing, Nordic discipline, ski tours

Ski Lifts: 2 armchairs, 3 ski lift

Facilities: Hotels, mountain lodge, ski instructors, ski rental

Other winter sports centres in Turkey

Bubi Dagi, Agri

Transportation: The ski center Agricole is located 18 km from the city Agricole. Several times a week flying machines from Istanbul to Ankara and Agri.

Season: December to April

Elmadag, Ankara

Transportation: 18 km from downtown Ankara. Bus service possible.

Location: 1,500 - 1,800 m Conveniently located as close to the capital Ankara.

Season: January to March

Saklikent, Antalya

Transportation: 50 km from Antalya.

Location: 2,000 - 2,400 m

Season: January to April. In April, there is a possibility on the same day in the Mediterranean sea and in the Taurus Mountains in winter sports centre situated to ski.

Kurucadag, Bingöl

Transportation: 25 km from the city Bingöl. The winter sports center is not supported by public transport approached.

Location: 1,650 - 1,890 m

Season: December to March

Sapgör, Bitlis

Transportation: Best connection per domestic flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Van (160 km).

Location: 1,820 m:

Season: December to April

Bolkar, Erzincan

Transportation: 40 km from the city Erzincan. Travelling by car or bus.

Season: December to April

Zigana, Gümüshane

Transportation: 40 km from Gümüshane, 60 km from Trabzon.

Location: 1,900 - 2,500 m

Season: December to April

Davraz, Isparta

Transportation: 26 km from Isparta. Municipal buses from the city to the ski area.

Location: 1,600 - 1,900 m

Season: December to April

Ödemiz-Bozdag, Izmir

Transportation: 110 km away from Izmir. Arriving by bus or car.

Location: 1,700 - 2,100 m

Season: December to March

Ilgaz, Kastamonu

Transportation: Next Ankara airport, about 200 km away. Ilgaz is on the highway Istanbul - Kastamonu or Ankara - Kastamonu to reach.

Location: 1,800 - 2,000 m

Season: December to April