Palandöken Ski Resort guide (2026-27 season)
Altitude, pistes, season, night skiing and getting there from the city: everything about Palandöken on one page.
Updated:
Palandöken is the mountain rising just south of Erzurum city centre and one of the highest ski areas in Turkey. The resort is run by Ejder3200 A.Ş., owned by Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality.
Key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Summit | 3,176 m (Ejder Tepesi) |
| Base | about 2,200 m |
| Longest run | about 12 km |
| Distance to city centre | 5-7 km, 10-15 minutes by car |
| Distance to Erzurum Airport | 15-20 km |
| Season | usually late November or early December to April |
| Night skiing | yes, on floodlit pistes |
Together, Palandöken and Konaklı have about 55 pistes and 86-90 km of runs (Ejder3200, 2024).
When does the season open?
Palandöken usually opens in late November or early December. The 2025-26 season was extended to 30 April 2026. Ejder3200 announces the 2026-27 opening date depending on snow.
Who is it for?
The long, wide pistes are a joy for intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners find easier slopes in the lower area; starting with an instructor on day one is the fastest way to progress.
Night skiing
About 9-10 km of floodlit pistes are open for night skiing. Night tickets usually start in the late afternoon; check Ejder3200's announcements for current times and prices.
Getting there from the city
- Car or taxi: 10-15 minutes from the centre. As of August 2026 a taxi from the centre to the resort was reported at about 480 TL.
- From the airport: Erzurum Airport (ERZ) is 15-20 km from the resort. Many hotels run airport shuttles.
Where to rent gear
Renting at the resort or the hotel usually costs more than in town, with morning queues. Collect your gear in Erzurum city centre the evening before and head straight for the lift.
Sources
- Ejder3200 A.Ş. season announcements
- Wikipedia: Palandöken Ski Center
- GoTürkiye: Palandöken
- Haberler.com, "Konaklı and Palandöken ready for the ski season" (November 2024)