Skiing in Sarıkamış: A Guide to Crystal Snow in the Scots Pine Forest

Sarıkamış, a small district of Kars, is a ski resort known for its Cıbıltepe slopes, which run through Scots pine forests. The light snow known as “crystal snow”, produced by the cold, dry climate, and its calm atmosphere away from the crowds make it one of Türkiye's distinctive ski experiences. On a programme where you fly to Kars and stay in Sarıkamış, skiing can be combined with the region's winter highlights such as Ani and Lake Çıldır.

What makes Sarıkamış different?

Slopes in the forest

At many ski resorts in Türkiye, the slopes run above the tree line on open hillsides. In Sarıkamış, however, the Cıbıltepe slopes pass through Scots pine forests. This has two advantages for skiers: the trees cut the wind to some extent and provide reference points for visibility in misty weather. Gliding among snow-covered pines is also an unforgettable experience in terms of scenery.

Crystal snow

The cold, dry winter of the Kars region keeps the snow dry and light. Because of this, Sarıkamış's snow is known among skiers as “crystal snow”. Mornings after fresh snowfall offer a soft, light surface under your skis.

Snowfall and the opening and closing dates of the slopes vary each year with the weather; check the current situation before you go.

A calm atmosphere

Because it is far from the big cities, Sarıkamış is generally a quieter ski resort than those in the west. For anyone looking for a winter holiday close to nature and away from the crowds, this is a big plus.

Who is it for?

• Experienced skiers: The forest slopes and quality snow offer rhythmic, enjoyable runs.
• Beginners: The resort has slopes suitable for beginners and ski schools. If you are skiing for the first time, our guide for first-time skiers will be useful.
• Nature lovers and families: Snow-covered forests, frozen Lake Çıldır and Ani Archaeological Site give non-skiing family members a full programme too.
• Groups of friends and companies: A calm, compact resort makes it easier for groups to stay together.

Tour programme

The Kars Sarıkamış Ski Tour is a 3 nights, 4 days programme with hotel accommodation:

1. Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Kars, meet and transfer to the hotel in Sarıkamış. Check-in and equipment hire.
2. Day 2: After breakfast, a full day of free skiing on the Cıbıltepe slopes.
3. Day 3: Free skiing, or an optional Kars trip (Ani Archaeological Site, Kars city centre) or, if the weather allows, a horse-drawn sleigh ride on Lake Çıldır.
4. Day 4: Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kars Airport, return to Istanbul.

Lessons, equipment hire and ski passes are generally not included in the tour price and are purchased separately. We finalise the planning for your group together at the quote stage. We describe the day-three options in detail in our Lake Çıldır and Ani winter trip article.

The history of Sarıkamış

In Turkish history, the name Sarıkamış is remembered not only for skiing but also for a harsh winter campaign of the First World War. The Battle of Sarıkamış, fought in the region in the winter of 1914–1915, is etched in memory for the tens of thousands of soldiers who died in the freezing cold. The district has monuments and martyrs' cemeteries commemorating these events, and the memorial marches held every January receive wide public attention. Visiting these monuments during your ski holiday may make you see the region's snowy forests with different eyes.

Some buildings from the Russian period can also be seen in the district; this architectural legacy is more visible in Kars city centre.

Practical tips

• Prepare for the cold. Kars and its surroundings have one of the harshest winters in Türkiye. A thermal base layer, a fleece mid-layer, a waterproof outer layer, thick gloves and a neck warmer to protect your face are essential. There is a detailed list in our ski clothing and equipment guide.
• Sun protection: The snow reflects the sun; don't forget sunscreen and UV-protective glasses.
• Be flexible on flight days. Heavy snow or fog can affect flights; don't make tight plans for your return day.
• For non-skiers: Walks in the snow, photography in the forest and the day-three trip options fill the holiday.

A short note on transport

On our tour you fly to Kars. In winter, Kars has also become popular thanks to the snowy scenery of the journey on the Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi) from Ankara; however, the train journey is not part of this programme. For groups wanting a different transport plan, we can discuss the options at the quote stage.

To compare other winter options, see our ski holidays page.

A ski day in Sarıkamış

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, you head up to the Cıbıltepe slopes. On the slopes running through the forest, the morning light filters through the trees and the snow-covered branches offer a different view on every run. Take a short break around midday to eat and warm up; skiing for a long time in the cold without a break quickly builds up fatigue. In the afternoon, choosing the sections where the sun hits the slopes makes the end of the day more enjoyable. A hot meal and a rest at the hotel in the evening are the easiest way to be ready for the next day.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Sarıkamış ski resort?

Sarıkamış is a district of Kars province. The ski resort is at Cıbıltepe, and its slopes run through Scots pine forests. On our tour there is a transfer from Kars Airport to the hotel in Sarıkamış.

Why is Sarıkamış's snow called “crystal snow”?

Because of the region's cold, dry climate, the snow stays dry and light. This is why Sarıkamış's snow is known among skiers as crystal snow.

Is Sarıkamış suitable for beginners?

Yes. The resort has slopes suitable for beginners and ski schools. Lessons and equipment are generally not included in the tour price.

Does the Sarıkamış tour go to Ani?

On day three there is an optional Kars trip for those who wish, visiting Ani Archaeological Site and Kars city centre. If the weather allows, there is also the option of a horse-drawn sleigh ride on Lake Çıldır.