Turkey Ski Touring

Ski the sleeping giants of Eastern Anatolia.

Far from the crowded resorts of Europe lies a ski touring paradise hidden in Eastern Turkey. Our Ski Touring Turkey program explores the majestic mountains surrounding Lake Van, the largest soda lake in the world. We target a series of dormant volcanoes and high peaks—Mount Artos, Mount Mevzi, and the towering Mount Baset (3,780m)—offering massive vertical descents on wide, open slopes.

This Land Only adventure combines adrenaline with deep culture. We base ourselves in the city of Van, enjoying the comforts of a hotel and delicious Turkish cuisine after long days on the mountain. We also take time to visit the iconic Akdamar Island with its ancient Armenian church. If you are looking for exotic ski mountaineering with reliable snow and a sense of exploration, this is the trip for you.

Tour Type: Ski Touring / Ski Mountaineering
Difficulty: Demanding (Daily ascents of 1000m+, solid off-piste technique required)
Group Size: Small group experience

Ski touring in Eastern Turkey is a unique blend of sport and culture.

• The Terrain: We ski on extinct volcanoes. The terrain is generally open, non-glaciated, and moderately steep (25-35 degrees). It is perfect for long, flowing turns.
• Altitude: We ski between 1,700m and 3,800m. The air is thinner, so good fitness is required.
• Snow Conditions: February offers cold, dry continental snow. Expect anything from powder to wind-packed slab.
• Accommodation: Unlike hut-to-hut tours, we stay in a comfortable hotel in Van. This means hot showers, Wi-Fi, and massive Turkish buffet breakfasts every day.
• Culture: We are in Kurdistan/Eastern Turkey. The hospitality is legendary, the tea is endless, and the history dates back to the Urartu kingdom.

• Mount Artos (3,537m): A spectacular peak rising directly from the shores of Lake Van, offering one of the best ski views in the world.
• Mount Baset (3,684m): The highest objective of the week, offering a massive vertical drop and a true mountaineering feel.
• Lake Van: Skiing above the deep blue waters of the world’s largest soda lake.
• Akdamar Island: Visiting the 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture.
• Turkish Cuisine: Recovering from the climbs with Kebab, Meze, and Baklava.
• Mount Mevzi & Kartaltepe: Exploring less-visited peaks that offer solitude and pristine snow.

Ski Touring Turkey: The Hidden Gem of the East

When skiers think of Turkey, they often think of warm beaches or the bustling streets of Istanbul. But Eastern Turkey is a high-altitude playground that rivals the Alps or the Rockies. Dominated by the Armenian Highland, this region is home to massive volcanoes that catch the moisture from Lake Van, creating a unique microclimate perfect for ski touring. Our Ski Touring Turkey program is a journey into the wild, exploring peaks that few Westerners ever ski.

Skiing Above Lake Van

The centerpiece of our tour is Lake Van. At 1,640 meters above sea level, it is the largest soda lake in the world and never freezes. Skiing on the slopes of Mount Artos (3,537m) while looking down at this vast, deep blue expanse is a surreal experience. The contrast between the white snow and the blue water is a photographer’s dream. The lake also moderates the temperatures, often keeping the snow conditions safer and more stable than in the interior ranges.

The Volcanoes: Artos, Baset, and More

The terrain here is volcanic, which is ideal for ski touring.

• Mount Artos: This is the “home mountain” of the trip. Rising nearly 2,000 meters from the lake shore, it offers multiple ridges and bowls. The skiing is steep enough to be exciting but wide enough to let your skis run.
• Mount Baset (3,684m): Located further east, Baset is a true giant. The ascent gives you a real sense of expedition skiing, and the summit views stretch all the way to Mount Ararat and Iran. The descent is a leg-burner in the best possible way.
• Akdamar Island: On our rest day, we swap ski boots for boat shoes. Visiting the 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island adds a profound cultural layer to the trip. The church is covered in intricate stone carvings and stands as a testament to the region’s rich history.

Turkish Hospitality and Logistics

One of the joys of skiing in Turkey is the comfort. Unlike cramped mountain huts, we stay in a modern hotel in the vibrant city of Van. This means you have a private room, hot showers, and Wi-Fi every night. The food is a highlight—expect lavish breakfasts with olives, cheeses, and honey, and dinners featuring grilled meats, fresh salads, and endless cups of chai (tea). The Turkish people are incredibly welcoming to skiers, often inviting us for tea in the villages at the bottom of our runs.

Why “Land Only”?

Our Land Only package gives you the freedom to choose your flights. Most travelers fly into Istanbul (IST) and then connect to Van (VAN). This allows you to potentially stopover in Istanbul for a day or two to see the Hagia Sophia or the Grand Bazaar. We handle all the tricky logistics on the ground: the private transport to remote trailheads, the local permits, and the expert guiding. All you need to do is arrive with your skis and a sense of adventure.

Join LifeTrek for a ski trip that breaks the mold. Ski Touring Turkey offers big vertical, exotic culture, and the thrill of skiing where few have skied before.

Experience a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping ski touring, pristine nature, and rich cultural heritage with LifeTrek’s 8-day ski touring adventure around Lake Van, Turkey. This program features ascents of peaks like Artos, Mevzi, Kartaltepe, and Baset, reaching heights of up to 3,780 meters, followed by exhilarating descents on wide, snow-covered slopes. Enjoy the opportunity to visit Akdamar Island with its renowned Armenian church or simply take in the breathtaking views of Lake Van. This journey perfectly combines a passion for skiing with exploring the historical and cultural treasures of the region.

The Lake Van region, located in Eastern Turkey, is a hidden gem for ski touring enthusiasts. Surrounded by majestic mountains that rise up to 4,000 meters, this area offers ideal conditions with cold winters and abundant snowfall lasting until March. You can expect powdery snow and perfect firn conditions, paired with spectacular views of Turkey’s largest lake, Lake Van.

This adventure promises not only exceptional skiing experiences but also an immersion into the vibrant local culture, with evenings spent in the lively town of Van, known for its rich history and culinary delights. The program is designed for avid ski tourers looking for a memorable winter adventure that combines nature, culture, and relaxation.