Uludağ with Children: A Winter Day Guide for Families

Uludağ is an easy-to-reach option close to Istanbul for seeing snow and trying skiing with children. The secret for families with young children is to break the day into short activities, take frequent warm breaks and always have spare gloves and socks with you. If you want to reduce travel fatigue, consider the programme with one overnight stay instead of a single day.

What can you do, depending on your child's age?

Preschool age

For children this age, snow is a playground in itself. Building a snowman, short sledge rides, making tracks in the snow and having snowball fights are often the happiest moments of the day. Ski lessons are possible at this age, but they should be kept short and the child shouldn't be pushed if they don't want to. Young children get cold and tired quickly, so it's important to go somewhere warm at short intervals.

Primary school age

This age group is well suited to trying skiing. A few hours with an instructor is enough for children to learn to glide and stop on a gentle slope. Because children try things with less fear than adults, they often progress quickly. A helmet is strongly recommended at this age.

Secondary and high school age

Teenagers are usually bolder and soon want to ski the pistes on their own. Ski or snowboard lessons are productive at this age. Teaching the rules of the slopes from day one is important both for their own safety and for other skiers. You'll find the basics for the first day in our article Skiing on Uludağ for the first time.

Staying warm: parents' biggest worry

A successful snow day with children depends largely on staying warm and dry.

• A one-piece ski suit is ideal for young children; it keeps the snow out.
• Take waterproof gloves and always a spare pair. Once their gloves get wet, children quickly get cold and grumpy.
• A hat and neck warmer protect the head and neck; a thin beanie works well under a helmet.
• Always keep spare socks and base layers with you in a small bag.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses are needed for children too, as snow reflects sunlight.

For a full list, have a look at our article What to wear on Uludağ.

Breaking up the day

Staying in the snow for long stretches without breaks often ends in tears with children. This routine works well:

1. An hour of snow play or skiing
2. A break indoors with a hot drink and a snack
3. Changing wet gloves and socks
4. Another short activity in the snow

Hot chocolate or soup during the break restores children's energy. Don't forget to drink water either: you feel less thirsty in the cold, but the body still loses fluids.

Day trip or overnight stay?

TatiliYakala's Uludağ tour runs in two versions.

On the day trip you set off early in the morning. After a village breakfast spread in Cumalıkızık and a short history tour in Bursa, you head up Uludağ; in the evening you eat iskender kebab in Bursa and return to Istanbul. Children of secondary and high school age usually cope comfortably with this pace.

On the 1-night, 2-day programme you spend longer on Uludağ; dinner and accommodation are at the hotel, with an open buffet breakfast the next morning. This pace is easier for younger children: the travel fatigue is split, and the children go back out into the snow rested on the second day. Details are in our article on the 2-day Uludağ tour.

For the coach journey

The journey from Istanbul to Bursa and from there up the mountain takes a few hours. For children:

• Bring a small game, a book or a colouring book.
• As you set off early in the morning, a small pillow and blanket help children sleep on the coach.
• The mountain road is winding; for children who get travel sick, sitting near the front and having a light breakfast can help.
• Keep water and snacks to hand.

A family break in Bursa

The programme isn't only about snow. The narrow streets and colourful houses of Cumalıkızık appeal to children too. The history tour in Bursa is kept short, and children enjoy looking out over the city from the viewing terrace. At the end of the day, iskender is a dish most children love. More about Cumalıkızık in our Cumalıkızık guide.

Family members who don't ski

Not everyone in the family has to ski. Grandparents, or a parent who isn't interested in skiing, can go for a walk in the snow, take photos or relax somewhere warm. Skiing is not compulsory on the tour; everyone spends their free time at their own pace.

Safety notes

• Set a meeting point for your children in crowded areas.
• Put a piece of paper with your phone number in your child's pocket.
• When sledging, choose areas suitable for sledges, away from the pistes.
• Don't push children when they're tired; injuries mostly come with fatigue.

For winter holiday options see our ski holidays page, and for plans over New Year our New Year holidays page.

Frequently asked questions

Is Uludağ suitable for young children?

Yes, snow play and sledging are fun for young children. With frequent breaks, spare gloves and short activities, the day goes much more smoothly.

At what age can children learn to ski?

Children can be introduced to skiing at preschool age, but primary school age is a more productive start. Instructor support can be planned at the quote stage.

With children, should we go for a day trip or 2 days?

For younger children the 1-night, 2-day programme is more comfortable; travel fatigue is split and there's more time in the snow.

Can ski clothing be hired for children?

Jackets, trousers, boots and helmets can be hired at ski rental shops. You need to bring your own gloves, hat and socks.