Cappadocia, renowned as a tourist favourite, is also a top destination for winter enthusiasts seeking skiing, thermal springs, and hot air balloon adventures.

The combination of Cappadocia, Erciyes, and Kozaklı offers the perfect recipe for an unforgettable holiday.

Cappadocia: Great spot for unique nature

Cappadocia, located in central Anatolia’s Nevşehir province, is a top destination in Türkiye, celebrated for its rock-carved structures, fairy chimney-studded landscapes, historical treasures, and cultural significance. The region attracts visitors year-round with its diverse tourism offerings.

The region’s authentic charm is best experienced from above through hot air balloon tours, a hallmark of Cappadocia, attracting both locals and hundreds of thousands of international visitors annually.

For those exploring on the ground, horse or camel rides and ATV rentals provide exciting ways to navigate the volcanic cones, while hiking through the valleys offers a truly unique adventure.

Cappadocia offers accommodation to suit every budget, providing excellent value for visitors. For a truly unique experience, guests can stay in boutique hotels featuring cave rooms carved into the volcanic tuff rocks.

Winter visitors to Cappadocia can explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Zelve and Paşabağı archaeological sites, as well as the traditional earthenware workshops in the Avanos district.

For a journey back in time, the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı offer a fascinating glimpse into history.

Erciyes: A Hub for Winter Tourism

Just an hour’s drive from Cappadocia, Mount Erciyes beckons visitors with its breathtaking scenery and majestic presence.

The Erciyes Ski Centre is gaining popularity due to its convenient location, easy accessibility, extensive ski slopes, and affordable prices.

Spanning 25 square kilometres, the centre boasts a modern network of 18 mechanical facilities, including chairlifts and a cable car system. These cover a total length of 21,300 metres and have the capacity to transport 25,500 people per hour.

The 34 ski slopes, spanning a total of 102 kilometres, cater to both amateur and professional skiers with varying levels of difficulty across the Tekir, Hacılar, Hisarcık, and Develi gates.

The Healing Hot Springs of Kozaklı

Just an hour’s drive from Mount Erciyes, the Kozaklı district offers a rejuvenating holiday option in Türkiye. Renowned as one of the country’s top thermal tourism destinations, Kozaklı is famous for its therapeutic thermal springs.

The mineral-rich waters, containing radon gas—often referred to as the “elixir of youth” for its cell-regenerating properties—are believed to benefit various conditions, including arthritis and rheumatism.

Kozaklı also boasts numerous pools and aqua parks for children and young visitors, along with a wide range of wellness options, including salt rooms, spas, mud baths, Turkish baths, and beauty and fitness centres.

So, when you’re seeking something a little different this winter, remember that you can experience the unique charm of Cappadocia, enjoy skiing at Erciyes, and unwind at the thermal facilities in Kozaklı to end your day.

Sources: Discover Turkey/Daily Sabah/Wikipedia

This article was first published in January 2019 and updated on 9 December 2024

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In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best ski resorts in Türkiye, where captivating mountains and sparkling snow await you.

Erciyes

Located on the highest mountain in Anatolia, Erciyes is the best ski resort in Türkiye for the average skier.

With 41 ski slopes stretching across 112 kilometers (69.59 miles) and 19 mechanical lifts, Erciyes is among Türkiye’s most significant ski centers, attracting both domestic and international tourists,

The station is open from the beginning of December to the end of April. It is located at an altitude of 3000m. The ski resort is located just a 30-minute drive from Kayseri airport and a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

You can find out more about Erciyes Ski Resort here

Palandöken – Ejder 3200 World Ski Centre

Located only a few kilometres from Erzurum, over 40 kilometres of slopes await you at Palandöken (Ejder 3200 World Ski Center), with its renovated slopes and luxury facilities. This ski resort is popular with beginners and professional skiers as well as snowboarders. 

The resort is open to skiers and snowboarders from mid-December to mid-April. If there is not enough snow, over 200 snow cannons make for ideal conditions on the slopes. Palandöken features one of the longest ski runs in Türkiye – as well as a terrain park.

You can find out more about Palandöken Ski Resort here

Sarıkamış

With 20 km of slopes, this ski area located at an altitude slightly above 2000 metres, is one of the best ski resorts in Türkiye.

Sarıkamış is a ski resort suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginner to professional. It is a good choice for those travelling in groups or with families who have different individual levels.

For skiing and snowboarding, there are 21.3 km of slopes and 1.1 km of ski routes available

The resort is located 45 minutes from Kars airport.

You can find out more about Sarıkamış Ski Resort here

Sources: European Best Destinations/Skiresort.info

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Recent snowfall has created ideal conditions, and the resort, managed by Ejder3200 Inc., a subsidiary of the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, has prepared its slopes for visitors. Ski enthusiasts flocked to the resort on opening day, enjoying free lift rides and sunny skies for their first runs of the season.

A formal opening ceremony is planned for later in the season.

Situated in the Palandöken Mountain range, the resort features some of Türkiye’s longest and highest slopes, with elevations between 2,000 and 3,100 meters (6,560–10,170 feet). Known for its annual snowfall exceeding 2 meters, Palandöken offers excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions for all skill levels. Modern facilities, including high-speed chairlifts and a snow park, make it a top choice for both domestic and international visitors.

Source: Daily Sabah

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The ski season starts around the 15th of December and lasts until the 1st of March with snow thickness varying between 50 and 250 cm on average.

Lift passes and ski hire are so cheap compared to resorts around the Alps, yet the facilities are similar. 

Join Mick and Trudie as they explore this unknown wonderland.

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