The best part of Winter is that it’s skiing time! Even though we have had a few sunny days recently, when the sun fades away we see the face of the Winter. Yes, Winter is close. So are Winter holiday destinations.
As we all know, as fascinating a city Istanbul is, it can also be exhausting. Therefore long weekends can be great mini-holidays; two to three days away can become a fantastic escape from the city – even just a daily tour can be great fun.
The most favored destinations for a skiing holiday for Istanbul residents are Uludağ and Kartalkaya. Because they are so close to Istanbul, they are practically like “little Istanbul’s” in the Winter. The weather can be dreary but residents of Istanbul know how to enjoy it.
Skiing from 9 am to 5 pm, taking hot red wine or coffee breaks on the peaks, sitting in a hot pool after skiing all day, a dinner of Turkish cuisine, and then party time!
Over the years Uludağ, with its world-class ski runs, fine hotels, vibrant ambience and serving all levels of skiers, is the ski capital of Turkey. Located 36 km South of Bursa, it is the highest mountain in western Anatolia, at an altitude of 2543 meters and is a quiet and peaceful place.
Uludağ’s ski fields are littered with many hotels, ranging from between three and five stars, and also sports very lively night life. There are 10 t bar ski lifts and 9 chairlifts running up to the ski runs, of which there are 10 easy courses, eight average, 6 difficult and one very difficult very difficult course. The highest skiing point is 2232 meter above sea level.
Uludağ is just over two hours by car or bus from Istanbul, and some tour operators even offer daily services.
Kartalkaya is another favorite destination for Istanbul residents who love to ski. Approximately three hours away by car or bus, Kartalkaya’s slopes require more of Alpine discipline, but because of this is sometimes quieter than Uludağ.
The ski runs at Kartalkaya are between 1800 meters and 2221 meters above sea level and the best skiing conditions can be found there between mid-December and mid-March. Kartalkaya operates a total of 19 lifts and 32 ski runs, which are longer than those at Uludag. The total length of runs at Kartalkaya is approximately 40 kilometers, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.
A ‘to do’ list at skiing holiday destinations:
– Ski – what a surprise…
– Have a coffee break before lunch. Both Uludağ and Kartalkaya have cafes that face the slopes. You can enjoy nature and watch people skiing and tumbling down the slopes.
– Barbeque on snow!
– Drink the hot red wine served at cafes on almost every peak
– Try big foot skiing
– Pose for photographers for fantastic holiday memories
– Soak in the hot tub almost every hotel fills after the lifts are closed. It’s the best way to end a freezing day of many spills.
– Eat sucuk ekmek (Turkish sausage in bread)
– Enjoy watching the snow fall outside from in front of the fire place with a glass of fine wine
– If there is any ice, try skating
– If you are going to Uludağ, don’t leave without eating the best İskender kebab you will ever taste! And candied chestnuts! If you are going to Kartalkaya don’t leave without trying the trout in the restaurants leading up to the ski center.