Erciyes Ski and Snowboard Tour

Getting on skis or a snowboard in Turkey might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Cappadocia, but the Erciyes Ski and Snowboard Tour offers an unexpectedly exciting way to diversify your adventure. This full-day excursion takes you from the surreal landscape of Cappadocia to the snowy slopes of Mount Erciyes, Turkey’s premier winter sports destination. With guide-led instruction, full equipment, and lunch included for just $100 per person, it’s a surprisingly good deal for a day packed with fun, scenery, and new skills.

One thing we genuinely love is how smoothly the entire experience runs — from the pickup right at your hotel or airport to the attention of the guides. Plus, the mountain itself is stunning, with excellent snow quality, despite Erciyes being a dormant volcano last active around 2,000 years ago. That said, a potential consideration is that cable car access isn’t included**, which might be worth noting if you’re looking to reach higher slopes quickly. This tour is perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a day of snowy escapism in a less crowded setting.

Key Points

• Convenient Pickup & Transport: Door-to-door AC transportation from Cappadocia makes logistics easy.
• All-Inclusive Equipment & Instruction: Full gear, ski instruction, and lunch are included, offering great value.
• Stunning Snow & Scenery: The quality snow and views of the dormant volcano create a memorable backdrop.
• Flexible for Beginners & Families: Guides are attentive, and the experience suits first-timers.
• Limited but Notable Exclusions: Cable car access is not included, which could affect elevation ambitions.
• Authentic Experience: You’ll see how the Silk Road has evolved, passing through small villages and observing local life.

The Whole Experience: From Pickup to Snowy Fun

Starting with pickup from your hotel or airport, the ride to Mount Erciyes is comfortable and scenic. As you travel, you’ll pass through the changing landscape of Cappadocia, witnessing how the once vital Silk Road has transformed over the centuries — replaced now by busy highways filled with trucks and travelers instead of camels and caravans. This journey alone offers a taste of Turkey’s deep history and its modern vitality.

Once you arrive at the mountain, the real fun begins. The tour includes renting full skiing or snowboarding equipment, with guides on hand to help you get set up. A standout feature is the half-hour instruction session, perfect for newcomers or those needing a quick refresher. As one reviewer shared, “Huseyin was very approachable and knowledgeable,” and many praised the guides’ ability to make beginners feel confident on the snow.

After your lesson, you’re free to enjoy around three hours of skiing, with opportunities to explore different slopes and try various activities. The mountain’s snow quality is consistently praised, making the experience both enjoyable and safe, especially for those new to winter sports.

The Guide and Instruction: More Than Just Support

One of the most highly praised aspects of this tour is the guides’ friendliness and expertise. Multiple reviews mention guides like Huseyin, who is described as approachable, knowledgeable, and even bilingual (speaking Japanese). These guides are committed to making sure everyone gets the basics of skiing, which is particularly appreciated by first-timers.

For example, a reviewer remarked, “Huseyin was great and the driver too. 100% happy with this trip, if I ever come back I’ll do it again.” The guides’ ability to tailor their support to each participant’s comfort level helps ensure that even complete beginners can enjoy the mountain without feeling overwhelmed.

The Mountain & Scenery: More Than Just Snow

While the main draw is the skiing, the mountain scenery itself is a highlight. Mount Erciyes, being the highest volcano in Turkey, offers a unique backdrop — a dormant giant with a crown of snow. Reviewers often mention the “fabulous mountain views” and the “amazing snow quality”. The experience provides a mix of adrenaline and awe, especially for those who have only seen snow in colder climates.

The tour’s flexible schedule allows you to spend your time exploring the slopes, taking photos, or simply relaxing in the mountain air. Although the cable car is not included in the package, some may find it worth the extra cost if they want to access higher elevations. Still, for many, the included ski time and instruction are plenty for a full day of mountain fun.

Food and Equipment: Good Quality, Great Value

The lunch included is typically straightforward but satisfying — a nice break to rest and refuel. Many reviewers appreciated the well-organized rental process, where all gear, including jackets and pants, was included, removing the need to pack or rent separately.

The full equipment package ensures you won’t need to worry about bringing or buying gear on your trip, which is especially convenient for travelers unfamiliar with winter sports. The rental staff is generally helpful, and reviews mention how well the equipment was maintained.

Pricing and Value: Looks Good, Feels Better

At $100 per person, this tour offers solid value for money, considering the full gear, instruction, transportation, and lunch. When compared to similar experiences elsewhere, the affordable price point stands out. Reviewers have noted that the ski rental, gear, and lunch make this far more economical than comparable options in other countries, especially in the U.S.

A common sentiment is that they felt they received more than they paid for, given the convenience and quality of the experience. Some even mention how the entire process is well-organized, from pickup to return, with guides making everyone feel comfortable regardless of skiing ability.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is an excellent choice for beginners, families, or anyone curious about snow sports without the hassle of planning logistics. If you’re traveling with kids or first-timers, you’ll appreciate the patient guidance and structured learning. It’s also great for those who want to combine a cultural road trip through Cappadocia with some adrenaline on the mountains.

While advanced skiers might find the slopes limited, the scenery and overall experience are still worthwhile. The tour also appeals to travelers looking for authentic, fun, and hassle-free snow sports—and at a price that makes sense.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This?

This Erciyes Ski and Snowboard Tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, scenery, and value. It’s perfect for beginners or families seeking a safe, supportive environment to learn or enjoy snow sports. The guides’ friendliness and expertise help make the experience memorable, even for those with no prior experience.

Travelers who prefer a well-organized, all-inclusive day and want to avoid the complications of renting equipment or figuring out transportation will find this tour a real help. The stunning mountain backdrop combined with the convenience makes it a compelling option for a day of snowy fun close to Cappadocia’s unique landscape.

If you’re looking to add a mountain adventure to your Cappadocia itinerary without breaking the bank, this tour delivers on all fronts—exceptional scenery, professional support, and genuine fun.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for the Erciyes Ski Tour?
Yes, the tour includes AC transportation with pickup from your hotel or airport, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long does the skiing experience last?
You’ll have roughly three hours of skiing time after initial instruction, enough to explore the slopes and have fun in the snow.

What equipment is included?
Full ski or snowboard equipment, including gear and clothing, is included — no need to rent separately unless you want extra or specific gear.

Is instruction provided for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides offer a half-hour beginner lesson, which many reviews say is very helpful, especially with guides like Huseyin who is highly praised.

Can I access the mountain via cable car?
Cable car access is not included in the package, so if you want to reach higher points, you’d need to pay separately.

What’s the quality of the snow?
Reviewers consistently mention the excellent quality of snow, which is a key factor for a smooth and enjoyable ski experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families. Guides are flexible and attentive to individual needs.

What should I wear?
While full gear is provided, dressing warmly in layers, including waterproof clothing, is advisable for comfort and safety on the mountain.

In essence, this tour offers straightforward, enjoyable skiing on Turkey’s highest dormant volcano, with guides who care and scenery that will leave you remembering your snowy day in Cappadocia. It’s a great, budget-friendly way to add some mountain magic to your trip.