Palandöken Ski Guide: Slopes, Snow and Who It Suits

Palandöken is a high-altitude ski resort very close to Erzurum city centre, known for its dry, light snow. Its long, steep runs draw experienced skiers, while its easy slopes and ski schools also make room for first-timers. On a programme with a flight and three nights' accommodation, two full days are spent on the slopes, and one day can be set aside for Erzurum's historic centre if you wish.

What makes Palandöken different?

While most ski resorts in Türkiye are set on wooded, relatively low mountains, Palandöken sits on the high, cold plateau of Eastern Anatolia. What this means for skiers can be summed up under a few headings:

• Dry, light snow: The cold, dry air keeps the snow powdery for a long time. Mornings after fresh snowfall can be unforgettable, especially for experienced skiers.
• A long season: The high altitude and cold climate generally help the snow last longer than at resorts in the west. Even so, the amount of snow varies each year with the weather.
• Close to the city: Palandöken is a short distance from Erzurum city centre and the airport. This means short transfers and an easy combination with the city beyond skiing.
• International background: Erzurum hosted the 2011 Winter Universiade, which raised the city's profile in winter sports.

Who is it for?

Experienced skiers

With its long, steep runs, Palandöken is one of the resorts in Türkiye most often chosen by advanced skiers. The dry snow is ideal for fast, enjoyable descents. On windy days, however, conditions on the upper sections can get tough; checking the piste conditions and which lifts are open in the morning is a good habit.

First-time skiers

The resort has slopes suitable for beginners and ski schools. If it is your first time, a sensible plan is to spend the first day on lessons and the second consolidating what you have learned on easy slopes. At a resort known for its challenging runs, it is important not to move too early onto slopes above your level. Our guide for first-time skiers may help with the basics.

Families and groups

The programme can be planned for families, groups of friends, companies, young people and school groups. The optional city tour for those who don't want to ski lets everyone in the family spend the day at their own pace.

The Palandöken tour day by day

The Erzurum Palandöken Ski Tour is a 3 nights, 4 days programme with hotel accommodation:

1. Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Erzurum, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check in, get ready at the equipment rental point and enjoy some free time.
2. Day 2: After breakfast, free skiing on the Palandöken slopes. If you wish, you can take lessons at the ski school (extra).
3. Day 3: A full day of free skiing or an optional Erzurum city tour: the Çifte Minareli Madrasa, Yakutiye and the historic bazaar area.
4. Day 4: Breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport according to your flight time, then return to Istanbul.

Lessons, equipment rental and ski passes are usually not included in the tour price and are purchased separately. We work out together with you at the quotation stage which items to plan for your group and how.

Tips for a productive day on the slopes

• Start early. In the morning the slopes have just been groomed and the snow is at its best.
• Layer up for the cold. Mornings in Palandöken can be very cold. A thermal base layer, a fleece and a waterproof outer layer, plus a neck warmer and a mask to protect your face, make things much easier. For details, have a look at our ski clothing list.
• Watch out for the sun. At high altitude the sunlight is strong; sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses or goggles are a must.
• Don't skip breaks. Cold and altitude increase fatigue. A hot drink and short breaks help you stay fresh until the end of the day.
• Be ready for changes in the weather. Wind and fog can reduce visibility quickly. At such times, switch to easy slopes you know.

Erzurum after skiing

One of Palandöken's biggest advantages is how easy it is to head down into the city in the evening or on a day off. Seljuk and Ottoman buildings, bazaars selling Oltu stone and local specialities such as cağ kebab add a cultural dimension to a ski holiday. We describe what you can see in the city in our Erzurum winter trip article. To choose your season, see our article When to go to Palandöken.

If you would like to compare it with other winter routes, our ski holidays page shows all the options together.

A short checklist for first-timers in Palandöken

• Put some of your ski clothing in your hand luggage before the flight; if your luggage is delayed, you won't be unprepared on the first day.
• Sort out equipment rental on arrival day so you can make the most of the next morning on the slopes.
• If you plan to take lessons, schedule them for the first full day and choose the early morning hours.
• Check the wind and fog forecasts; in bad weather, head for sheltered, easy slopes rather than the upper sections.
• Decide at the outset whether you want to set a day aside for something other than skiing; this makes it easier to plan the city tour around it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Palandöken suitable for beginners?

Yes. The resort has beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools. However, Palandöken is also known for its challenging runs; first-time skiers are advised to take lessons and stay on the easy slopes.

How do you get to Palandöken?

On our tour you fly from Istanbul to Erzurum, are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. As the ski resort is close to the city centre and the airport, the transfer is short.

What does a non-skier do on the Palandöken tour?

Those who don't want to ski can go for walks in the snow or join the optional Erzurum city tour on the third day. The city tour visits the Çifte Minareli Madrasa, Yakutiye and the historic bazaar area.

Is the ski pass included in the tour?

Ski passes, equipment and ski lessons are usually not included in the tour price and are purchased separately. We plan this together with you for your group at the quotation stage.