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AI-Livingstone
07 Dec 2025
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Erciyes Kayseri Semester Ski Holiday

Erciyes — Semester Ski Holiday in Kayseri

Spend your semester break skiing and exploring Mount Erciyes, a modern ski resort with reliable January snow, varied pistes for all levels, a dedicated snowpark for freestyle riders, and convenient cable car access. Complement your days on the slopes with professional lessons at the Erciyes Ski & Snowboard School, adrenaline off-road and snowmobile tours, and scenic summit viewpoints for unforgettable photos. In Kayseri city, discover historic sites like Kayseri Castle and the Gevher Nesibe Museum of Medical History, and relax with apres-ski walks in Mimarsinan Park. This itinerary balances active mountain days, cultural outings, and practical options for bad weather, making it ideal for a flexible-budget semester getaway from January 16 to January 31.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Erciyes Ski Resort

    Largest ski area in central Turkey with extensive pistes for all levels, reliable snow cover in January, modern lift infrastructure, and varied terrain (beginner slopes, long groomed runs, off-piste options) making it ideal for a semester ski holiday.
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    Erciyes Cable Car (Teleferik)

    Provides quick, scenic access from the base to higher elevations, reducing transfer time to slopes; offers panoramic views of Mount Erciyes and Kayseri, practical for reaching higher-altitude runs and photo opportunities.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Erciyes Ski & Snowboard School

    Certified instructors and structured lessons for beginners and advanced riders ensure faster, safer progress; group and private lessons, kids programs, and equipment guidance make it easier to build skills and get the most from your ski holiday.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Erciyes Snowpark

    Specialized terrain features (jumps, rails, boxes) designed for freestyle skiers and snowboarders provide fun challenges and a place to practice tricks; professionally maintained features and progressive lines make it suitable for intermediates and experts, and events or freestyle coaching may be available during peak season.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Science and Art Center (Atatürk Monument area, Kayseri)

    Cultural hub offering exhibitions and educational displays that give context to Kayseri’s history and contemporary arts scene; pleasant public space around the Atatürk Monument is good for a relaxed stroll, photos, and experiencing local life off the slopes.
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    Kayseri Castle (Kayseri Kalesi)

    Historic fortress in the city center with ancient walls and nearby archaeological remnants that illustrate Kayseri’s long past; accessible viewpoint and surrounding historic streets provide an easy cultural day trip from the ski area to explore local architecture, shops, and museums.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Erciyes Off-Road / Snowmobile Tours

    Offers an adrenaline-filled way to explore the mountain beyond the pistes, accessing scenic high-altitude areas and quiet snow fields quickly; guided tours provide safety, local knowledge, and memorable panoramic photo opportunities, making it a great complement to skiing days.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Mimarsinan Park (for apres-ski walks)

    Pleasant green space in Kayseri ideal for relaxing walks after a day on the slopes; easy to reach from the city center with benches, paths and local atmosphere, it’s perfect for unwinding, people-watching and enjoying fresh air during your semester break.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Mount Erciyes Summit viewpoint

    Provides sweeping vistas over the Cappadocia region and Kayseri plains — especially dramatic at sunrise or sunset — giving a sense of the mountain’s scale and rewarding visitors with iconic landscape views and photography spots that capture the essence of the ski holiday.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Gevher Nesibe Museum of Medical History (Kayseri)

    One of the oldest medical institutions converted into a museum, it showcases Ottoman and Seljuk-era medical practices, instruments and manuscripts, offering a unique cultural and educational contrast to the ski activities; visiting provides historical insight into regional healthcare, architecture of a medieval hospital-madrasa complex, and a quieter indoor experience useful on bad-weather days during your semester holiday.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Sedef Kebap & Lahmacun

    Sedef Kebap & Lahmacun

    Traditional Turkish kebabs and crispy lahmacun in a cozy, local setting — great for a hearty meal after skiing.
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    İncedere Pide & Kebap

    İncedere Pide & Kebap

    Specializes in pide (Turkish flatbread) and regional kebabs; reliable, budget-friendly comfort food popular with locals.
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    Kebapçı Halil Usta

    Kebapçı Halil Usta

    Well-regarded for its charcoal-grilled kebabs and generous portions — a classic Kayseri dining experience.
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    Çemenzon Et Mangal

    Çemenzon Et Mangal

    Focus on grilled meats and mezes with a warm atmosphere, suitable for groups looking to sample regional flavors.
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    Somuncu Baba Baklava & Patisserie

    4.4
    $$$$

    Somuncu Baba Baklava & Patisserie

    Famous for Turkish desserts and baklava — perfect for a sweet treat or coffee break between activities.
    4.4
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Mirada Del Lago Hotel - Erciyes

    Mirada Del Lago Hotel - Erciyes

    Ski-in/ski-out access near major lifts, modern rooms with mountain views and on-site spa — convenient for maximizing slope time during your semester holiday.
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    Radon Hotel & Spa Kayseri

    5

    Radon Hotel & Spa Kayseri

    Full-service hotel in Kayseri with thermal spa facilities and airport transfers — good choice for combining city visits with easy transfers to Erciyes.
    5
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    Kayseri Erciyes Grand Hotel

    Kayseri Erciyes Grand Hotel

    Large resort-style accommodation close to cable car and ski school, with family rooms and ski storage — practical for groups and families.
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    Ibis Styles Kayseri

    4.2

    Ibis Styles Kayseri

    Budget-friendly central Kayseri hotel with reliable amenities and easy city access — suitable if you prefer staying in town and commuting to the slopes.
    4.2
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    Novotel Kayseri

    4.5

    Novotel Kayseri

    Comfortable mid-range hotel near business and historic districts, offering spacious rooms and good transport links toward Erciyes — balanced option for comfort and convenience.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Zara

    Zara

    The event will take place at EKM Erciyes Kültür Merkezi in Kayseri.
    Map IconEKM Erciyes Kültür Merkezi in Kayseri (23.19 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Took me about 30min to reach the resort. Most large hotels (radisson - wyndham(former hilton)-...) have a bus service at the morning and back in the evening. Prices at the mou...

    Has anyone here skied in Kayseri/Erciyes?

    Took me about 30min to reach the resort. Most large hotels (radisson - wyndham(former hilton)-...) have a bus service at the morning and back in the evening. Prices at the mou...

    /r/Turkey
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hi bro. I live in kayseri.If you have any other questions, you can write. 1-2-There are hotels in the ski resort.But if you want to stay in the city center.You can take the sh...

    Has anyone here skied in Kayseri/Erciyes?

    Hi bro. I live in kayseri.If you have any other questions, you can write. 1-2-There are hotels in the ski resort.But if you want to stay in the city center.You can take the sh...

    /r/AskTurkey
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Erciyes is 2nd best. Weather can be challenging there as it is quite often windy, cold, and foggy. Its a really big ski area horizontally. Good skiing. Staying close to the sk...

    I would appreciate your help choosing which Ski resort to visit in Turkey

    Erciyes is 2nd best. Weather can be challenging there as it is quite often windy, cold, and foggy. Its a really big ski area horizontally. Good skiing. Staying close to the sk...

    /r/Turkey
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  • Reddit Icon

    (Erciyes has one hotel bar near the piste that serves alcoholic drinks). In Palandken affordable hotel options are Dedeman, Palan, Snowdora ski resort. On the luxury side I re...

    Question about skiing in turkey

    (Erciyes has one hotel bar near the piste that serves alcoholic drinks). In Palandken affordable hotel options are Dedeman, Palan, Snowdora ski resort. On the luxury side I re...

    /r/AskTurkey
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  • Reddit Icon

    Both are decent places to ski/snowboard. Erciyes is bigger and has more options for both on-mountain lodging and lodging in Kayseri. The ski area is really large east to west....

    Palandoken or Erciyes for Ski?

    Both are decent places to ski/snowboard. Erciyes is bigger and has more options for both on-mountain lodging and lodging in Kayseri. The ski area is really large east to west....

    /r/Turkey
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Skiing in Turkey, particularly at Mount Erciyes, was a pleasant surprise. We stayed in Kayseri, a nearby town, and drove to the resort each day. People were incredibly friendl...

    Any cheap ski trip options?

    Skiing in Turkey, particularly at Mount Erciyes, was a pleasant surprise. We stayed in Kayseri, a nearby town, and drove to the resort each day. People were incredibly friendl...

    /r/skiing
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  • Reddit Icon

    That place is really the best Ive seen to an actual ski resort like in the Alps or the Rockies. Fly into Sofia and then its a short two hour drive from there. But if your only...

    Skiing close to Istanbul

    That place is really the best Ive seen to an actual ski resort like in the Alps or the Rockies. Fly into Sofia and then its a short two hour drive from there. But if your only...

    /r/istanbul
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  • Reddit Icon

    Erciyes ski resort has wonderful trails and slopes for ski lovers. Its located in central Anatolia in Turkey.

    Top 10 Ski Resorts OF Turkey You Can Visit In This Winters

    Erciyes ski resort has wonderful trails and slopes for ski lovers. Its located in central Anatolia in Turkey.

    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Early January can be hit or miss. All depends on the weather. Palandoken will give you the best chances of having good conditions at that time as it is colder and snowier in g...

    Are the snow conditions for skiing in Turkey good enough in early January? Which place is usually best?

    Early January can be hit or miss. All depends on the weather. Palandoken will give you the best chances of having good conditions at that time as it is colder and snowier in g...

    /r/Turkey
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    I'll be solo traveling around Turkey in late February and I'm hoping to do a day trip from Goreme to ski in Erciyes. It looks to be just over an hour via car, but I ...

    - Goreme to Erciyes Ski Resort

    I'll be solo traveling around Turkey in late February and I'm hoping to do a day trip from Goreme to ski in Erciyes. It looks to be just over an hour via car, but I ...

    /r/Turkey
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  • Reddit Icon

    We cannot provide a description for this page right now

    Tips for going from Kayseri City to Erciyes Ski Resort this ...

    We cannot provide a description for this page right now

    /r/AskTurkey
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  • Reddit Icon

    Kartalkaya- Small resort, good snow quality, short pistes, generally snowboarders prefer it. Halfway between istanbul and ankara. Erciyes- Really close to Kayseri city center,...

    Updated map of European countries where you can ski

    Kartalkaya- Small resort, good snow quality, short pistes, generally snowboarders prefer it. Halfway between istanbul and ankara. Erciyes- Really close to Kayseri city center,...

    /r/skiing
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  • Reddit Icon

    I could recommend Kayseri/ Erciyes, Erzurum/ Palandken and Kars/ Sarkam in Turkey if you are looking for something cheap. Kayseri is the biggest ski resort in Turkey with wide...

    Recommendations on snowboarding resorts in Europe for the upcoming winter

    I could recommend Kayseri/ Erciyes, Erzurum/ Palandken and Kars/ Sarkam in Turkey if you are looking for something cheap. Kayseri is the biggest ski resort in Turkey with wide...

    /r/snowboarding
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  • Reddit Icon

    I'm heading to Turkey today for two weeks and looking to ski. Unfortunately the snow forecast doesn't look very good, with just a few cm in the next few days in most...

    - Where to ski in Turkey?

    I'm heading to Turkey today for two weeks and looking to ski. Unfortunately the snow forecast doesn't look very good, with just a few cm in the next few days in most...

    /r/solotravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Posted by u/Michaelcbaldwin - 1 vote and no comments

    We just explored the beautiful city of Kayseri in Turkey and went skiing for the first time at the Erciyes Ski Resort in an intense snow storm but we couldnt let that stop the adventure! I loved Kayseri!

    Posted by u/Michaelcbaldwin - 1 vote and no comments

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  • Reddit Icon

    I was there last year in December. Istanbul was cold but doable cold. Just one jacket and good to go. Cappadocia was cold but its the most beautiful place I have seen snowed o...

    Travelling through Turkey in the Winter (Tips welcome!)

    I was there last year in December. Istanbul was cold but doable cold. Just one jacket and good to go. Cappadocia was cold but its the most beautiful place I have seen snowed o...

    /r/solotravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Has anyone here skied in Kayseri/Erciyes? r/Turkey r/Turkey This subreddit is for news and discussion about Turkey. Posts both in English and Turkish are welcome. Bu subreddit...

    Mount Erciyes (3916 meters) Kayseri Turkey Solo Treaking

    Has anyone here skied in Kayseri/Erciyes? r/Turkey r/Turkey This subreddit is for news and discussion about Turkey. Posts both in English and Turkish are welcome. Bu subreddit...

    /r/Mountaineering
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Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Forrest Frank - SUNRISE

    Forrest Frank - SUNRISE

    Uplifting instrumental to match early-morning mountain vistas and set a positive tone for ski days.
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    Jon Hopkins - Open Eye Signal - Remaster 2023

    Jon Hopkins - Open Eye Signal - Remaster 2023

    Hypnotic electronic beat ideal for lively chairlift rides and building anticipation before hitting the slopes.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Folk-tinged indie track with buoyant energy that complements outdoor adventure and panoramic views.
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    Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

    Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

    Upbeat pop-rock with joyful rhythm that keeps spirits high during group excursions and après-ski moments.
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    M83 - Midnight City

    M83 - Midnight City

    Dreamy synth-pop perfect for evening drives, night skiing vibes, and city lights in Kayseri.
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    Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks

    Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks

    Catchy indie duet that creates a relaxed, social atmosphere—great for ski lodge downtime with friends.
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    Capital Cities - Safe And Sound

    Capital Cities - Safe And Sound

    Calming yet cinematic song useful for quiet moments at viewpoints or winding down before bed.
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    Bad Bunny - Tarot

    Bad Bunny - Tarot

    Melodic, slightly exotic indie piece that complements cultural exploration and visits to museums and historic sites.
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  • Music Icon

    Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia

    Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia

    Soulful classic bringing warmth and nostalgia—fitting for long transfers or cozy evenings in Kayseri.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Jay Sean - Ride It

    Jay Sean - Ride It

    Modern electronic-pop with steady groove that keeps energy up while traversing ski areas or taking snowmobile tours.
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