A Weekend in Kartalkaya: A 3-Day Ski Plan, Day by Day

A weekend in Kartalkaya, with two nights in a hotel, easily stretches over three days: on the first day you are on the slopes in the afternoon, the second day is all skiing from start to finish, and on the third day you ski until the afternoon and then return to Istanbul. This pattern leaves first-time skiers time to learn and experienced skiers plenty of time on the pistes. Below we explain, step by step, how to make the most of each day.

Why Kartalkaya for a weekend?

Set on the forested slopes of the Köroğlu Mountains south of Bolu, Kartalkaya is one of the ski resorts you can reach by road from Istanbul. Being able to board a coach in the morning and ski that same afternoon, without flights or airport transfers, is a big advantage for a short winter break. The resort is compact, with the hotels grouped right at the foot of the slopes, which means you can leave your hotel in the morning and have your skis on within minutes. The pistes, framed by pine and fir forests, keep visibility reasonable even on windy days.

Day 1: Travel, settling in and your first run

The Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Tour starts in the morning by coach from departure points in Istanbul, with a break on the way, arriving in Kartalkaya around midday. Once you have settled into the hotel, the first job is renting equipment.

A few suggestions for making good use of this first afternoon:

• Don't rush the rental. If your ski boots are the wrong size, your feet will hurt all weekend. Put the boots on and walk around for a few minutes: your heel should not lift, and your toes should lightly touch the end.
• Always get a helmet. Helmets are available at the rental shops too; they matter for adults as much as for children.
• Spend the first hours on easy slopes. Your legs will be tired after the journey. Getting to know the snow and your equipment with a few warm-up runs makes the next day more enjoyable.

Those who don't plan to ski can spend these hours walking in the snow around the hotel or simply enjoying the view.

Day 2: A full day on the slopes

The second day is the heart of the programme. After breakfast, the whole day is free for skiing. If you wish, you can take a ski or snowboard lesson; lessons are not included in the tour price and are paid for separately.

If you are a beginner

If you are skiing for the first time, setting aside the first hours of the morning for a lesson makes the rest of the day much more productive. A few hours of basics from an instructor (stopping, turning, getting up after a fall) speed up progress that could take days of trial and error on your own. In the afternoon, practise what you have learnt on the easy slopes. If it is your first time, also take a look at our guide for first-time skiers.

If you are experienced

In the morning the pistes are freshly groomed and the snow is smooth and firm. A good tactic is to try the more challenging runs early and ease off in the afternoon when the snow softens. Visibility on pistes near the forest is usually better than in open areas, so keep this in mind on foggy days.

For non-skiers

Snow walks, sledging and photography are among the options to fill the second day. For family members who come with the group but don't ski, the hotel lobbies and cafés are also a warm place to take a break.

Day 3: Last runs and the journey home

After breakfast you check out of your rooms, but the day isn't over: there is free skiing time until the afternoon. If you pack your bags in the morning and leave them at the hotel's luggage room, you save time without losing any on the slopes.

On the way back, if weather and road conditions allow, there is a stop at Gölcük Nature Park near Bolu. The snow-covered lake and the surrounding forest make a lovely backdrop for the last photos of the weekend. If conditions are not suitable, the stop is skipped and the coach returns directly to Istanbul.

Small tips for making the most of your weekend

• Budget separately for the ski pass and equipment. Lessons, equipment rental and the ski pass are usually not included in the tour price; at the quote stage we work out together how each item will be planned.
• Dress in layers. A thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer and waterproof outer layer adapt to weather that changes during the day. For a detailed list, see our ski clothing and equipment list.
• Don't forget sunscreen and goggles. Sun reflected off the snow can burn your face even on days that look cloudy.
• Drink water. In the cold you feel less thirsty, but your body loses fluid during exercise.
• Keep an eye on snow conditions. The amount of snow and whether the pistes are open varies each year with the weather. It is a good idea to check the current situation in the days before you go.

Who is it for?

The Kartalkaya weekend programme can be planned for families, groups of friends, companies, young people and school groups. If you are coming with a large group, sharing the number of people and the mix of ski levels in advance makes planning lessons and rentals easier. To compare other winter options, take a look at our ski holidays page.

Frequently asked questions

Are two nights enough for Kartalkaya?

They are enough for a weekend break. The programme includes one full day and two half days of skiing. In that time, first-time skiers can learn the basic moves and reach the point of skiing comfortably on easy slopes.

What time do you arrive in Kartalkaya on the first day?

The coach leaves Istanbul in the morning and, including a break, arrives around midday. Road and weather conditions can affect the arrival time; the plan leaves time for free skiing on the first afternoon.

Are ski lessons included in the tour?

No, ski and snowboard lessons are extra. If you wish, you can take lessons on the second day. If you would like lessons planned for your group, we work this out together at the quote stage.

Do you definitely stop at Gölcük on the way back?

The stop at Gölcük Nature Park is made if weather and road conditions allow. If winter conditions do not permit, the coach returns to Istanbul without stopping.