Antalya is only known as a destination for beach vacations but you should know that there are ski slopes in Saklıkent, only 40 km away from the provincial capital Antalya.
The various options available in Antalya allows travelers to an unusual combination of skiing slopes, beach activities and wellness in the hotel spa during the winter season.
In this article, you will read everything about skiing in Saklıkent, including slopes, gear and frequently asked questions. For more sports in Antalya, consult our guide of Sports in Antalya.
How to Ski at Saklıkent
Although hundreds of tourists come to Antalya even in winter, few go to Bakirilidagi, the almost 2,550-metre-high "Copper Mountain". Therefore, Saklıkent remains exactly what its name promises, the "hidden city". During the week, the slopes here are often deserted and even at the weekend, there is usually no big rush.
The winter sports area belonging to the village Saklikent is located at an altitude of 1,850 to 2,547 m in the Taurus Mountains. The Ski Center constists of a ski area with hotels, 3 ski lifts, including a chair lift with a length of 1,400 m. There are currently 10 km of slopes available.
The season begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of March, beginning of April. On average, the snow depth is 100-200 centimetres, in the coldest months it can reach up to 4 metres.
You want to see what it looks like on site? Watch Saklikent from 10 different webcams here.
Slopes at Saklıkent Skiing Resort
The total 10 kilometers of slopes at Saklıkent are half easy slopes, 5 kilometers that are well suited for beginners. Of the remaining 5 kilometers of slopes, about 30 % are classified as medium difficulty, and the remaining 2 kilometers are considered difficult. The slopes are groomed and off-piste skiing is not permitted. Opportunities for powder skiing are very limited.
Charilifts and T-Bar-Skilifts
There are a total of three lifts in Saklıkent. The total lift distance is 2,200 meters and a total of up to 1,300 people per hour can be transported. A day ticket for the lifts costs about 25 euros.
Borrow Equipment: Ski, Snowboard and more
All equipment can be rented on site: ski pants, jackets and gloves as well as helmets or ski goggles. Of course, skis, ski poles, boots or snowboards can also be rented. The cost is about 25 euros per day.
There are about a dozen certified ski instructors and a mountain rescue team that ensures safety and can provide assistance in case of emergency.
Après-Ski in Saklıkent
There are two mountain huts in Saklıkent. One is located at the top of the mountain and the other at the intermediate station at 1,900 meters above sea level, where the lifts begin. You will not find hunter's tea here, but there are snacks on offer, as well as coffee, tea and salep, a hot, sweet milk drink flavored with cinnamon. Salep is made from orchid roots.
Alcohol is served in the hotels in the ski area, but the typical après-ski is not found here. After skiing, you can walk in the snow and then in the evening enjoy the live music in the hotel. Check our options to book hotels in Antalya with great deals.
How to Get to Saklıkent
Saklıkent Ski Center is located about 35 kilometers from Antalya city center. There is a shuttle service on weekends that leaves from in front of Migros 5M at 08:00 in the morning and drops guests back there at 16:00 in the evening.
The approach by own car is on the road towards Çakırlar / Doyran, the turnoff to Saklıkent is marked. Usually the road is well cleared, but it is obligatory to drive with winter tires and carry snow chains. Parking is available on the mountain. Saklıkent can be reached from Antalya in about an hour. Get informed about how to Rent a car in Antalya with our guide.
Hotels in Saklıkent
The ski resort of Saklıkent consists of a total of 500 mountain houses and cottages, which convey a cozy flair. You can not find a big ski hotel here. For overnight guests there are numerous guesthouses available.
Since Antalya can be reached within an hour, many guests prefer to stay overnight in Antalya and come to Saklıkent only for skiing. Saklıkent Mountain Resort Hotel opened in 2020 and has 32 rooms. Bed and breakfast is offered. Lunch and dinner are available a la carte.
For more options, check our Antalya Hotels section and have a look at the best deals available currently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The season begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of March, beginning of April. On average the snow depth is 100-200 centimeters, in the coldest months it can reach up to 4 meters.
The approximate price for a day ticket is about 15 euros, while a ticket for 1 hour costs 4, for 2 hours 8 Euros.
The base station of the ski resort is 1,850 meters above sea level, while the summit station is 2,400 meters.
Prices in the guesthouses and mountain chalets are moderate. On average, you can stay for less than 50 Euros per person
To see what Saklikent looks on site, watch the slopes from 10 different webcams here.
Conclusion
Saklıkent is a young ski resort in Turkey. It is located only about an hour from Antalya and has a relatively short season, lasting from mid-December to the end of March.
The slopes are groomed, and there are a total of 10 kilometers of slopes served by 3 lifts. There are numerous small mountain lodges and guesthouses on the mountain, as well as a slightly larger hotel with 32 rooms.
There is a shuttle service between Antalya and Saklıkent, which is why many guests stay in Antalya and come to Saklıkent just to ski. Apres ski like in the Austrian Alps you would not find here.
Find out more about different sports in Antalya:
- Our guide of Rafting in Antalya
- Our guide of Diving in Antalya
- Our guide of Yoga in Antalya
- Our guide of Hiking in Antalya