Erciyes and Cappadocia Together: Skiing and Snowy Fairy Chimneys

If you are on a ski holiday at Erciyes, you can also see snow-covered Cappadocia on the same trip: coming down from the mountain for a day to explore Göreme, Uçhisar and the fairy chimney area adds one of Türkiye's best-known landscapes to your ski holiday. On a four-day programme, setting aside two days for the slopes and one for Cappadocia makes a balanced plan for skiers and non-skiers alike.

Why skiing and Cappadocia in the same holiday?

The link between Erciyes and Cappadocia is geographical: Cappadocia's soft tuff rock formed from the ash erupted in the past by Erciyes and the surrounding volcanoes. Over time, wind, rain and snow wore away this soft rock and shaped the fairy chimneys and valleys. So when you ski on the summit of Erciyes, you are standing at the “source” of the Cappadocian landscape you see.

In practical terms, the combination makes sense too. Cappadocia is within driving distance of Erciyes, and you can see the main sights in a day.

What's different about Cappadocia in winter

Cappadocia is usually known from summer and spring photos, but winter gives the region a completely different character:

• Snow cover: When the tops of the fairy chimneys and the valley slopes are covered in snow, the earth-coloured rocks create a sharp contrast with the white.
• A calmer atmosphere: Winter is quieter than the region's busy summer season; you can spend time at viewpoints more comfortably.
• Cold but bright days: Central Anatolian winters are cold, but on clear days the sky is a deep blue.

Snow is not the same every year or every day: on some winter days Cappadocia's valleys may be pure white, and on others there may be no snow at all.

The Cappadocia day in the tour programme

The Kayseri Erciyes Ski and Cappadocia Tour is 3 nights, 4 days and is balanced like this:

1. Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, transfer to the hotel on Erciyes, check-in and equipment hire.
2. Day 2: A full day of free skiing on the Erciyes slopes.
3. Day 3: Free skiing or an optional Cappadocia day trip: Göreme, Uçhisar and the fairy chimney area.
4. Day 4: Breakfast and transfer to Kayseri Airport, return to Istanbul.

The Cappadocia trip is optional. While part of the group goes to Cappadocia, the others can carry on skiing at Erciyes.

The trip's stops

Göreme

Considered the heart of Cappadocia, Göreme is a town surrounded by rock-cut structures and fairy chimneys. The area is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia”. On a morning after snowfall, the valleys around Göreme are among the most photographed sights in the region.

Uçhisar

Rising at one of the highest points in the region, Uçhisar is known for its huge hollowed-out rock mass and the village around it. Looking out from around Uçhisar on a clear day, you can fit Pigeon Valley and, in the distance, the snowy silhouette of Erciyes into the same shot.

The fairy chimney area

Capped fairy chimneys are the symbol of Cappadocia. In winter, when the “caps” on top of these rock formations are covered in snow, each one looks as if it is wearing a white woolly hat.

Tips for winter photography

• First light: In a snowy landscape, morning light brings out the colour and texture of the rocks.
• Increase the exposure: Phones and cameras can make snow look grey; increase the exposure slightly to keep the white.
• Keep batteries warm: Cold quickly shortens battery life; use a spare battery and an inside pocket.
• Dress in layers: You stand still during photo stops; your ski jacket will be useful on the Cappadocia trip too.

About balloon flights

The hot-air balloons that Cappadocia is famous for can also fly in winter; however, flights depend entirely on the weather, especially the wind, and cancellations can be frequent in the winter months. A balloon flight is not part of this tour's programme. If you are interested, we can discuss it at the quote stage, but we advise you not to build your plans around it.

If you want to see more of Cappadocia

One day is enough to see Cappadocia's main sights; but if you want a more extensive trip taking in the region's underground cities, valleys and rock-cut churches, we also have a separate Cappadocia Tour programme. For the character of the slopes at Erciyes, see our Erciyes ski guide, and for transport and duration, our how to get to Erciyes article. For all winter routes, visit our ski holidays page.

Preparing for the Cappadocia day

On the Cappadocia trip you spend the whole day outdoors, walking on snowy and, in places, slippery ground. Leave your ski boots at the hotel and wear waterproof winter boots with non-slip soles instead. Your ski jacket and gloves will come in handy on this day too; at the windy spots in the valleys you will also need a hat and neck warmer. Carry water, snacks and a spare battery in a small backpack. As you may get back from the trip later in the day, planning the next day at a gentle pace also helps you rest before your return day.

For families

For children, the Cappadocia day is a great chance to explain how fairy chimneys form: seeing on the spot how volcanic ash, wind and water shaped the rocks is far more memorable for them than a textbook.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do a day trip from Erciyes to Cappadocia?

Yes. On day three of our tour there is an optional Cappadocia day trip, visiting Göreme, Uçhisar and the fairy chimney area.

Can you visit Cappadocia in winter?

Yes, winter is a quiet and photogenic time in Cappadocia. On snowy days the fairy chimneys and valleys look very impressive. You need to dress well against the cold.

Are there balloon flights in Cappadocia in winter?

Balloon flights can also take place in winter, but they depend entirely on the weather and cancellations can be frequent. A balloon flight is not part of this tour's programme.

What do I do if I don't join the Cappadocia trip?

The Cappadocia trip is optional. Those who don't join can spend day three free skiing on the Erciyes slopes.