Ski Touring in Turkey

An 8-day adventure exploring the Aladağlar Mountains

Turkey

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Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Period

March 13–20, 2027

Registration deadline

February 2027

DESCRIPTION

When people think of Turkey, skiing is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. And perhaps that is exactly what makes this destination so special.

The first time I skied in the Aladağlar National Park, I felt something unexpected: I felt at home, just as I do in my beloved Dolomites.

Nestled in the heart of the Taurus Mountains in Anatolia, these peaks offer extraordinary landscapes and a wild atmosphere that captivates from the very first glance. Their name, Aladağlar, means “Crimson Mountains,” a reference to the incredible colors that light up the rock faces at sunset, recalling the famous Enrosadira of the Dolomites. It is a spectacle that never fails to make people stop, watch, and marvel.

Here, ski touring reveals one of its most authentic expressions. Wide valleys, couloirs, panoramic ridges, and endless skiing possibilities unfold in a remote mountain environment that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. During our days on skis, it is not uncommon to spot groups of Anatolian ibex or discover the tracks of wolves crossing the snow.

What makes this journey even more special is the rich Turkish culture, steeped in history and tradition, together with the extraordinary hospitality of the people we will meet along the way. These are the ingredients that transform a simple ski touring week into an experience that stays with you long after the journey is over.

This trip is designed for ski tourers with solid previous experience and a good level of fitness, as the itineraries involve significant elevation gain and demanding days in the mountains. The effort, however, is more than rewarded by breathtaking scenery and truly memorable descents.

In short, this is a week of skiing, adventure, nature, and discovery in a corner of Turkey that surprises and captivates far more than most people imagine. One of those destinations that, once experienced, leaves you wanting to return.

THE PROGRAM

Day 1 – Kayseri and Aladağlar National Park

Meeting at Venice Marco Polo Airport in the late morning and departure for Kayseri, with a connection in Istanbul. Arrival is scheduled for the evening, around 9:00 PM (GMT+3).
Upon arrival, private transfer to the heart of Aladağlar National Park (145 km, approximately 2–3 hours), one of Turkey’s most spectacular regions for ski touring and mountaineering.
We will spend the next five nights in a local guesthouse or mountain lodge, staying in private en-suite rooms with Wi-Fi and half-board accommodation.

Day 2 – Avcı Veli Pass (3,400 m)

Transfer by 4×4 Jeep to the Aksampinari Valley.
Our ski tour begins with a gentle ascent through the Siyirmali Valley. A beautiful pine forest soon gives way to breathtaking views of Parma Kaya (Finger Rock). From here, we continue towards Avci Veli Pass at 3,400 m.
The descent follows the ascent route, although depending on snow and weather conditions, a loop itinerary may also be considered.

Elevation gain: +1,300 m | Descent: -1,650 m
(Subject to road conditions and the chosen starting point.)

Day 3 – Mount Emler (3,723 m)

Transfer by 4×4 Jeep to the Sokullupinar Plateau at approximately 2,000 m (depending on road conditions).
After around four hours of ascent, we reach Çelikbuyduran Pass (3,450 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the entire journey. The route offers magnificent alpine scenery and includes an exciting key section that makes the climb even more rewarding. From the pass, our objective finally comes into view: Mount Emler. With the final 300 meters of ascent, we reach its broad and panoramic summit, where stunning views open across the wild Aladağlar Mountains.
From the summit, it is possible to see Mount Erciyes (3,917 m) to the north, Mount Hasan (3,268 m) to the west, the Bolkar Range to the south, and many of the most prominent peaks of the Aladağlar range.
Descent follows the same route back.

Elevation gain: +1,920 m | Descent: -1,720 m
(Subject to road conditions and the chosen starting point.)

Day 4 – Sulucuova and the Tekneli Mountains

A recovery ski tour on the northern side of the range, starting from the village of Sulucuova and ascending one of the peaks in the Sulucuova–Tekneli area (3,200 m).
Descent back to the village and return to Çukurbağ.

Elevation gain and descent: +1,400 m / -1,400 m

Day 5 – Demirkazık Pass (3,440 m)

A magnificent loop tour starting from the Sokullupınar Plateau.
After a narrow and scenic couloir at the beginning of the route, we cross the Narpuz Valley, passing through impressive canyon sections. Once crampons are on, we continue our ascent to Demirkazık Pass.
The descent follows the opposite side of the pass, passing through Teke Pınarı. If snow conditions allow, there may be an opportunity to descend through the spectacular Pınarbaşı Canyon, or alternatively via the easier Cimbar Valley.

Elevation gain and descent: +1,440 m / -1,440 m

Day 6 – Mount Ispir Tepe and Kayseri

Transfer to the Maden Gorge area.
Ascent of Mount Ispir Tepe (approximately 3,100–3,150 m) followed by a ski descent.
After the tour, we collect our luggage and transfer to Kayseri (140 km, approximately 2 hours).

Elevation gain and descent: +1,150 m / -1,150 m

Day 7 – Mount Erciyes (3,916 m)

Private minibus transfer to the ski resort located on the slopes of Mount Erciyes. Known to the ancient Romans as Argaeus, this impressive stratovolcano rises about 25 km south of Kayseri and is the highest mountain in Central Anatolia, reaching an elevation of 3,916 m.
After gaining some elevation with the help of the modern lift system, we begin our ski touring ascent from approximately 2,100 m. The route leads us all the way to the summit of Mount Erciyes, where magnificent views stretch across the vast Anatolian landscape.
From the summit, a long and spectacular descent takes us back to our starting point. At the end of the tour, we will enjoy a well-deserved break with a traditional Turkish tea, the famous çay, before returning to our hotel in the center of Kayseri.

Note: A helmet is required to use the Erciyes chairlift.

Elevation gain and descent: +1,800 m / -1,800 m

Day 8 – Departure

Short transfer to Kayseri Airport and flight back to Italy.

Notes

The itinerary is intended as a guideline only and may be modified according to weather, snow, and mountain conditions.
We have deliberately chosen not to include a visit to nearby Cappadocia in the program, leaving the option of organizing a day trip during the journey, for example in the event of poor weather or as a rest day. This approach allows us to maintain maximum flexibility and adapt the itinerary to both conditions and the needs of the group.

Book your private Guide

Rely on our Mountain Guide for a fun hike in safety.

Included in the Price:
– IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide
– All local transfers
– 4×4 Jeep transportation within Aladağlar National Park
– Travel agency support
– Accommodation in hotels, local guesthouses, or mountain lodges in double/twin rooms
– Half-board accommodation
– 6 lunches
– Government permit for the ascent of Mount Erciyes
– Entrance fees to Aladağlar National Park

Not Included:
– Round-trip flights from Milan to Kayseri (to be booked independently or through our travel agency upon request)
– Personal and travel insurance
– Any transfers not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
– Beverages
– Tips
– Personal expenses and anything not listed under “Included in the Price”

Price:
– €2,700 per person
– Minimum 5, maximum 6 participants per guide
– Single room supplement: €420
– Optional Cappadocia excursion: €250 total, to be shared among participants

In Collaboration With:

Enrosadira