There are many ski destinations all over Turkey like the one in Mount Erciyes, Central Turkey, or the one in Palandöken, Eastern Turkey where the Winter Olympics were organized. However, those closest to Istanbul have always been more popular and widely known: Kartalkaya in Bolu, Uludağ in Bursa, Kartepe in Kocaeli. These three ski destinations are almost a 2-hour-ride both from Istanbul and Ankara. Which one you should choose to go is all up to your preference. If you are more into having fun more than skiing, then Uludağ is the place for you. Kartepe is for families who are looking for activities for children, too. And as for those who want nothing else than skiing, snowboarding, Kartalkaya is your dream destination.

 

Packed thermals, snowboards and skiing gear in the boot, a book to keep me company in my hands, there I was sitting on the car ready for a road trip to a winterland. Yet I could see that watching the scenery from my faintly misted window was much better. “No offence, book. I’ll read you, don’t you worry!” I sent my thoughts to the book and enjoyed the beautiful plains of Sarıyayla covered by snow guilt-free.

 

As we came closer to Kartalkaya, it got whiter and whiter like a dreamy winterland. People were already out skiing, some kids were taking lessons, some were having a Turkish snack called “sucuk ekmek” which is specific to snowy winter days and is basically a sandwich with grilled spicy sausage. There are several hotels in this area but the one has the best view is Dorukkaya Ski&Mountain Resort. It’s a nice enough, comfortable and chic resort with a delicious open buffet and a warm spa for those seeking ski-in/ski-out vacation. If you are looking for a more authentic vibe, visit Sarıyayla for a change of scenery and make plans for the upcoming summer when it’s best.

 

Seeing the amazing weather and smooth-perfect snow covered piste, I unloaded the boot, checked in my room and ran towards the T-Bars. Kartalkaya’s maybe only one downside here is the lack of chairlifts instead, you have to make do with the T-Bar lift. After you get the hang of it, you are good to go to slide.

 

Eat, Ski, and Sleep

 

Dorukkaya is an “all inclusive” ski resort. Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time, Dinner and Night Soup are free and served in open buffet concept. It starts at 7 am with the gorgeous Turkish breakfast open buffet and ends at 12 am with night soup serving. Needless to say, the food was great. After a day of constant skiing, a hearty meal is all you need.

 

The rooms were nice and recently refurbished; not too luxurious not too shabby, just all you need from a hotel room. The hotel has an indoor pool, Turkish bath “hammam”, Sauna, and Spa.

If you are looking for more comfortable accommodation, then Kaya Palazzo is your stay. Although it is also “all inclusive”, it also has an a la carte restaurant as well as an open-buffet main restaurant situation.

 

The skiing season here lasts 120 days starting from 20th December to 20th March. At the beginning of the season “powdered snow” covers the slopes and towards the end of the season it may get a little slushy, however, it’s safe to say that it was still pretty powdery when I was there.

 

Return to Home

 

After a 3-day and 2-night of eating, skiing and sleeping, it was time to go back home to Istanbul and the only thing that was upsetting while I was here happily surrounded by snow, Istanbul, having been a snowless city all winter long, was decided to be covered in white, too. Touché, Istanbul, touché.