We prepared a comprehensive guide that includes all the necessary information you will need to do skiing. You can find below useful explanations on how to do skiing, the fundamental techniques and the essential toolkits. Moreover, the most popular locations for skiing in Türkiye and from all around the world are waiting for you to discover.
What is Skiing?
Skiing is a winter sport and a highly popular recreational activity, that includes participants using skis to glide down, mostly on snow. Skiing has been around as a way of transportation since 6000 BC in what is now Russia and China. Modern skiing started as a military training exercise in Scandinavia in the 18th century and became a worldly-appreciated sport in the 19th century. Skiing is also an Olympic sport since 1924 Winter Olympics and a widely practiced recreational winter activity.
Putting the Skis on
The skis have to be lying across the slope so they don’t immediately start sliding away. Make sure there is no snow on the bottom of your ski boots because the bindings might not close properly and always put on the downhill ski first.
Fundamental Skiing Techniques
Flat Lining
Flat lining is going straight down a slope while maintaining a knee-bended position.
Hockey Stop
Hockey stop is putting all your weight onto the left ski and rotating it sideways until you stop. Hockey stop is the most efficient way to stop since you are creating the maximum possible resistance.
Parallel Turns
During parallel turning, your skis should always stay parallel to each other for every turn. You need to lean forward and bring your weight across onto both skis to turn.
Skiing Equipment List: What Equipment is Needed for Skiing?
Skiing requires high amount of pieces of equipment mostly because the sport is practiced during winter. It is wiser to buy the needed equipment after you take your first skiing class. Most ski outlets offer necessary equipment such as skis, poles, and clothing for rental.
Ski
Ski is the main piece of equipment for skiing and there are numerous types of skis available with varying advantages and disadvantages.
How to Choose Your Skis?
Choosing the right ski from countless brands and types can be complicated. There are a couple of things to keep in mind while shopping; preferred terrain, your body type, ski dimensions, and the option of integrated bindings. These key decision points will help you to narrow down your options.
Ski Poles
Ski poles hasten the learning phase tremendously and function just like a second set of wheels.
Ski Helmet
A good ski helmet is there to keep you warm and protect your head from serious injuries.
Ski Clothing
Base Layer
A base layer is what you wear underneath your jacket and pants. It is important to have a breathable and waterproof base layer made of high quality fabric.
Jacket and Pants
A weather-resistant ski jacket and ski pants are crucial pieces of equipment to keep you warm during harsh weather conditions.
Boots
You should get fitting, supportive and comfortable ski boots to prevent any adversities.
Goggles
It is next to impossible to see when it is snowing without goggles. A good set of goggles will also help you battle with the never-ending glare.
Gloves
Insulated gloves are a must have since your hands always going to be in contact with the snow. If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs. You can click here to check the extra services price table.
Useful Tips for Skiing
- In most skiing centers, your phone should be getting signals even in the course. So it is good to have your cellphone with you in case of emergencies. You can fully charge it and leave it turned off until you need it.
- Don’t be shy to use the poles since they are the most useful piece of equipment.
- Knowing how to fall is an important piece of information for skiing. You need to maximize the impact area to increase absorption and you should avoid landing on singular limbs.
When is the Best Time for Skiing?
Skiing is a winter sport and can be enjoyed anytime when there is enough snow to ski but often February is the month with the most snow. Most skiing locations are open from November to April in Northern Hemisphere. Some locations in higher latitudes are open until May.
Best Locations for Skiing in Türkiye
Erciyes, Kayseri
Erciyes is one of the most popular skiing locations in Türkiye. Erciyes Mountain is located in Kayseri province and a plane ticket to Kayseri is the best way to reach to the ski center with an additional 25 minute drive from the airport.
Erciyes Ski Resort is comprised of top-notch facilities at international standards. There are 33 ski rings in total with varying degrees of difficulty and length. You can rent ski equipments and book a private lesson from the surrounding shops. The peak point of Mount Erciyes reaches 3.916 meters which makes it the highest one in Central Anatolia.
Sarıkamış, Kars
Sarıkamış ski center is located in the northeastern part of Türkiye in Kars. Sarıkamış is one of the first skiing centers of the country and a flight ticket to Kars is the best way to get there with an additional 40 minute drive from the airport.
