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Discover School Skiing in Erciyes, Turkey

09/06/2025

Travel Inspiration

Think Turkey’s just for sunshine? Think again.

When you think of Turkey, what springs to mind? Sun-soaked beaches, historic cities, vibrant bazaars? For many UK schools, it’s a destination associated with warmth and culture – not snow and ski lifts. But tucked away in central Turkey, high on the dramatic slopes of Mount Erciyes, is a ski resort that flips that assumption on its head…

Welcome to Erciyes, a snow sure secret in Central Turkey.

Set on a dormant volcano and stretching up to a dizzying 3,400 metres, Erciyes is Turkey’s leading ski resort and a fast-rising favourite among local – and international – skiers. For school groups looking for something new, it’s official: your search ends here.

Erciyes is purpose-built for skiing, featuring over 120km of runs, modern facilities, uncrowded slopes, and a season that sees consistent snow from December to April. This means students of all abilities get maximum time on the slopes, allowing them ample time to learn and progress with confidence.

Perfect for first-timers and fast learners

From its broad nursery areas to its intermediate-friendly blues and reds, Erciyes is built to support young skiers. Quiet beginner zones offer a safe, spacious place to learn the basics, while more experienced students can push themselves further up the mountain – with wide pistes and epic views the whole way down.

The resort features 19 lifts in total, including two magic carpets and 12 high-speed chairs. That’s more skiing, less queuing – and a much smoother experience for both students and staff.

Why Erciyes works for school ski groups

Reliable snow: Slopes from 2,100m to 3,400m guarantee a snow-sure season.
Top infrastructure: Easy navigation, efficient lifts, and clearly marked pistes.
Safe and quiet: Low crowd levels mean more space, more focus, and a more enjoyable learning experience.
Great value: Often more affordable than the Alps, without compromising on quality.

Amazing après-ski beyond the slopes

While skiing is the highlight, this unique location opens up even more possibilities. Erciyes sits just 45 minutes from Kayseri – a fascinating, historic city known for its Seljuk architecture and bustling local life. Many school groups add on a visit here to explore Turkish culture beyond the mountains.

Even more unforgettable is a trip to Cappadocia. Famous for its otherworldly rock formations, underground cities, and cave dwellings, this region offers students a once-in-a-lifetime experience – hot air balloon ride optional, but highly recommended.

Book your school ski trip to Turkey

Choosing Turkey for a school ski trip might not be the obvious route – but it’s one your students will never forget. With outstanding facilities, incredible value, and a cultural experience that extends far beyond the pistes, skiing in Erciyes is proof that Turkey isn’t just for summer. It’s time to rethink the map. Your next winter adventure might just be on a volcano.