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Traditionally a hunting ground, Sarikamis is an interesting yet small ski resort that is noted for its variety of tree-lined runs, Turkey’s longest piste and exceptional Alpine snow quality throughout the season. Located near the town of Kars in northeastern Turkey, Sarikamis is an inexpensive ski destination which boasts quality accommodation.

Sarikamis ski resort’s village is situated at 7,218 feet above sea level and there are well-qualified ski and snowboard instructors available to help you improve your skills and ski and snowboard equipment hire as well as retail and first-aid facilities.

There are nine pistes at Sarikamis ski resort, each at different levels of the mountain. They are geared to all levels of skier and snowboarder ability and range from a few hundred feet in length to over one mile, while the four-mile run here is Turkey’s longest. Supplying the slopes are two chairlifts and one t-bar at a rate of over 1,800 people per hour.

There are four hotels with a total of over 1,000 beds available at Sarikamis ski resort, with Hotel Camkar being particularly noted for its quality ski instructors and convenient ski lift. There is not much in the way of après-ski entertainment at Sarikamis ski resort, but the town and nearby Kars have’ additional options for both nightlife and accommodation.

There is no alternative skiing in the region, but for those who fancy a spot of sightseeing away from Sarikamis ski resort, the frontier town of Kars has some important historical buildings. This ancient town encompasses churches, mosques and palaces, and is dominated by the impressive 12th-century Georgian fortress, while the 10th-century Ani ruins lie just outside town.

Sarikamis ski resort’s ski season runs from mid-November to mid-April and has its best snow between December and March, while discounts are available at the beginning and end of the season. The most convenient travel option for getting to Sarikamis is to fly to Kars and then take the bus.

Skiing in Sarikamis

Sarikamis ski resort, located in northeast Turkey, has the longest piste in the country and also boasts consistent crystal snow, usually only seen at ski destinations in the Alps. The skiing and snowboarding is through pine forests and the views and scenery are incredible, while the resort is well equipped with good facilities and accommodation options here are reasonable.

Nine pistes are available for skiers and snowboarders including everyone from learners to experienced sliders. The pistes rise to altitudes over 8,530 feet above sea level and include Turkey’s longest at a whopping four miles. Three ski lifts including a t-bar and two chairlifts provide slope access for nearly 2,000 people per hour. Additionally, cross-country skiing is also available at Sarikamis.

For those who also enjoy non-piste skiing and snowboarding, ski touring, Alpine skiing and horse-driven sleigh rides are available, while saunas and other wellness facilities are available at the hotels, as is the bulk of après-ski entertainment.

For a small resort, Sarikamis comes with commendable facilities including quality equipment hire, a ski and snowboard shop, first-aid station and qualified ski and snowboard instructors, while over 1,000 beds are available at four hotels on the slopes and another 2,500 in nearby Kars.

The best snow conditions during the five-month ski season are between December and March, while cheaper rates can be had on weekdays in November and April. Taking a domestic flight to either Kars or Erzurum from Istanbul and then travelling to the resort by bus is the most practical way to get to Sarikamis.

Transportation to Sarikamis

Sarikamis ski resort is 900 miles east of Istanbul and more than 620 miles east of Ankara in the region of Kars, northeast Turkey. Although there are alternative travel options for getting to and from Sarikamis that involve driving, trains and buses, flying to Kars and transferring by car or bus is the most convenient and feasible option.

If you intend on driving to Sarikamis ski resort from Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport, you will have to allow two days’ travelling time. The route goes via Ankara on the O4 motorway, from where the D-200 highway travels east to Altköy and the D-100 and D-080 continue on towards Sarikamis. Allow one week if you plan on driving from the UK or Western Europe.

Trains run from Istanbul to Sarikamis via Ankara, Sivas and Erzurum, but the journey is arduous. Despite being one of the cheapest ways of reaching the resort, travelling by bus or train is not comfortable or fast. You can reach Istanbul by rail all the way from London, a three-day journey involving four changes in France, Germany and Romania.

Flying both to Istanbul and onto Erzurum or Kars is the best and fastest option. Istanbul receives many carriers and daily flights, and there are frequent services to Kars and Erzurum aboard Turkish Airlines and Onur Air. Either airport offer bus transfers to Sarikamis ski resort or you can drive yourself. Kars airport is 40 miles northeast of Sarikamis, while Erzurum is 90 miles.

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