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Uludağ Ski Resort
Uludağ is the first name that comes to mind when Turks talk about skiing. Its 24 pistes and 30 kilometres of terrain run from the hotel zone at 1,750 m to a 2,543 m summit, and it is the only major resort a skier can reach from Istanbul in half a day.
- Altitude
- 1750–2543 m
- Total pistes
- 30 km
- Lifts
- 15
- Season
- December – March
Its most striking feature is the 9 km cable car that climbs from central Bursa — one of the longest ropeways in the world, and a way to reach the slopes without a car at all. That makes Uludağ the most accessible ski resort in Turkey for visitors travelling without a vehicle.
Our ski and snowboard rental service at Uludağ covers delivery to every hotel in Oteller Bölgesi I and II. Demand peaks sharply over New Year and the school mid-term break, so book at least a week ahead for those dates.
Uludağ Ski Resort at a glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| City | Bursa |
| Altitude | 1750 – 2543 m |
| Total pistes | 30 km |
| Number of runs | 24 |
| Lifts | 15 |
| Snow type | Moist, heavier snow |
| Season | December – March |
| Nearest airport | Bursa Yenişehir Airport — 90 km |
| Difficulty split | Beginner %40 · Intermediate %40 · Advanced %20 |
Distances
| From | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bursa city centre | 36 km | 1 sa 0 dk |
| Istanbul | 185 km | 3 sa 30 dk |
| Bandırma | 155 km | 2 sa 20 dk |
| Eskişehir | 190 km | 2 sa 45 dk |
Uludağ pistes and sectors
The runs at Uludağ cluster around two hotel zones. Oteller Bölgesi I is the older, more central one; Oteller Bölgesi II sits higher and closer to the chairlifts. Pistes and shuttles link the two.
The chairlift to 2,543 m opens a view over the Sea of Marmara and the Bursa plain. The summit runs are open and exposed, so on windy days most skiers drop back below the treeline.
| Sector | Altitude | Level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oteller Bölgesi I | 1,750 m | Beginner – Intermediate | Ski schools and nursery slopes |
| Oteller Bölgesi II | 1,850 m | Intermediate | Closest lodging to the chairlifts |
| Summit area | 2,543 m | Intermediate – Advanced | Big views, exposed to wind |
How to get to Uludağ
There are two routes from Istanbul: by road over the Osmangazi Bridge (about 2.5 hours to Bursa), or the Yenikapı–Mudanya ferry (about 2 hours) followed by a 45-minute drive. The ferry runs subject to winter weather.
Once in Bursa you can either take the 9 km cable car or drive the 36 km mountain road. Chain controls are common on the road after snowfall, and the cable car is by far the easier option on those days.
Where to stay at Uludağ
Uludağ has more slope-side hotels than anywhere else in Turkey. Oteller Bölgesi I and II hold everything from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts, and almost all of them are ski-in / ski-out.
Staying in Bursa and coming up for the day also works, and the cable car makes it practical. But if you want to be on the first lift, staying on the mountain is still the most efficient choice.
Uludağ season and snow
The season at Uludağ opens in mid-December and closes at the end of March. Marmara's damp air makes the snow heavier and wetter than at Erciyes, but the depth is more than sufficient in most seasons.
Fog is a known feature here. Visibility on the summit can drop below 50 metres, and on those days the runs below the treeline — plus a pair of orange-lens goggles — make all the difference.
Frequently asked questions
What does ski rental cost at Uludağ?
A ski set starts at 750 TL per day and a snowboard set at 800 TL. Our weekend (2-day) package is 1,350 TL and the three-day package 1,850 TL. Helmets, goggles and outerwear can be added separately or as part of a package.
How do I get to Uludağ from Istanbul?
Drive via the Osmangazi Bridge to Bursa in about 2.5 hours, then take the cable car or the mountain road for another 45–60 minutes. The Yenikapı–Mudanya ferry is an alternative.
Can I carry equipment on the Uludağ cable car?
Yes, skis and snowboards can be carried in the cabins. It is far easier to collect your gear at the top, though — we deliver to your hotel in the hotel zone.
When does the Uludağ season end?
Usually in the last week of March, though a strong snow year can extend it into early April.
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All ski resorts
Erciyes Ski Resort
Erciyes Ski Resort spreads across the northern and western flanks of the 3,917 m Mount Erciyes and, with 112 kilometres of marked runs, is the largest ski area in Turkey. Its 34 pistes — reached from the Hisarcık, Tekir and Develi gates — cover everything from wide blue slopes where a child can take a first lesson to demanding black descents that start at 3,400 m.
- Altitude
- 3400 m
- Total pistes
- 112 km
- Lifts
- 18
Kartalkaya Ski Resort
Kartalkaya Ski Resort sits between 1,850 and 2,200 m in the fir forests of the Bolu mountains, with 22 pistes and 25 kilometres of terrain. Being 265 km from Istanbul and 230 km from Ankara makes it the most-visited weekend ski destination in Turkey.
- Altitude
- 2200 m
- Total pistes
- 25 km
- Lifts
- 12
Palandöken Ski Resort
Palandöken Ski Resort runs from 2,200 m to 3,176 m, making it both the highest resort in Turkey and the one with the longest season. It can open in November and stay open into May — effectively the only place in the country for spring skiing.
- Altitude
- 3176 m
- Total pistes
- 50 km
- Lifts
- 14
Sarıkamış Ski Resort
Sarıkamış Ski Resort lies 55 km south-west of Kars, set between 2,100 and 2,634 m in Scots pine forest. Its international reputation rests on "crystal snow": in this exceptionally dry climate, snowflakes reach the ground with their crystal structure intact.
- Altitude
- 2634 m
- Total pistes
- 22 km
- Lifts
- 6
Related pages
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