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The developing resort of Ilgas Dagi in the Karadeniz region of northwest Turkey is an ideal ski destination for beginners, with its short and shallow slopes that never get congested. Situated within the confines of the spectacular Ilgas National Park, Ilgas Dagi ski resort is inexpensive and also rates highly in the choices of accommodation available at the resort.

Ilgas Dagi ski resort is situated at 5,971 feet above sea level and has all the essential ski and snowboard facilities to help beginners on their way. There are qualified ski and snowboard instructors here as well as equipment hire and small markets with a range of ski products for sale. With 500 beds situated at the base in several hotels, lodges and chalets, the resort has ample accommodation and a good selection of après-ski activities.

For such a small ski resort, Ilgas Dagi has a surprising range of pistes suitable for all abilities up to advanced level, but with the emphasis firmly on beginners. Two ski lifts including a double chairlift and a t-bar provide access to the slopes up the 590-feet vertical to a height of 6,560 feet at a rate of hundreds of people per hour.

For a break from the slopes at Ilgas Dagi ski resort and for those who are so inclined, the Ilgas Dagi National Park is one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural habitats and is loaded with rich plant life and intriguing wildlife. Additionally, the town of Cankiri to the south of the resort dates back to the 3rd century BC and is well known for the Ulu Mosque and the remains of the 11th century Cankiri fortress.

The ski season at Ilgas Dagi ski resort runs from December to April and the best time to ski here is in February, while reduced rates are available at the beginning and end of the season. The nearest airport is at Ankara and for convenience it is easier to fly here and hire a car; while driving from Istanbul save can be a money saver.

Skiing in Ilgas Dagi

Lying between the important cities of Cankiri and Kastamonu, within the famed Ilgas National Park and to the east of Istanbul, Ilgas Dagi ski resort is one of Turkey’s less popular ski destinations yet it offers stunning woodland setting and is the perfect place for learners and skiers and snowboarders who want to improve their skills. While Ilgas Dagi is not situated particularly close to an airport, it has good accommodation options and is quiet.

There are several runs at Ilgas Dagi ski resort that mainly appeal to beginners, but also to those who are more experienced, due to the excellent off-piste powder. The mere 590-feet vertical keeps slopes shallow and beginners confident, while a double chairlift and a t-bar feed the slopes to 6,560 feet.

Apart from the skiing and snowboarding at Ilgas Dagi ski resort there isn’t that much else in the way of winter sports unless you’re into hiking or hunting. There are saunas and other wellness facilities at some of the top hotels where you will also find après-ski entertainment.

Facilities at the ski centre are the bare essentials for getting on the slopes in the right attire and with confidence; there are well-trained ski and snowboard instructors, equipment rental shops and ski retail markets, while chalets, hotels and lodges provide beds for 500 patrons.

Ilgas Dagi ski resort receives its best snow from December to April and you can find the cheapest rates here in December and April. While buses run all of the way to Ilgas Dagi, flying to Istanbul and driving from there is the most practical travel option.

Transportation to Ilgas Dagi

Ilgas Dagi ski resort is 300 miles east of Istanbul and 110 miles northeast of Ankara and lies within the outstanding Ilgas Dagi National Park in northwest Turkey. Getting here is straightforward as there aren’t very many viable transport options. The easiest means of transport is to fly to Istanbul and drive from there, while flying onto Ankara and hiring a car there is even more convenient.

If you are driving from Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport, expect a 6-hour journey covering 310 miles. The route goes via the O-4 motorway east to Gerede and then the D-100 takes you to Eskiahir, from where the Ilgas Dagi ski resort road heads north for 28 miles. From Ankara’s Esenboga International Airport, drive northeast via the towns of Cubuk, Orta and Kursunlu on the D-100 and then head east to Eskiahir, a 3-hour journey.

The train station at Kursunlu is only 35 miles from Ilgas Dagi ski resort and there are regular connections; however, getting to Istanbul from London via Paris, Munich, Wien Westbahnhof and Bucharest is a long journey of 60 hours. Once at Kursunlu, you still need to find road transport to Ilgas Dagi.

Atatürk International Airport is Turkey’s major air hub, receiving flights from all over the world and infrequent buses run from here to Ilgas Dagi, while driving yourself is a more convenient option. You also have the option of taking a short flight from Istanbul to Ankara and driving from there to Ilgas Dagi.

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