Kartepe

Overview

Kartepe is a ski center in the forested mountains of Kocaeli province, above Sapanca Lake. The district lies about 110 km (68 miles) east of Istanbul by road, so you can ski here from Istanbul without a flight.

Skiing at Kartepe

Kartepe has 12 runs for amateur and professional skiers, with three chairlifts and one T-bar lift. Its grounds cover about 3.5 million square meters (865 acres), and walkers use them too. The season starts in December and runs to the end of February. Opening dates depend on the snow, so ask us to confirm for your dates.

How to Get to Kartepe

The road climbs from the village of Maşukiye through the forest, 16 km (10 miles) to the ski center.

The Kartepe cable car

Lower down, a cable car rises from Derbent to Kuzuyayla Nature Park, almost 5 km (3 miles) in 14 to 22 minutes. Its glass cabins look out over the forest. From Kuzuyayla, we take you on by car. We check the line for your date.

From Istanbul

We drive you from your hotel and bring you back the same evening. Alternatively, you can stay near the slopes or by the lake. From Izmit, see our transfers and tours from Izmit.

Who Kartepe Suits

We suggest Kartepe for a first day on the snow, for families with a few days in Istanbul, and for anyone who wants to ski without a flight. Experienced skiers looking for a full week will have more runs at Kartalkaya or Mount Erciyes. For a greener day, our Sapanca and Maşukiye day trip pairs the lake with trout by the forest stream.

Ski Kartepe With Us

Send us your date and your level, and we will arrange the drive, passes, equipment and an instructor. See our outdoor adventures and tailor-made trips, or read skiing in Turkey.

Updated: November 6, 2026.