Mt Erciyes Skiing and Snowboarding

Overnight Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Erciyes

Approximately 5 hours driving time.

Physical Difficulty: Medium-Hard as the high elevation effects people differently.  

“Erciyes is the highest mountain in central Anatolia, with its summit reaching 3,916 meters (12,848 ft). It is considered to be the highest peak of the Anti-Taurus mountain range, a northeastern extension of the Taurus Mountains to the south, and belongs to the Alpide belt in Eurasia.” (Encyclopedia Britannica) According to http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Mt-Erciyes, “It is a 3917m high volcanic peak in Cappadocia. The extensive skiing at Mt Erciyes takes place between 2200m and 3100m, making this a high-altitude and snow sure destination with open skiing above the tree-line.”

If you go with Outdoor Recreation, our drivers take you there and drop you off for two days of self guided skiing and snowboarding. The cost includes transportation, hotel, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast and equipment. Meals and lift tickets are sold separately.

On day one we arrive at Mt Erciyes Mountain and unload equipment and buy lift tickets. At the mountain there are small bathrooms for changing. You might want to dress in layers to be prepared for the weather. We ski / snowboard from the time we get there until the lifts close at 1600 and then depart for the hotel in Kayseri, approximately 45 minutes away, to check in and have dinner.

On the mountain there are cafes, and shops that will rent you a sled and snow clothes.  According to http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Mt-Erciyes, there are:

Trails (Pistes): 16                                     Halfpipes: 1
Summit: 2,774 m (9,101 ft)                       Toplift: m
Beg: - Int: - Adv: -                                     Terrain Parks: 2
Vertical Drop: 559 m                                 X-Country: 20 km
Lifts: 5 (2 chair lifts, 3 surface lifts)           Snowmaking: -
Gondolas / Cable Cars: -                          Slopeside accommodation: Y
Restaurants: 1 Bars: 1                              Acres of ski: -
Nearest Airport: Kayseri                           Nearest Train: Kayseri

Photo Courtesy of Sarah Ashmore

On day two, after breakfast we check out of the hotel then driver over to the mountain for more skiing and snowboarding before heading back to Adana. Lunch is on your own at one of the cafés on the mountain. 

More About the Mountain

From Anatolia.com, “Mount Erciyes is one of Turkey's most important mountaineering and winter sports centers. Mount Erciyes, rises from the south of the Kayseri valley. The Sultan Marshes lie to its west and to the south falls the Develi valley. Its summit always covered with snow and ice, Mt. Erciyes ranks as central Anatolia's tallest volcano.  


Approximately 18 kilometers in diameter and covering an area of 1000 square kilometers, the mountain's stratification and geology make it a fascinating geographical formation. The region's climate, influenced by that of the Anatolian plateau is typical steppe. Winter brings considerable snowfall to higher elevations. The northern side of the mountain enjoys a more temperate climate encouraging the cultivation of vast areas of vine and fruit orchards between 1100 and 1600 meters. Above that altitude, expanses of meadows stretch far into the distance. The higher elevations display typical alpine vegetation. Herds of animals graze year round on the east, north and west slopes of the mountain.”