Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir - when we think of vacations in Turkey, we immediately think of these destinations. Sure, we think of beaches, blue seas and golf courses. But winter sports? Skiing doesn't really fit into the image of Turkey as a travel destination. And heliskiing certainly doesn't. But that's exactly why a trip to Turkey Heliskiing is worthwhile.
The cozy mountain village of Ayder in the far north-east of Turkey is almost reminiscent of the Lötschental in Valais, at least in the cold season. A popular recreation area in summer, it is almost deserted in winter apart from a few locals. Those who only make the long journey to the Rize province of Turkey in the warmer months are missing out on the best that Ayder has to offer. This is because the Kaçkar Mountains - also known as the Pontic Alps - are an exciting, largely undeveloped heliskiing area.
Just a few kilometers from the Black Sea coast is an area of more than 5,000 square kilometers that Turkey Heliskiing has secured exclusively for itself. Over 400 mapped runs at altitudes of up to 3,600 meters guarantee spectacular heliskiing in one of the world's most unknown winter sports regions. Alpine terrain and open bowls - the terrain is varied and challenging. And above all, snow is guaranteed. Both experienced heliskiers and first-timers will find suitable challenges and, of course, plenty of first-class runs.
Skiing or snowboarding in the Kaçkar mountains is a bit like pioneering. After all, who can claim to have spent a winter vacation in Turkey? Especially this far east of the country. Cappadocia in central Turkey is actually the best-known winter sports region in Turkey, where you can let off steam on 55 kilometers of slopes on the dormant Erciyes volcano thanks to 14 lifts. In eastern Anatolia, around five hours' drive from Ayder, you can ski around Erzurum in the two ski resorts of Palandöken and Konakli and then travel on to Ayder for heliskiing.
If you come to Turkey for heliskiing in spring, you can also combine a unique ski trip with a golf vacation on the Turkish Riviera. Belek is located near Antalya and has long since blossomed into a golf Mecca on the Mediterranean. And yes, there is no time difference.