Although Turkey is best known for it's hot sunny mediterranean resorts, swimming, sun bathing and water sports, there is much more to the climate than hot summers.

Much of Turkey is mountainous, and many regions of Turkey have cooler climates than the major resort areas.With an average altitude of 1000 meters, the Anatolian Peninsula is covered with North Anatolian Mountains (2587-3932 m) in the North and Taurus Mountains (3086-4136 m) in the South. The Central and East anatolian high plateaus are enchanted by extinct volcanic mountains such as Mt. Erciyes (3917) and Mt. Agri (5137 m). With many of these peaks experiencing snow cover for as much as six months or more, the potential for skiing here is very great.

Still a minority, activity however, skiing has relatively few adherents, although the number of participants is growing rapidly, and relatively undeveloped resorts. Despite this, Turkey can offer great opportunities for both serious skiers and beginners alike, at much better value than most of the better known winter sports resorts. For those who like a more adventurous approach, Turkish winter resorts could be the place for you, though with a couple of exceptions, don't expect great apres ski entertainment.

During the normal winter conditionsa the height of the snow reaches approximately 3 meters and covered with the forests, the natural beauty of the mountainous areas is stunning.

These resorts offer great skiing, good accomodation and great Turkish food, in a much quieter environment than many of their competitors.

Bursa - Uludag : This ski centre 36 km south of Bursa is accessible along a good asphalt road or by cable - car. The ski area lies between 1800-1900 m and the best season is from December to April. A wide range of accommodation is available in ho tels, in family chalets and apres ski facilities. At the resort there are chair-lifts, three ski-lifts, slalom and giant slalom courses, beginner's slopes and a small hospital. Skis, equipment, and instructors are available for hire. Total bed capacity is ca. 3,500.

Bolu-Kartalkaya : This resort situated on the Istanbul - Ankara highway 50 km from Bolu is surrounded by pinewoods, the ski area Iying between 1500 and 2200 m. Kartal Hotel 1 and 2 with a total 743 bed capacity have a swimming pool, ski-lift and equipment for hire, and ski instructors are available.

Erzurum-Palandoken : This centre is 6 km from Erzurum along a good road, Iying at an altitude of 2200 to 3100 m with some of the longest and most difficult courses and best snow conditions in Turkey, making it an ideal location for international ski competitions. Accommoda tion, restaurant, chair - lift and ski instructors and equipment are available. Also there are a number of hotels in Erzurum. December to April is the most suitable season.

Kayseri - Erciyes : This ski centre lies at 2150 m on the eastern face of Mt. Erciyes Dagl, Tekir Yaylasi (plateau), 25 km from Kayseri. The season is from November to May andaccomodation, a ski - lift and babylift, ski instructors and equipment are available.

Antalya - Saklikent : Situated north east of Bakirli dagi the Beydag mountain range, 50 km north west of Antalya, at a height of 2000 m. Accommodation is available in guest house/chalets and there are restaurants, shops and a supermarket. The best season is from January to April. The special attraction of this centre is that in March and April one can ski in the mornings then drive down to the coast and swim in the warm waters of the Medite rranean in the afternoons.

Kars - Sarikamis : Situated near Kars at 2250 m, this ski centre also has good courses and ideal snow conditions, the area is also noted for its hunting. One can stay in the town itself or at the 60 bed capacity centrally heated ski lodge with ski-lift and ski instructors avai lable. Best season is December to April.

Ankara - Elmadag : This is a lovely place to relax, 23 km out of Ankara, to get fresh air and to dine far away from the clamour and air pollution of the city. There is a 10 room (33 beds) hotel, chalets (130 beds), a pleasantly decorated a la carte restaurant, a snack bar/ discotheque, and parking.

llgaz Dagi : Situated between Kastamonu and Cankiri at the junction of the Istanbul- Kastamonu, Ankara-Kastamonu roads. In the llgaz National Park amidst beautiful wo odlands the slopes lie at 1820-2000m. There are picnic facilities, chalets (50 beds) and good hunting in the area.

Zigana - Gumushane : This centre is 30 km from Gumushane, and lies at an altitude of 1870 m above a pine forested valley. There is a ski-lift, cafeteria and a restaurant. The season is from December to the end of April.