Forget the Alps, This Dirt-Cheap Ski Spot Has Better Snow and No Crowds
As night falls, the call to prayer rings out while skiers descend the floodlit slopes of Mount Erciyes in central Turkey. Rising 3,917 meters above the city of Kayseri, this dormant volcano offers a ski experience that feels new and unspoiled. A lift pass costs less than a coffee in the Alps, yet the quality rivals Europe’s famous resorts.
Mount Erciyes isn’t just Turkey’s highest peak in Anatolia; it’s a skier’s dream that crowds haven’t yet overrun. Mount Erciyes spans 150 kilometers of runs, supported by 12 high-speed chairlifts and two gondolas. Many of the lifts feature heated seats and wind covers, a level of comfort rarely found at this price. The season runs from late November to early April, with January and February typically offering the best snow conditions. Even late-season skiing holds up thanks to the mountain’s altitude, which keeps the snow fresh long after other places have turned slushy.
Getting There and Hitting the Slopes
Image via Getty Images/Muhammed Zeynel Ozturk
Reaching Mount Erciyes is surprisingly straightforward. Most travelers fly into Kayseri, just an hour and a half from Istanbul, then take a 30- to 40-minute drive or shuttle to the resort. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and Corendon offer direct flights from several European cities, making weekend trips easy. The roads are well-kept, and many visitors pair skiing with a visit to nearby Cappadocia, about 75 minutes away, where they can spend the night among its famous rock formations.
Once on the mountain, Erciyes caters to every skill level across its four main zones, called “gates.” Tekir Gate anchors the resort with beginner slopes, rentals, and cafés. Hisarcik Gate offers intermediate runs and secluded powder areas that stay untouched for days. Hacilar Gate attracts advanced skiers with longer, steeper descents used for training, while Develi Gate combines mid-level terrain with après-ski energy and a World Cup snowboard slope. Runs follow the international color system—blue for easy, red for moderate, black for advanced—but the grading is slightly softer than in the Alps, giving skiers room to build confidence without stress.
Skiing On A Budget Never Felt This Good
Lift tickets in Erciyes are sold by the ride, rather than by the day, which means you only pay for what you use. A 14-ride pass costs approximately 140 Turkish lira (around $10), and 50 rides cost roughly $26. You can save even more by renting your ski gear in Kayseri before heading up. Two people can rent skis, poles, helmets, and clothing for around 300 lira per day, totaling less than $20. That’s a fraction of Alpine prices and still gets you top-notch gear.
As for lunch up there, it might include spicy Adana kebab, flatbreads layered with minced meat, or Kayseri’s famous manti, which are tiny dumplings with garlic yogurt. A round of beers for six people costs less than $5 each. Après-ski spots like DAS and Magna at Develi Gate offer live DJs and events on weekends.
Erciyes may not have the polish of the Alps, but that’s precisely what makes it special. The snow is fantastic, the prices are unbeatable, and the people are genuinely kind. For travelers craving a real adventure without the crowds or sticker shock, this mountain in the heart of Turkey is skiing’s best-kept secret.