Erzurum Palandöken Ski Center

Palandöken Ski Center is located in the southeastern part of Erzurum province, on the Palandöken Mountains. With its high altitude, long slopes, favorable snow structure, and infrastructure meeting international standards, it is a facility where skiing and snowboarding can be practiced for much of the year. The center is used by both domestic and international athletes and is one of Türkiye’s key facilities for international winter sports.

Palandöken Ski Center

The development of Palandöken as a ski center began in the 1990s and made significant progress during the preparations for the 2011 Winter Universiade (Universiade Erzurum 2011). As part of these efforts, various ski slopes and mechanical facilities were constructed, establishing a modern ski infrastructure on the northern slopes of the mountain.

Palandöken Ski Center has more than ten mechanical transport systems, including chairlifts, surface lifts, and gondolas. The longest transport line is approximately 3.2 kilometers. These systems have a daily passenger capacity of up to 8,000 people. The ski center is located about five kilometers from the center of Erzurum city, enabling quick access between the city’s hotels and the mountain. Travel from Erzurum Airport to the ski center takes approximately 15 minutes.

The total length of ski slopes at Palandöken Ski Center exceeds 28 kilometers. As of 2024, more than 20 slopes are actively in use. The longest continuous ski run is 12 kilometers long. The center offers a variety of terrain suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers of all ages and skill levels. The Dragon Slope, at an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters, is among the steepest and most technically challenging slopes in Türkiye. Thanks to its FIS-approved slopes, Palandöken has the technical infrastructure to host international competitions.

^{Palandöken Kayak Merkezi (}Erzurum Büyükşehir Belediyesi⁾

Palandöken features five-star hotels, mountain lodges, and boutique accommodation facilities. In addition, social amenities such as equipment rental, ski instruction, cafes, and restaurants serve skiers. The Ski Maintenance Center, operated by the Turkish Ski Federation, provides technical adjustments and repairs for the equipment of professional athletes and clubs.

During the 2023-2024 season, Palandöken Ski Center welcomed approximately 118,000 visitors. The center was heavily used by both domestic and international tourists during this period. Various events targeting schools, sports clubs, and amateur athletes were organized throughout the season, with occupancy rates reaching high levels especially during winter holiday periods.

Following the 2011 Universiade, Palandöken has hosted numerous national championships. The Snowboard Festival held in the 2025 season, with significant participation from young athletes, contributed to the popularization of snowboarding in Türkiye. Such events, organized under the auspices of the Turkish Ski Federation, demonstrate that Palandöken is not only a tourism destination but also a venue for athlete training and development.

Palandöken is working toward becoming one of Türkiye’s safest ski areas. Regular rescue drills are conducted in the region by the Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) and Underwater Search and Rescue (SAK) units under the Ministry of Interior. Extensive drills carried out in 2024 attracted public attention and provided operational experience for emergency preparedness.

One of Palandöken’s most important advantages is its high altitude and high-quality snow structure. In high-elevation areas such as the Dragon Slope, the snow exhibits powder snow characteristics. This creates strong appeal for snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

One of Palandöken’s standout features is its high altitude and favorable snow structure. In high-elevation areas such as the Dragon Slope, the snow exhibits powder snow characteristics. This provides ideal ground conditions for disciplines such as snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

^{Palandöken Kayak Merkezi (}Erzurum Büyükşehir Belediyesi⁾