Cappadocia full day Skiing tour with instructor & equipment

If you’re visiting Cappadocia and craving a change of scenery from the famous fairy chimneys and rock formations, this full-day skiing experience might just surprise you. While Cappadocia is best known for its surreal landscapes and hot air balloons, Mount Erciyes offers a different kind of thrill—especially for those who love winter sports. The skiing tour from Paphlagonia Tour Travel Agency promises a day filled with snowy fun, professional guidance, and the chance to hit Turkey’s highest ski slopes.

What we find especially appealing about this tour is its inclusivity—whether you’re a newbie or someone looking to sharpen your skills, the 30-minute free instruction is a real bonus. Plus, the overall value for just $61 per person makes it accessible for many travelers. On the flip side, the full-day commitment means you’ll need to be prepared for a long, active day in the snow, which might not suit everyone. This is a trip best suited for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and are comfortable with a full schedule.

If you’re after a scenic, guided ski day with all essentials taken care of, this tour is worth considering. It’s particularly good for travelers staying in Göreme or nearby towns who want a hassle-free way to experience Turkey’s premier ski area without breaking the bank. Let’s break down what makes this tour tick.

Key Points

• All-included experience: gear, ski pass, instruction, and lunch are covered, providing great value.
• Flexible options: choose between full gear and pass or gear-only packages.
• Professional guidance: 30-minute free instruction makes it accessible for beginners.
• Convenient logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off from several central locations.
• Multiple slopes: options for all skill levels, from easy green runs to expert black slopes.
• Long day of activity: roughly 8-9 hours, perfect for those who want a full snow experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour and Its Setting

This full-day skiing tour from Cappadocia is a fantastic way to explore Mount Erciyes, Turkey’s highest volcano and a renowned winter sports destination. It’s organized by Paphlagonia Tour Travel Agency, a reputable provider known for small group experiences and comprehensive service. The tour is priced at $61 per person, which, when you consider equipment, instruction, ski passes, and transportation, offers solid value.

The day begins with pickups from several Cappadocia locations—Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Ortahisar, and even Kayseri—making it flexible and accessible. After a roughly 1.5-hour drive to Mount Erciyes, you’re greeted with the mountain’s snowy slopes and a chance to dive into a day filled with skiing or snowboarding.

What to Expect on This Tour

The core of the experience revolves around skiing on Mount Erciyes, which boasts four different slopes suitable for various skill levels. The green slopes are perfect for beginners, offering an easy introduction. Blue slopes provide moderate difficulty, ideal for those looking to gain confidence, while red and black slopes cater to more advanced skiers and snowboarders.

One of the best parts of this tour is the inclusion of a 30-minute free instruction session. This means even if you’ve never skied before, you’ll get a proper introduction and guidance from a professional instructor. According to reviews, this setup makes the activity accessible and less intimidating for newcomers. As one traveler noted, “The instructor was patient and helpful—perfect for my first time on skis.”

Once on the mountain, you’ll have approximately five hours of free time, during which you can rent equipment, take multiple runs, and enjoy the views. The ski pass covers seven cable car rides, giving you ample opportunity to explore different slopes and take breaks in between.

The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup: The tour starts early, with pickup times ranging from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM depending on your hotel location. This flexibility helps ensure you’re not rushing and can start the day at a leisurely pace.

Travel to Mount Erciyes: The drive is around 1.5 hours, giving you time to relax and take in the scenery. During the drive, your guide will likely give some tips about the mountain and what to expect.

Arrival & Equipment Setup: Once at Mount Erciyes, you’ll receive your equipment and ski pass. The provided gear includes gloves, sunglasses, and a hat, so you’re well-prepared for the cold weather.

Skiing & Snowboarding: After a quick safety briefing, the professional instructor will give a 30-minute lesson—great for beginners or those wanting to refine their skills. Then, it’s all about hitting the slopes, with access to different difficulty levels. The slopes are well-maintained, and the cable cars make it easy to access higher elevations for longer runs.

Lunch Break: Around midday, you’ll break for lunch—a meal included in the package. Depending on the season, you can expect some hearty Turkish dishes or simple snacks to keep your energy up.

Afternoon Skiing & Return: After about five hours on the mountain, you’ll return your equipment and head back to the vans. The journey back includes a brief stop at Van for a quick rest or photo, before being dropped off at your hotel by around 7:00 PM.

