PALANDOKEN SKI CENTRE

There are many ski centres in Turkey such as Uludag, Kartalkaya, Elmadag, Ilgaz, Erciyes, Palandoken and Sarıkamış. Among these, Palandoken has a special place for winter sports. The Palandoken mountains are found in Erzurum in the Eastern Anatolia region.

Palandoken, a resort which is on the top of the list for experienced and professional skiers, also figures on the international circuit. Conditions in Palandoken are suitable for winter sports from December to June, and its seven kilometre-long course is Turkey's longest. The total ski slope length is 30 kilometres and is situated between 2,200 and 3,176 metres.

There are two chair lifts in the ski area and the Dedeman Hotel also has a ski lift. Palandoken is just a five-minute drive from Erzurum and 15 minutes from the airport, a convenience matched by none of Turkey's other winter sports centres.

The Dedeman Palandoken Ski Centre enlarged its capacity with additional buildings last year, and its facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, games room and children's club. This ski resort has now attracted the interest of foreign tour operators.

All slopes are under constant surveillance by a team of fully-experienced expert staff members. The First Aid Centre is open 24 hours a day with a doctor on duty in the Dedeman Hotel. Depending on weather conditions, tour sking accompanied by a guide is possible at the weekends and during holidays. A four-member rescue team is on call.

Palandoken is by no means for skiers only. However if you just want a peaceful mountain holiday away from it all amidst superb wild scenery this is the place for you. Another attraction of Palandoken is the almost complete absence of mist. In this cold dry climate the air is clear, and around noon mostly sunny