Best Eastern Anatolia Skiing Centres

Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye’s largest and highest region, boasts numerous skiing locations that are renowned for winter activities and well-developed ski resorts. Mount Ağrı, Türkiye’s highest peak at 5,137 meters, is in the region. The region also features several notable bodies of water, including Lake Van, Türkiye’s largest body of water, as well as major rivers such as the Euphrates, Tigris, and Aras. Eastern Anatolia's cuisine reflects its severe climate and is rich in protein. Erzurum's Cağ Kebabı, a slow-roasted lamb kebab with healthful oils and proteins, is a popular winter dish. The characteristics of Eastern Anatolia give way to fantastic ski resorts. Let us discover more.

5 Points

660 km

9 h

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Day 1: Ergan Mountain Skiing Centre (Erzincan)

Ergan Mountain, which is 3,256 meters tall and is nestled on the outskirts of the Munzur Mountains, has become a winter tourism hotspot with a 12 km horizontal ski slope. Ergan Mountain Skiing Centre boasts the longest lifts in Türkiye, measuring 1,800 meters, 2,662 meters, and 2,455 meters, as well as a cable car and chairlift facilities. To name a few activities, you can ski, snowboard, snow kite, snowmobile, and ice skate in this breathtaking setting. Ergan Mountain Skiing Centre is also conveniently located near the airport. Erzincan boasts road, air, and railway transportation facilities, making Ergan Mountain even more accessible to its visitors.

While you are here, don't forget to try Erzincan honey, which is made from high-altitude wildflowers and has a mild, sweet taste with an earthy aroma.

Erzurum strengthened its reputation as a winter-sports hub in 2025 after being named the 2025 Tourism Capital by the OECD and the first European Capital of Winter Sports by ACES. Palandöken Ski Centre, the 2025 Tourism Capital, hosted the World Snowboard Cup (SBX) in March 2025. Palandöken is also easily accessible due to its proximity to the city centre and Erzurum Airport, making it a convenient destination for both domestic and foreign travellers. It is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. The facilities have ten chairlifts, one teleski, two baby lifts, and one gondola lift on tracks ranging from 2000 to 3176 metres. A gondola lift takes you up 1000 meters to Ejder Hill. It has seven easy, eight middle, professional (tough), and four natural slopes. For advanced athletes, Palandöken offers some of the longest and steepest natural ski runs in the world.

While you are here, try the signature dish of Erzurum, Cağ Kebabı, a döner that is prepared sideways. The meal uses lamb meat, which is marinated in a specific sauce and rested for at least 12 - 24 hours. The result is tender, juicy meat with a distinct aroma.

Sarıkamış Ski Centre, situated at an altitude of around 2,000 to 2,200 meters, is known for its rare crystal snow, akin to crystal snow found in the Alps. The ski tracks are shielded from the effects of wind and avalanches because of the presence of Scots pine forests that surround them. Sarıkamış Ski Centre's overall piste length is 25 kilometres. The tracks are divided into two stages: five from the summit to the first stage, and two from the first stage to the bottom. Even though Sarıkamış is sunny for the majority of the year, the snow will not melt, making your skiing experience much more delightful.

While you are here… taste the amazing aroma of Kars Gruyere cheese. Gruyere cheese originated in the nineteenth century, when Swiss cheesemakers visited Kars and discovered the location to be plentiful in its effects for producing good cheese. Since then, local artisans have continued the trade, and what better time to eat this delectable cheese than during a winter holiday in Kars?

Day 4: Yalnızçam Ski Sports Centre (Ardahan)

Just 20 km from Ardahan City Centre, Yalnızçam Ski Sports Centre features three ski tracks measuring 4 km, 1.5 km, and 600 meters in length. The area has an accommodation facility that holds 20 people. Yalnızçam Ski Sports Centre, named for the surrounding pine trees, offers facilities for athletes of all skill levels.

While you are here… give goose meat a try. These particular geese are produced from spring to autumn, and their meat is ready for consumption in the winter. Goose meat is nourishing and warming in Ardahan's severe winter weather due to its high oil content as well as the vitamins and minerals it contains.