Sarıkamış offers picturesque views. It is particularly famous for snowboarding. What makes Sarıkamış perfect for winter holidays is its serenity. You can find a chill atmosphere where you’ll have the luxury of spending quality time at lowest fares. There are currently 6 active ski rings at various levels of intensity and difficulty at Sarıkamış. The longest ones are approximately 2.6-3 km.
Palandöken, Erzurum
Palandöken ski center is located in the eastern part of Türkiye in Erzurum and its highest peak is 3185 meters. The ski center is a popular destination especially among local tourists and a flight ticket to Erzurum is the best way to get there. Palandöken is a 30 minute drive from the airport.
Palandöken Ski Resort includes three ski centers namely “Erzurum (Hınıs) Boğazı, Konaklı and Gez Yaylası”. There are two ski rings that are certified by International Ski Federation. Mount Palandöken is 3176 meters tall which makes it eligible for skiing throughout the course of five months. Erzurum hosted the 25th Winter Universiade in 2011.
Bozdağ, İzmir
Bozdağ is an exceptional skiing center with its beautiful forest surroundings and location. Bozdağ is known for hiking and paragliding activities. Your flight ticket to İzmir is the first step to explore the city’s unique attractions and its spectacular skiing center, Bozdağ.
Bozdağ Ski Resort appeals to professional and non-professional skiers with three ski rings in total. It has been operational since 1998 during winter and summer months. Mountaineering Festivals are held every February when club members organize camping and trekking activities. Bozdağ also has suitable geographical conditions for paragliding. Paragliding enthusiasts show great interest in the resort especially in spring and summer.
Hazarbaba, Elazig
Hazarbaba skiing center is located in the eastern part of Türkiye in Elazığ. A plane ticket to Elazığ is the best way to get Hazarbaba Skiing Center with an additional 30 minute drive from the airport.
Located about 30 km away from Mount Hazarbaba has a height of 2347 meters. Hazarbaba Ski Center provides a number of services with its extensive facilities including 1100-meter-long skiing tracks, chairlift and cafeterias. Moreover, the breathtaking landscape marked by the view of Hazar Lake in Sivrice district of Elazığ attracts visitors interested in winter sports and photography.
Uludağ, Bursa
Uludağ is renowned as the first and largest ski resort in Türkiye. It welcomes thousands of visitors at a height of 2543 m. through various ski tours and international winter festivals such as Winterfest. There are many different accommodation selections for any need and budget divided into two major areas. You can engage in a number of fun activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking and trekking at Uludağ. There are 17 ski rings at varying lengths and characteristics with different difficulty levels. Kuşaklıkaya Ski Ring is among the longest one at 3000 metres length. Uludağ Ski Resort is located about 95 km away from Bursa city center.
Kartalkaya, Bolu
Bolu is a popular venue for winter tourism in Türkiye. Kartalkaya Ski Resort is highly preferred by ski lovers as it is located about 38 km southeast of Bolu city center. There are five top-notch facilities providing service throughout the winter months at Kartalkaya. Moreover, there are 25 ski rings at different slope and intensities at a total length of 40 km. The best snow parks of Türkiye at European standards are available at Kartalkaya. You can easily access Bolu from Istanbul or Ankara.
Best Locations for Skiing in the World
Switzerland
Switzerland is right in the middle of the Alps which can be considered as the most iconic mountain range in Europe. Ski center facilities in Switzerland famous for huge cable cars, world class accommodation options and 57 peaks that are higher than 4000 meters. You can book your flight to Switzerland to enjoy its amazing skiing courses, natural environment, and historical landmarks.
Germany
Germany is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. Most of these resorts are located in the southern part of the country, on the Alps. Your flight ticket to Germany is the first step to enjoy the spectacular ski facilities the country has to offer.
Oslo
Oslo is the capital city of Norway and is one of the most visited skiing centers of Europe since the 1930s. “Oslo Vinterpark” is located just 20 minute subway ride away from the city center. A flight ticket to Oslo is the gateway to unique experiences that the city also offers.
Moscow
Moscow and its surrounding regions have many top-class skiing resorts. The ski season begins in November and finishes in March. Book your flight to Moscow to enjoy its amazing skiing courses.
Milan
Milan is located in a convenient position to reach some of the world’s best skiing resorts. Your flight ticket to Milan is the first step to discover these amazing skiing centers such as Sestriere, Courmayeur, and St. Moritz.
If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs. You can click here to check the extra services price table.
