Multi-day journey
Eastern Turkey Ski Tour in 7 Days: Palandöken, Kars and Sarıkamış
A private 7-day ski tour of eastern Turkey: Palandöken above Erzurum, the Eastern Express if seats allow, Kars and Ani, and the pine forests of Sarıkamış.
Photo: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Length
- 7 days
- Route
- Erzurum → Palandöken → Kars → Ani → Sarıkamış → Kars
- Style
- Private, guided
- Best time
- The Palandöken season usually runs from December into April. Send us your dates, and we check the runs, the lifts and the train for them.
Best for Returning visitors
Tour code TR-J07D
Overview
From the upper runs of Palandöken, you look down on Erzurum spread across a white plain. A few days later, you ski among Scots pines at Sarıkamış, and between the two lie the empty walls of Ani. Our eastern Turkey ski tour joins this far corner of the country in one private week.
Palandöken, Above Erzurum
Palandöken stands about ten minutes from the center of Erzurum, with 44 runs over 51 km. In 2025, Erzurum was the European Capital of Winter Sport. Its season usually runs from December into April, and it also has night skiing. We arrange your rental, your passes and any lessons, so your two days go to the snow.
East by Train, if Seats Allow
In winter, the Touristic Eastern Express stops in Erzurum on its way to Kars. Seats are limited, so we book early but cannot guarantee tickets. If there are none for your date, your driver takes you by road. For the story of the line, read about the Eastern Express.
Kars and Ani on the Eastern Turkey Ski Tour
Your guide then shows you Kars and the ruins of Ani, on a day off the skis. Our Kars and Ani tour follows the same ground.
Sarıkamış, Last Stop of the Eastern Turkey Ski Tour
About 55 km from Kars, the ski area of Sarıkamış lies between 2,100 and 2,634 meters on Çamurlu Dağı, in forests of Scots pine. Runs come down from Bayraktepe, and snow and lifts change with the winter, so we check them for your dates.
Which mountain do you want more of, and do you want the train? Tell us, with your dates, and we set the week around your answers.
Route
- Erzurum
- Palandöken
- Kars
- Ani
- Sarıkamış
- Kars
Day by day
-
Day 1 · Erzurum
Arrival in Erzurum
Meeting at the airport and the drive to your hotel.
- Stay: Erzurum
-
Day 2 · Erzurum
Palandöken
About ten minutes from the center, your rental and your first runs.
- Places: Palandöken
- Stay: Erzurum
-
Day 3 · Erzurum
Palandöken by day and night
A second day on the runs, and night skiing in season if you wish.
- Places: Palandöken
- Stay: Erzurum
-
Day 4 · Kars
East to Kars
By the Eastern Express if we can book seats for your date, otherwise by road.
- Stay: Kars
-
Day 5 · Kars
Kars and Ani
The castle of Kars and the ruins of Ani with your guide.
- Places: Ani
- Stay: Kars
-
Day 6 · Sarıkamış
Sarıkamış
About 55 km to the runs among the pines.
- Stay: Kars
-
Day 7 · Kars
Home
A last morning, then Kars Airport for your flight.
What’s included
Included
- Private licensed guides on every touring day, in the language you ask for
- A private vehicle and driver for the whole journey
- Airport meetings and transfers
- Booking your hotels, ski rental, passes and lessons
- A 10 GB eSIM for one traveler in your group, our gift, valid for 30 days (data only)
Not included
- Flights, unless agreed in your program
- Train tickets, unless agreed in your program
- Hotels, unless agreed in your program
- Ski passes, rental and lessons, unless agreed in your program
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
“We had great conversations, learned so much and laughed a lot along the way.”
Practical
- Best time to go
- The Palandöken season usually runs from December into April. Send us your dates, and we check the runs, the lifts and the train for them.
- Fitness level
- Moderate: high altitude and cold air. On the snow, as easy or hard as your runs.
- Accessibility
- Tell us your needs, and we plan every day around them.
Gallery
Photo: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Frequently asked questions
Is the train part of the eastern Turkey ski tour for certain?
Train seats are limited, so we book early but cannot guarantee tickets. If there are none for your date, your driver takes you to Kars by road.
How high are the slopes?
The ski area of Sarıkamış lies between 2,100 and 2,634 meters. It is high ground, so tell us about any health concern when you book.
Is it good for beginners?
Tell us your level, and we arrange lessons for you at Palandöken.
Can we start in Istanbul?
Yes. We add Istanbul days at the start and the flight to Erzurum.
Who chooses the hotels?
We choose them with you and book them. Hotels are not included unless agreed in your program.
Who books the flights to Erzurum and home?
We do. Flights are not included unless agreed in your program, but we book them for you, and your driver meets you at Erzurum airport.
Can children come?
Yes. Tell us their ages, and we arrange their lessons and child seats in the car.
Which language does the guide speak?
The language you ask for, on every touring day.
