Ski Touring around Lake Van, Turkey
Dormant volcanoes above a huge high-altitude lake, cold dry snow and almost no other skiers. This eight-day trip around Lake Van in eastern Turkey climbs Mount Artos, Mevzi, Kartaltepe and Baset, with a hotel in Van as the base and a rest day on Akdamar Island.
| Duration | 8 days, 5 guided ski tours |
| Season | February (December to March on request) |
| Group departure | 6–13 February 2027 |
| Price | from €1,398 per person |
| Level | Demanding: 1,000 m+ per day and solid off-piste technique |
| Altitude | Skiing between about 1,700 and 3,700 m |
| Terrain | Open, non-glaciated volcanic slopes, mostly 25–35° |
| Base | 3-star hotel in central Van |
| Meeting point | Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN), usually via Istanbul |
Ski touring in eastern Turkey
Lake Van lies at about 1,640 m, and the volcanoes around it climb to over 3,500 m. In February the continental climate keeps the snow cold and dry, and the wide, even slopes are ideal for long descents without glaciers or crevasses.
Few ski tourers come here, so you share the mountains with shepherds’ villages rather than other groups. Evenings are spent in Van, with dinner in a local restaurant and a hamam after the last tour.
Highlights
- Summit of Mount Artos (3,537 m)
- Mount Baset (3,684 m), the highest tour of the week
- Cold, dry February snow on wide volcanic slopes
- Boat trip to Akdamar Island and its Armenian church
- Traditional Turkish hamam
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Van. Transfer to the hotel, gear check, briefing and the first dinner.
Day 2 – Artos lower summit (2,970 m). From the village of Abalı at about 1,800 m, with a powder descent on the same slopes.
Day 3 – Mount Artos (3,537 m). The main summit from the north, down wide slopes and a narrower, steeper valley.
Day 4 – Mount Mevzi (3,280 m). Via Çatak and Onagil, using the west face of the mountain.
Day 5 – Rest day. Gevaş, the boat to Akdamar Island and its 10th-century church, sunset by the lake.
Day 6 – Kartaltepe (3,300 m). A tour starting from Boyunpınar.
Day 7 – Mount Baset (3,684 m). The biggest day of the week from Bağrıyanık, up and down the same line.
Day 8 – Departure. Transfer to Van airport.
Price includes
- 3-star hotel in Van with breakfast
- Dinners in a local restaurant
- Local transport as per the program
- 5 guided ski tours with a local mountain guide
- Akdamar Island boat trip and hamam
- Trip organisation and VAT
Price excludes
- International flights and luggage fees
- Ski transport on flights
- Guiding on free days
- Travel and ski touring insurance
- Personal equipment and expenses
Who is this tour for?
Fit ski tourers who are happy with 1,000 m or more of climbing per day and can ski powder as well as wind-packed snow. A good choice if you have done the Alps and want something quieter and different.
Equipment
Bring full ski touring gear: skis or splitboard with skins, touring boots, poles, helmet and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). Rental gear can be arranged if you book at least 21 days ahead. Shop ski touring equipment or see which destination fits which month.
Frequently asked questions
It is demanding. Most days have more than 1,000 m of ascent and the snow can range from powder to wind-packed slab, so you need solid off-piste technique.
Usually cold and dry, thanks to the continental climate and the altitude. The slopes are open, non-glaciated and mostly 25–35°.
Fly to Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN), usually via Istanbul. We run one group transfer per day.
In a 3-star hotel in central Van with breakfast. Dinners are in a local restaurant.
Van is a busy regional city visited by Turkish and foreign tourists. We follow official travel advice and local partners, and adjust plans if the situation changes.
See all guided ski tours · When to go ski touring: month by month
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