The Slopes: What Makes Mount Erciyes Special

Mount Erciyes is known for its diverse ski terrain. It features four main types of slopes:

• Green slopes: These are the easiest, perfect for absolute beginners or those who want a gentle experience.
• Blue slopes: Slightly more challenging but still manageable for newcomers, offering a moderate difficulty.
• Red slopes: For skiers comfortable on steeper or more technical runs.
• Black slopes: The most demanding, with big walls and high gradients, best suited for experienced skiers or snowboarders.

This variety ensures that whether you’re learning the basics or testing your skills on more challenging terrain, Mount Erciyes provides the options to do so. The mountain’s high altitude (3,917 meters) and good snow conditions make it a reliable destination during winter.

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The Benefits of a Guided, Small Group Tour

Traveling with a small group (limited to 15 participants) enhances your experience. You get personalized attention from guides and instructors, and there’s a sense of camaraderie. The English-speaking guide is there to help with safety instructions, answer questions, and make sure everyone stays comfortable.

The all-inclusive nature—gear, passes, instruction, and lunch—means less hassle and more focus on enjoying the snow. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off service removes the headache of organizing transportation, especially in winter conditions.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Clothing: Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures on Mount Erciyes can be quite cold, especially at higher altitudes.
• Skill level: The tour is suitable for beginners thanks to the free instruction and beginner slopes, but more advanced skiers will also find challenging runs if they wish.
• Physical fitness: Expect a full day of activity, so some level of fitness helps, particularly for managing equipment and spending hours on the mountain.
• Children & families: The tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, and those under 5 or with certain health issues are advised to reconsider.
• Altitude: People with altitude sickness should be cautious, as the mountain’s elevation is quite high.
• Cancellation & flexibility: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve without immediate payment, which adds flexibility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This skiing tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a hassle-free day on snow without the hefty price tag. It’s perfect if you’re a beginner or someone looking to improve your skiing or snowboarding skills with professional guidance. If you’re staying in Cappadocia and want to experience Turkey’s ski slopes without traveling far or paying a fortune, this is a solid choice.

Those who enjoy scenic, guided days that combine transportation, instruction, and full equipment will appreciate the well-organized nature of this trip. On the other hand, if you’re an expert skier seeking difficult runs or a winter sports enthusiast with extensive gear, you might find the slopes a bit limited.

Final Thoughts

For just $61, this full-day skiing tour from Cappadocia offers a surprisingly comprehensive experience—covering transportation, gear, passes, instruction, and lunch. It’s a great way to add some snowy adventure to your trip, especially if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding. The variety of slopes ensures everyone can find their comfort zone, and the small group size helps keep the day personalized and fun.

If you’re looking for a day packed with activity and want to enjoy the mountain’s winter wonderland, this trip can be a memorable highlight. It’s particularly suited for those staying in Cappadocia who want a straightforward, well-organized way to experience Turkey’s premier ski area without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a 30-minute free instruction session, making it accessible even for those who have never skied before.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, skiing gear, full equipment (if you select that option), gloves, sunglasses, a hat, a ski pass for seven cable car rides, an English-speaking guide and instructor, insurance in the vans, and lunch.

Can I rent equipment only?
Yes, there’s an option to rent gear and a ski pass without the full equipment package, which might be more budget-friendly if you already have your own gear.

How long is the total ski time?
You’ll have approximately five hours of free time on the slopes, giving you plenty of opportunity to ski or snowboard at your own pace.

Are there slopes suitable for all skill levels?
Absolutely. Mount Erciyes offers green and blue slopes for beginners, as well as red and black slopes for more experienced skiers.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold mountain weather. The tour provides gloves, sunglasses, and a hat, but bring extra layers just in case.

What are the pickup times?
Pickups start between 9:00 AM and 10:15 AM, depending on your location, with the earliest from Uçhisar and Ürgüp, and later from Avanos.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is included, typically consisting of Turkish dishes to keep you energized for the afternoon.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 or those with health issues related to altitude or physical activity. It’s best suited for those comfortable in winter conditions and active.

If you’re after a straightforward, affordable way to try skiing in Turkey with professional guidance, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s a day of fun, learning, and mountain air—something that can add a special touch to your Cappadocian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: