SKI TOURS AROUND THE LAKE OF VAN

SKI TOURING IN THE MOUNTAINS AROUND LAKE VAN

The city of Van is situated in the east of Turkey, the largest lake in Turkey. It is surrounded by dozens of gigantic mountains, which rise to almost more than 4,000 m above sea level. Almost every mountain in this region is suitable for ski tours. The winters are cold and snowy. The snow reaches almost down to the lake until mid of March. Almost from every mountain, you can enjoy the view of the lake. The snow quality is high, either on powder snow or firn. Since Van is also a lively city, the evenings offer a big choice of restaurants and pubs.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOUR

For these tours, good body condition and good skiing skills are required. The ascents and descents are long. On average, 1,100 - 1,600 heights are to be handled, so the slopes are accordingly long. The maximum steepness of the slopes is around 30-35 °. The chosen mountains are ideal skiing places for enthusiastic ski mountaineers. It´s a great, exotic destination that requires no special ski skills apart from the necessary physical condition.

TOUR ITINERARY

1st day: Flight to Van via Istanbul

Arrival in the city of Van, transfer to the hotel in the city center of Van. (Dinner)

2nd day: Early Flight to Van, short tour to the left shoulder of Mt. Artos above Abali (2.970 m)

The starting point of the warm up tour is the village of Abali. After a transfer of 45 minutes we ascend from 1.800 m to the lowest part of the very long ridge of Mt. Artos to a height of almost 3.000 m. The ski downhill is with the lake view. (breakfast, dinner)

3rd day: Skitour Mt. Artos (3.537 m)
Today's mountain is Artos, probably with the best view to the lake of all ski mountains in the area with an altitude of 3,537 m. The ascent is via the north side with a continuous lake view from the town Gevas. The descent will be only on wide snowfields, then through a steep, tight valley back to the starting point. (breakfast, dinner)

4th day: Skitour Mt. Mevzi (3.280 m)

Today we continue towards Catak, where the village of Onagil is located. From this village, we begin our ski tour via the western wall of the mountain. Again we have a magnificent view over the Van lake. The descent is no less magnificent. Again we return to Van to the hotel. (breakfast, dinner)

5th day: Free day

Today is the day of resting. We will drive to Gevas and continue by boat to the island of Akdamar with the famous Armenian church from the Middle Ages. After lunch in Gevas the day in Van is still available freely or watch together with the amazing sunset on the lake (depending on the weather. (breakfast, dinner)

6th day: Skitour Mt. Kartaltepe (3.300 m)

After a 45-minute drive, just below the village of Boyunpinar, we start the ascent of the mountain Kartaltepe, a steep mountain whose descent is a pleasure, of course again with a view over the Van Lake. (breakfast, dinner)

7th day:

Skitour zum Mt. Baset (3.780 m)

After an hour transfer, we arrive in the village Bagriyanik and start the ascent to Mount Baset which is one of the highest mountains in the area. The ascent is steep exit the racier. The route is again on the same route. (breakfast, dinner)

8th day: Flight home or Skitour Mt. Kavussahap (3.450 m)

The access to Mount Kavussahap leads along the Van Lake to the village of Yanikcay, which is at the end of a long plain. From here step into the skies and climb the mountain and then having a downhill. (breakfast, dinner)

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POSSIBILITY TO EXTEND

9th day: Skitour Mt. Hasanbesir (3.480 m)

Today we drive again the same way as the day before. This time, however, to the village of Baglama. From here we climb the mountain Hasanbesir. The descend will be to the same village. (breakfast, dinner)

10th day: Skitour Mt. Süphan (4.058 m)

A long drive awaits us today to the last village at the foot of Mt. Süphan which is located on the north side of the lake. The ascent begins directly from the village of Kiskili. The route is a long route, which leads first to the eastern shoulder of the mountain, at 3,800 m, and then steep to the summit of Mt. Süphan. Great downhill from one of the most beautiful ski mountains of Turkey and return to Van. (breakfast, dinner)

11th day: Flight home

End of the trip, transfer to the airport and flight home. (breakfast)

ACCOMMODATION

You stay at Hotel Akdamar based on bed and breakfast

SKI TOURS

6 guided ski tours from the hotel in the mountains around Lake Van with a height up to 4,058 m with steepness degrees of 25 ° - 35 °.

SKI TOUR GUIDE

Up to 8 people one guide with English language skills. From the 9th person, another ski leader.

PERMIT

Currently no restrictions and no specific permit required (as of 2020).

SKIING GEAR

You bring your own gear

TOUR DATES

01.03.2025 - 08.03.2025 - Available

15.03.2025 - 22.03.2025 - Available

The required minimum number of person for this tour is 8.

EXTENSION DAYS

You have the option to extend for 3 more days and 3 ski tours.

PRIVATE TOUR

Any date in the period of 02/15/2021 to 03/15/2021

DEADLINE

1 week before the travel date

OUR SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

On request flights from all major European airports via Istanbul to Van and back (against charge but for a net price)
All necessary land transports
Medium class hotel in Van based on bed and breakfast
Dinner in restaurants in the city of Van
English speaking ski mountaineering guide of our company
Detailed equipment list

Important notice: Itinerary could be changed by us due to weather conditions!

INQUIRY

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