Wakacje Erzurum - holidays and trips

Snow fluff of the highest standard, trails for beginners and advanced, high class hotels with private ski lifts and après-ski attractions, excellent conditions for active leisure for families with children - these are the advantages which attract more and more skiers who are looking for new, interesting places to Erzurum ski area. We invite you to "Kayak", that is Turkish skiing!

Turkey has so far been associated with summer holidays - now it comes in a completely new version, that is excellent propositions for winter ski holidays. The great beaches and picturesque coastline are loved by millions of tourists from all over the world. Interior is a completely different world, dominated by mountains. Terrific natural conditions for winter sports, investments in infrastructure: lifts, ski runs, hotels and experience in the tourist industry - these are factors, which have determined the increasing interest in skiing in Turkey. The capital of the skiing region is located at the foot of the Pontic Mountains Erzurum (approx. 360 thousand inhabitants) - a place with a rich past, interesting monuments and a unique atmosphere. In the city is the international airport, which guarantees quick and comfortable transfer to hotels in the ski stations. In 2011, the city was host to the 25th Winter Universiade, and in 2012 - the 45th FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships.

Approx. 5 km from Erzurum, in the east of the country, on the Armenian Uplands is one of the most famous Turkish ski areas - Palandöken. On the slopes there are 5 hotels, 4 of them are in ITAKA's offer: Dedeman Palandöken Ski Lodge, Dedeman Palandöken Ski Resort, Palan and the latest – Xanadu Snow White. The ski station features 22 ski runs, including two FIS slalom runs: Ejder and Kapikaya. The difference between the upper and lower ski lift stations is approx. 1000 m. 8 ski lifts operate on the slopes: 1 gondola - the first in Turkey, built in 1998, approx. 3.2 km long, 6 chairlifts, 1 T-bar lift and 2 baby lifts. This is one of the highest regions of Turkey. The ski season here lasts 150 days, the best conditions prevail during the period from mid-December to mid-May. The trails lie at an altitude of 2220-3176 m a.s.l. On average, each winter snowfall amounts to 2-3 m. Due to the continental climate and height, the snow here is of superb quality: fine and dry, ideal for skiers. Most of the trails are led on wide open slopes, divided by a central ridge, with exposure to the north or north-east.

The organisation of ski lifts is different than in European ski stations. Some of the lifts belong to hotels, while others are additionally payable. The system also operates in other Turkish regions. The second ski area around Erzurum is Konakli Alp Disiplini Kayak Tesisi, located approx. 18 km from Erzurum. Built for the needs of the Winter Universiade in 2011, it is a modern complex with well-marked and secured ski runs, with 6 chair lifts, with a super-G, giant slalom and other combinations of Alpine ski trails. Konakli guarantees not only excellent conditions even for the most advanced skiers, but also thanks to its attractive location - wonderful views on Erzurum situated in a valley and the picturesque surroundings. Here in Konakli where snow is the fluffiest, and thanks to the newly built road, it is easy to get here from the region of Paland

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ERZURUM CITY TOUR – the city was founded in Roman times and formerly called Theodosiopolis. Exploring one of the oldest mosques in Erzurum, the Koranic school Yakutiye Medresesi from 1310. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then in the programme: the fortress above the city along with the clock tower and shopping for traditional Turkish Halva and other delicacies. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 35 EUR (includes entry tickets, lunch; drinks additionally payable).

KONAKLI – ski resort Konakli Alp Disiplini Kayak Tesisi, located approx. 18 km from Erzurum. Price - approx. 15 EUR (includes transport, ski pass additionally payable: approx. 20 EUR/day).

SARIKAMIS – white madness in the region of Sarikamis. The region is approx. 135 km from Erzurum, located at an altitude of approx. 2634 m a.s.l., it is surrounded on all sides by a yellow pine forest. Due to afforestation, the slopes here are extremely charming and create a fabulous scenery. The specific climate of the place makes the winters here long, and snow is practically guaranteed. There are 3 chairlifts available by trails of varying levels of difficulty. Price -approx. 70 EUR (includes lunch + 15 rides, drinks additionally payable).

CURLING – an opportunity to play in the modern winter sports centre in Erzurum, where the in 2012 Mixed Curling World Championships took place. Price – approx. 25 EUR.

SHISHA – it is worth experiencing this! An evening with a shisha in the unforgettable scenery of the old historic houses of Erzurum. Afternoon trip. Price - approx. 25 EUR.

ICE-SKATING RINK – an opportunity to ice-skate on a real ice-skating rink. Price – approx. 20 EUR.

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.