Skiing at Erciyes: Slopes on a Volcano and a Practical Guide

Erciyes is a ski resort set on the wide, treeless slopes of an extinct volcano rising just south of Kayseri. Its open, wide slopes, long runs and the mountain's striking silhouette make it appealing to experienced skiers and beginners alike. Because it is exposed to the wind, being prepared for changes in the weather is the first rule of a good Erciyes holiday.

Getting to know Mount Erciyes

Erciyes is the highest mountain in Central Anatolia and an extinct volcano. The tuff layers that form Cappadocia's famous fairy chimneys were created from the ash and lava erupted millions of years ago by Erciyes and the surrounding volcanoes. So when you ski at Erciyes, you are on the mountain that created the Cappadocian landscape.

The mountain's development as a ski resort has picked up pace in recent years; its proximity to Kayseri city centre makes it popular both with day visitors from the city and with those who want to stay and ski.

The character of the slopes

Wide, open slopes

Erciyes's slopes run largely above the tree line on wide, open hillsides. This gives skiers spacious slopes suited to wide turns. For beginners, too, the wide space reduces the worry of bumping into each other.

Wind and visibility

Treeless slopes come at a price: wind and fog. On windy days some lifts may stop temporarily; in fog the horizon disappears and it becomes harder to read the terrain. On days like this:

• Use goggles or glasses with yellow or orange lenses suited to low light.
• Move to slopes you know that are easy.
• If you are skiing as a group, keep each other in sight; agree on a meeting point.

Snow

The continental climate of Central Anatolia means the snow is usually dry and light. However, snowfall and the opening and closing dates of the slopes vary each year with the weather. Check the current situation before you go.

Suggestions for your level

First-time skiers: The resort has slopes suitable for beginners and ski schools. Spending the first day on basic techniques with an instructor makes the following days far more enjoyable. Lesson fees are generally not included in the tour. We recommend reading our guide for first-time skiers before you start.

Intermediate: The wide slopes are ideal for improving your technique and consolidating speed control. Focus on finding your rhythm on the long runs.

Advanced: Long, uninterrupted runs, free lines on open slopes and mornings after fresh snowfall are what Erciyes offers experienced skiers. If you are thinking of going off-piste, be sure to follow the resort's current warnings on avalanche risk and the rules.

Erciyes in the tour programme

The Kayseri Erciyes Ski and Cappadocia Tour is a 3 nights, 4 days programme with hotel accommodation. You fly to Kayseri and stay at a hotel on Erciyes:

1. Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, meet and transfer to the hotel on Erciyes. Check-in, equipment hire and free time.
2. Day 2: After breakfast, a full day of free skiing; ski school for those who wish (extra).
3. Day 3: Free skiing or an optional Cappadocia day trip (Göreme, Uçhisar and the fairy chimney area).
4. Day 4: Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kayseri Airport, return to Istanbul.

Having the hotel on the mountain means you don't have to travel from the city to reach the slopes in the morning. Ski passes, equipment hire and lessons are generally purchased separately; we finalise these together at the quote stage.

Erciyes for non-skiers

Don't worry if there are non-skiers in your group. There is plenty of space on the mountain for walks in the snow, sledging and scenic photos. The optional Cappadocia trip on day three may well be one of the highlights of the holiday for non-skiers. We describe how you can make the most of this day in our Erciyes and Cappadocia winter programme article.

A taste of the Kayseri table

Kayseri is a food city known for its mantı and pastırma. Kayseri mantı, famous for its tiny dumplings, and pastırma with its spicy çemen coating are the first gifts to go in your suitcase on the way home. After skiing, a hot plate of mantı is a lovely end to a cold day.

For details on transport and how many days to stay, see our how to get to Erciyes article. Other winter options are on our ski holidays page.

A day at Erciyes

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, getting to the slopes takes just a few minutes; having the hotel on the mountain is a big convenience here. In the early morning the snow is smooth and firm, so it makes sense to save the long runs and the slopes that challenge your technique for before noon. Take a short lunch break around midday, and in the afternoon, when the wind picks up, move to more sheltered and easier slopes. At the end of the day, don't forget to dry your equipment in the hotel's ski room; starting the next day with wet gloves and boots spoils the fun.

Frequently asked questions

Is Erciyes suitable for beginners?

Yes. Thanks to its wide, open slopes, beginner-friendly runs and ski schools, Erciyes is also suitable for first-time skiers. We recommend taking a lesson on the first day.

Is wind a problem at Erciyes?

Because of the treeless, open slopes, there can be windy days; sometimes some lifts may stop temporarily. It is important to be prepared for changes in the weather and to follow current announcements.

Where do you stay at Erciyes?

On our tour you stay at a hotel on Erciyes. Hotel information is shared at the quote stage, depending on the date and group size.

Does the Erciyes tour go to Cappadocia?

On day three there is an optional Cappadocia day trip for those who wish: Göreme, Uçhisar and the fairy chimney area. Those who prefer can ski that day too.