Erciyes, Sarıkamış and Bansko Compared: Which Ski Resort Suits You?
Each of the three appeals to a different kind of skier. Erciyes (Kayseri) has the largest slope network (41 runs) and the highest ski area (3,346 m); with its training areas and accommodation in Cappadocia, it is the best option for those who have never skied. Sarıkamış (Kars) is known for runs through Scots pine forest and dry, light snow; the Doğadayız programme there is an experience package at a ski-in/ski-out mountain hotel for those who can already ski. Bansko (Bulgaria) is a European resort reached by gondola, with a World Cup run; it is for those who can ski on their own and want a winter activity holiday abroad, and holders of a burgundy passport need a Schengen visa.
Erciyes has one of the largest slope networks in Türkiye: according to the official table, it has 41 runs, and the ski area reaches up to 3,346 metres. Each of its four gates has a beginner area with magic carpets; the training area at Hisarcık is reserved for beginners. That makes it the most comfortable resort for anyone learning to ski or snowboard for the first time.
On Doğadayız Erciyes programmes, accommodation is in cave hotels in Cappadocia (Ürgüp); the transfer to the resort takes about 1 hour 10 minutes on average. Days on the slopes and evenings in Cappadocia turn Erciyes into a winter activity holiday rather than a classic ski holiday. On the 4-night, 5-day programme, alongside two days of lessons, a balloon flight, an ATV safari and a Cappadocia regional tour are included in the package; for details, see our guide Ski Lessons in Erciyes and a Cappadocia Holiday.
If you have never skied: the 2-night, 3-day basic course or the 4-night, 5-day course package. Lessons are given by instructors affiliated with the Turkish Ski Federation (Türkiye Kayak Federasyonu); the lessons are not limited by the hour, and the goal is for everyone to be able to ski on their own under control.
If you can already ski: the Erciyes experience package is designed for practice on the slopes and exploring different runs.
Sarıkamış: crystal snow in the forest
The runs at Sarıkamış come down through Scots pine forests; the trees shelter the slopes from the wind. The resort is known for its dry, light snow, often called “crystal snow”. The slopes are in two stages; the two runs that descend from the summit to Karanlıkdere are for advanced skiers.
The Doğadayız Sarıkamış programme is a 3-night, 4-day experience package: accommodation is at a ski-in/ski-out hotel right by the slopes, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included; the days are spent free skiing on the slopes with the group. The package is for participants who have skied before and can ski on their own on the slopes; individual lessons are not included. In the evenings the hotel puts on events such as live music and a Caucasian night.
Bansko: a European ski town
In Bansko, you reach the ski area by a gondola that leaves from the town; the gondola arrives at Banderishka Polyana, where the beginner area is also located. Most of the runs are blue and red; the black run is Tomba, which hosts the Alpine Skiing World Cup. In the evenings, the town's restaurants and live music venues make Bansko an attractive choice for a social adventure holiday.
The Doğadayız Bansko programme is 3 nights, 5 days: you travel by overnight coach from Istanbul via Edirne and stay at a 4-star mountain hotel about 350 metres from the gondola station. Breakfast, ski pass, ski or snowboard set, travel health insurance for abroad and skier insurance are included; lunch, dinner and individual lessons are not. The programme is for those who can ski on their own.
Choosing by level
Your situation
Recommended resort
Why?
I have never skied
Erciyes (basic course)
Training areas, lessons with an instructor, equipment included
I have skied once or twice but I'm not confident
Erciyes (basic course or experience)
Wide choice of easy runs; a basic course again if needed
I'm comfortable on easy and intermediate runs
Sarıkamış
Forest runs, ski-in/ski-out hotel, dry snow
I ski comfortably and want to go abroad
Bansko
Gondola, long red runs, town life
What all three have in common: an activity holiday and a group
On all three programmes, accommodation, ski pass and ski or snowboard equipment are included in the package, and every group has a group leader. They differ in level and setting, but the idea is the same: on an activity holiday, transport, accommodation and the programme are planned in advance, so you can focus on your time on the slopes. According to Doğadayız booking records, about 39% of participants in the 2025–26 winter season joined with a single booking; the group means that those who come alone find a circle of friends from day one. That is why we describe our winter programmes as a social adventure holiday.
The easiest way to learn to ski: a winter activity holiday
An activity holiday puts a sport at the heart of your trip: transport, accommodation and meals are planned, so you can focus on learning on the slopes. On Doğadayız winter activity holidays, accommodation, ski pass and ski or snowboard equipment are included in every package; course packages include basic lessons with instructors affiliated with the Turkish Ski Federation, while experience packages let you practise on the slopes at your own level.
What makes the programme different is the group: sharing the slopes with people at a similar level, dinners and nights out together, and a group leader by your side at all times. Solo travellers become part of this social adventure holiday from day one. That is why we describe our programmes as a social adventure holiday.
Erciyes or Sarıkamış for someone who has never skied?
Erciyes is the better choice for someone who has never skied: there are beginner areas with magic carpets at all four gates and a training area at Hisarcık, and the Doğadayız basic course packages are also in Erciyes. The Doğadayız Sarıkamış programme, on the other hand, is an experience package for those who can ski on their own.
Do I need a visa to go to Bansko?
Bulgaria is in the Schengen area. According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holders of burgundy passports need a visa; with a green passport you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days, and with grey and diplomatic passports for up to 30 days. Doğadayız offers optional visa consultancy for burgundy passport holders applying from Istanbul.
How high do Erciyes, Sarıkamış and Bansko go?
The ski area reaches 3,346 metres in Erciyes, about 2,630 metres in Sarıkamış and over 2,500 metres in Bansko. The summit of Mount Erciyes is 3,917 metres, but it cannot be reached by lift.
Can I join these programmes on my own?
Yes. According to Doğadayız booking records, about 39% of participants in the 2025–26 winter season joined with a single booking. The programmes run as groups, and every group has a group leader.
Erciyes Ski Resort lies on the slopes of the 3,917-metre Mount Erciyes in Kayseri. You enter the resort through four gates: Hacılar, Hisarcık, Tekir and Develi. According to the official table of Erciyes A.Ş., there are 41 runs (18 easy, 17 intermediate, 6 difficult) and 19 lift installations: 14 lifts, 2 of them gondolas, and 5 magic carpets. The ski area lies between 2,088 and 3,346 metres. Beginners spend their first days in the beginner areas with magic carpets at the gates and in the training area at Hisarcık.
You start skiing with a beginner lesson with an instructor, rental equipment and easy (beginner) slopes. On day one you put on your skis, glide on flat ground, learn to stop with the snowplough and ride the magic carpet; on day two you come down an easy slope under control with snowplough turns. For an adult who has never skied, this stage usually takes 2 days.
You start snowboarding by finding your stance (regular or goofy), with a beginner lesson with an instructor and with rental equipment. On day one you learn to push with one foot and to side-slip on your heel edge (heelside) and your toe edge (toeside); then you change direction with the falling leaf, and usually on day 2–3 you make your first linked turns.
