Uludağ: The Ski Slopes of the Mysian Olympus
Uludağ is located 150 km from Istanbul and 35 km from Bursa. Almost every hotel here has its own ski lifts, with usage fees usually included in the accommodation price. However, this doesn’t mean that a hotel’s ski lifts are restricted only to its guests. On the contrary, ski passes for lifts at other hotels can be purchased at their base stations, and these passes may be valid for multiple trips or several days.
The snow, which can reach a maximum thickness of 3 meters, covers the slopes from the second half of December until the end of March. The ski runs descend from 2,543 m to 1,750 m above sea level. They are wide, well-maintained, and mostly have plenty of trees.
The best time for skiing at Uludağ is between December and March.
Uludağ and the Gods of Antiquity
Modern-day Uludağ, known in antiquity as the legendary Mount Olympus of Mysia, is, according to mythology, where the gods Zeus, Athena, Ares, and Aphrodite watched over the end of the Trojan War.
«Uludağ» translates to «Great Mountain» and is the tallest mountain in Western Anatolia. In the Middle Ages, it was renowned as a retreat for Byzantine monks, giving rise to its Turkish name, «Keşiş Dağı», meaning «Monks’ Mountain.»
Near the summit of Uludağ lies an abandoned wolfram mine. Built in 1974 at a cost of $60 million along with a wolfram processing plant, this mine was closed in 1989 as the operation proved unprofitable.
Ski Runs from Green to Black
The peaks of Uludağ reach around 2,500 m above sea level, and skiing here is possible from December to April. Uludağ is an excellent destination for a family winter vacation. Most slopes cater to beginners, with 10 green and 8 blue runs. There are also slopes for thrill-seekers, with 6 red and 1 black ski runs. Children have their own wide, beginner-friendly slopes, while Uludağ also attracts fans of slalom, ski racing, and biathlon.
The hotels in Uludağ each have their unique charm, with their own ski lifts. As you ascend, you can enjoy the stunning natural scenery of pine-covered slopes and blue lakes.
Uludağ also features several mineral springs with healing properties. Its mountain air is recommended for those with lung conditions or anyone suffering from fatigue.
At night, dozens of bars and small restaurants open their doors, with discos often lasting until morning.
Uludağ – Bursa
It takes about 20-30 minutes to get from Uludağ to Bursa, one of Turkey’s largest cities, by a cable car.
Bursa’s most renowned landmarks include the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii), the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), as well as the Old and New Baths. Shops and numerous bazaars offer a wide selection of high-quality goods at prices that even Istanbul might envy.
Bursa’s therapeutic hot springs, famous since the Roman Empire, are particularly noteworthy. Just 80 km from Bursa lies the Yalova thermal spring. This beautiful site is surrounded by a botanical garden with 1,000 species of plants and trees, encircling a complex of Turkish thermal baths, a sanatorium, and an outdoor pool with water temperatures of 37-38 degrees year-round.
Key Features of the Uludağ Ski Resort
Resort elevation: 1,765 — 2,543 m
Total number of lifts: 22
Green runs: 10%
Blue runs: 30%
Red runs: 20%
Black runs: 40%
Cable Car: 1
Total runs: 30
Snow park: 1
Total run length: 35 km
