Cappadocia full day Skiing tour with instructor & equipment

Discovering the Snowy Slopes of Mount Erciyes from Cappadocia

If you’re staying in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia but crave a dose of winter sports, the full-day skiing tour to Mount Erciyes offers a surprisingly authentic snow adventure just 90 minutes away. Priced at $61 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup, skiing equipment, a professional instructor, and even lunch, making it a convenient and reasonably priced way to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding.

What we love about this experience is how it caters to all levels — from complete beginners to those looking to sharpen their skills. The inclusion of 30-minute free instruction means you can learn the basics or get a refresher without extra cost, and the small group size promises personal attention. Another highlight is the variety of ski slopes, from easy green runs perfect for first-timers to challenging black slopes for the more adventurous.

A potential consideration is that the day’s itinerary involves a fair amount of travel time and waiting — about 3 hours round trip — so it’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind a full-day excursion and are comfortable with mountain altitude. This tour is ideal for those who want a taste of winter sports in a stunning mountain setting without the hassle of arranging transport or equipment themselves.

In sum, if you’re after an active day that combines the unique landscape of Cappadocia with the thrill of skiing, this tour offers great value along with the chance to learn or improve your skills in a lively mountain atmosphere.

Key Points

• Convenient Location: Combines Cappadocia’s charm with Mount Erciyes’ snowy slopes, all in one day.
• Inclusive Experience: Equipment, passes, instruction, and lunch are all covered, offering good value.
• Suitable for Beginners: 30-minute free instruction makes it accessible even for first-time skiers.
• Variety of Slopes: From green to black, there’s terrain for all comfort levels.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 15 participants for personalized guidance.
• Flexible Options: Choose between full gear & pass or just gear & pass, depending on your needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Mount Erciyes Skiing Tour

Starting the Day: Pickup and Travel
The tour begins early, with pickups from your Cappadocia hotel between 9:00 and 10:15, depending on your location. We appreciated the smooth organization here, as the tour provider, Paphlagonia Tour, ensures a comfortable ride from Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Ortahisar, or even Kayseri. The journey to Mount Erciyes takes about 1.5 hours, during which you might enjoy scenic views of the Anatolian steppe and occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks.

Arrival and Equipment Setup
Once at the mountain base around 11:30 AM, you’ll meet your professional guide and instructor. We found the equipment rental process straightforward — you’ll get your ski or snowboard gear, gloves, sunglasses, and a ski pass. For those new to skiing, the included 30-minute instruction is a real plus; it’s tailored to all skill levels, and guides are friendly and patient. As one reviewer noted, “Even as a first-timer, I felt comfortable after the lesson.”

Skiing and Snowboarding Time
With about 5 hours of free time on the slopes, you can explore the different runs at your own pace. Mount Erciyes boasts four different slopes, each suited to different skill levels:
– Green slopes for beginners, with easy terrain
– Blue slopes of moderate difficulty
– Red slopes for those comfortable with steeper descents
– Black slopes for expert skiers, offering big walls and panoramic views

Travelers have praised the variety, with one saying, “I loved how the slopes ranged from beginner-friendly to challenging — perfect for feeling out your limits.” The cable car passes included in the package make it easy to access higher elevations and maximize your downhill time.

Lunch and Rest Breaks
Lunch is included, giving you a chance to refuel and relax. Expect options that cater to a variety of tastes, typically served at mountain-side cafes or designated areas. The mountain environment, with its crisp air and panoramic vistas, makes for a memorable dining backdrop.

Return and Drop-off
By 5:00 PM, the slopes close, and you’ll return gear to the ski base. The journey back to Cappadocia starts around 5:30 PM, arriving at your hotel by approximately 7:00 PM. Travelers have noted the efficient organization and appreciated the smooth return, especially after a full day of activity.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Authentic Mountain Experience Close to Cappadocia
While Cappadocia is famous for its extraordinary landscapes and hot air balloons, this tour offers a different kind of adventure — skiing in the snow-capped mountains. It’s a rare chance to experience Anatolia’s winter wonderland without traveling far or organizing logistics independently.

Instructed for All Levels
The inclusion of professional guidance and beginner instruction means even novices can feel confident on the slopes. You’ll learn basic techniques or improve existing skills, making it a great introduction to skiing or snowboarding.

Excellent Value and Convenience
For just $61, you get equipment, passes, instruction, transportation, and lunch. Many reviews highlight how this package offers good value for money, especially considering the quality of the mountain environment and the professional guidance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for beginners who want to try skiing without the hassle of renting gear and finding their way around a mountain. It’s also suitable for families and groups looking for a fun outdoor activity in winter. However, travelers with back or heart problems, those over 70, or with altitude sickness should consider the physical demands and altitude before booking.

If you’re searching for a day of active adventure that combines scenic mountain views with the thrill of skiing, and you’re okay with a full day’s commitment, this tour will likely leave you with great memories and new skills.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Duration: 8–9 hours, including pickup, travel, skiing, and return
• Price: $61 per person, with options for full gear & pass or just gear & pass
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Includes: Hotel pickup/drop-off, equipment, passes, instruction, lunch, insurance
• Not Included: Private lessons, additional insurance, drinks
• Languages: English, German, Russian
• Transport: Comfortable vans with direct hotel pickups
• Timing: Pickup starts at 9:00 AM from some locations, with departure from Göreme around 10:00 AM

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a 30-minute free instruction, making it accessible for first-timers or those wanting a refresher.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential — think layers, gloves, and sunglasses. The mountain can be windy and cold, especially at higher elevations.

Are there different slopes for different skill levels?
Absolutely. Mount Erciyes offers green, blue, red, and black slopes, allowing you to choose terrain that suits your confidence and experience.

How long do I get to ski?
You’ll have around 5 hours of free time on the slopes, after initial instructions and equipment setup.

What’s included in the price?
Transport, equipment (if full option selected), ski passes, instruction, lunch, and insurance are included. Extras like private lessons or drinks are not.

Can I rent just equipment and passes?
Yes, there’s an option for gear and ski pass only, which might suit those who already have their own gear.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

How do I get to Mount Erciyes from Cappadocia?
The tour provides transportation via a comfortable van, with pickups from major towns and hotels in Cappadocia.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 or for those with back, heart problems, altitude sickness, or over 70 years old.

What if I want private coaching?
Private lessons aren’t included but can be arranged separately, though this tour’s focus is on group instruction for all.

Final Thoughts

For travelers based in Cappadocia looking to break away from hot air balloons and fairy chimneys for a day, this skiing tour offers a refreshing change of pace. With a good balance of guided instruction, varied terrain, and mountain scenery, it provides genuine fun without requiring previous experience. The inclusiveness of equipment, passes, and lunch makes it easy to book and enjoy without extra fuss or expense.

While a full day of skiing might be tiring for absolute beginners, the friendly guides and well-organized schedule help ensure a positive experience. If you’re craving outdoor activity amid stunning mountain views and want to try skiing in a safe, controlled environment, this tour is a worthwhile choice.

Overall, it’s a smart pick for active travelers, families, or anyone eager to try something different in Turkey’s diverse landscape. You’ll leave with a taste of mountain adrenaline, some new skills, and perhaps a new winter sport obsession.

You can check availability for your dates here: