MONT ERCIYES - MONT HASAN - MONT EZNEVIT
Ski touring through the wild Taurus mountain range that rises up from Anatolia in the center of Turkey.
Going up through a canyon or in a lost valley, it is not rare to see a wolf, a lynx or a ibex because these mountains have kept an exceptional fauna.
In addition to the attraction of these massifs for ski touring, this trip is also an invitation to discover another people, since we share the roof, the life and the traditions of these mountain populations, which reserves us a welcome beyond all hope.
Every evening we taste a different dish prepared with great care by the lady of the house, inherited from the oldest culinary traditions of the region. We will end this Turkish odyssey with a detour in Cappadocia to discover its troglodyte villages carved out of volcanic ash from the Erciyes and Hasan rivers.
What you will do during your trip
You will ski the wild peaks of the Taurus Mountainsin Turkey.
Hosted with locals for 5 nights, sharing food and customs.
Without forgetting to visit Derinkuyu, la cité souterraine de l’époque paléo-chrétienne la plus grande de Turquie.
Frequently asked questions
TRAVEL BAG AND SKI BAG
As we travel by plane, boat, car or minibus, space is often at a premium. So it’s best to keep your luggage small and easy to carry. We advise you to travel with a soft duffel bag with wheels, a soft ski sleeve without wheels and a separate ski boot bag.
BACKPACK (25 / 35 liters with carrying strap for skis) for the day’s essentials:
– warm down jacket at the bottom of the bag,
– goggles with a screen for bad weather,
– neck warmer against wind, cold, powder and sun,
– high-protection sun cream for face and lips,
– spare gloves if you fall down a lot, or mittens if you’re afraid of the cold,
– thermos flask if it’s cold or camel bag if it’s mild,
– dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars,
– survival blanket, shovel and probe.
CLOTHING
You’ll spend a lot more time in ski clothes than in après-ski gear.
At any time of year, the weather can be fine and mild, or extremely cold, snowy or rainy.
Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing: During a snowstorm, skiing is fantastic in the forest. Pack an extra layer of clothing in your daypack to adapt to any changes in temperature. Temperatures vary with altitude, on the order of 10°C per 1000 meters. As a result, the difference in temperature between the valley and the summit can vary by 20° or more with the effect of the wind.
If you’re properly equipped, you’ll enjoy skiing whatever the weather. We ski in all weathers.
Yes, and that’s all we’ll be doing – there won’t be any ski lifts around!
If you have an avalanche transceiver, we advise you to bring it with you. If it’s an old model, it’s a good opportunity to check that it’s working properly, and to practice with it. If it’s brand new, it’s important to use it as often as possible to familiarize yourself with its operation. Regular training is the only way to be efficient when you need it! If you don’t have a transceiver, please let us know on the registration form and we’ll provide you with one when possible.
The 9V guides use and recommend 80 mm to 95 mm wide touring skis, depending on your build. Fitted with pin-type touring bindings, preferably with ski stops, these skis are light enough for climbing with skins on, and a joy to ski down. We recommend 3 or 4-hook touring boots with 60° of travel.
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Program
DAY 1: Arrival Ankara – Ihlara
Meet at Ankara airport and transfer to the hotel (reception time according to flight schedules). Transfer to Ihlara by private minibus (4 hours drive). On the way we visit the salt lake of Tuz Golu. Night in a family pension in Ihlara.
DAY 2: Mount Hasan – Taurus
Hasan Dag is one of the volcanoes that were active three million years ago and covered Cappadocia with their lava. Departure early in the morning for the ascent to the summit of Mount Hasan. At the top at 3268 mts high, we have a very nice view of Cappadocia and Anatolia. After a spectacular descent, our minibus takes us to the village of Çukurbag (2 hour transfer). Overnight at the inhabitant’s home in this mountain village.
DAY 3: Mont Guzeller – Taurus
Early breakfast then transfer to Askam Pinari Valley. Easy 4-hour ascent to the summit of the Guzeller at 3461 mts high. Descent towards Askam Pinari and return to the village of Çukurbag. Dinner and accommodation in the village.
DAY 4: Mount Alaca – Taurus
Transfer to the Aksam Pinari valley. Ascent to Ayciveli pass at an altitude of 3400 mts. Then we continue along the southern flank to the summit of Mount Alaca at 3585 mts high. A superb descent along the large valley of Buyuk Mangirci to the Sarimehmetler plateau rewards our efforts. Back to Çukurbag village. Dinner and accommodation in the village.
DAY 5: Celik Pass – Mount Emler – Taurus
Morning breakfast, then transfer by 4×4, to go to the departure of the valley which gives access to the Yalak Deresi gorges at 1900 mts high. After a few fairy chimneys erected like sentinels, we enter the narrow gully surmounted by huge walls leading to the upper valley. Through fairly easy slopes, we will reach the Celik Buyduran Pinari Pass at 3450 mts high. From the pass, you can admire the plateau of the seven lakes, in this season covered with snow… From the pass there is the possibility to continue to the top of Emler Tepe at 3765 mts high. From the summit, the view leads to the Cappadocian volcanoes of Erciyes and Mount Hasan. Return on skis by the same itinerary and then to our B&B. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Day 6: Mont Eznevit – Taurus
Transfer to the starting point in Emli valley. 4 hour ascent to the summit of Mount Eznevit at 3472 mts high. Descent to Emli valley and back to Çukurbag village for dinner and accommodation.
DAY 7: Maden Gorge – Mount Kaletep – Taurus
Early in the morning, transfer to Maden gorge. Easy three hour ascent to the top of Mount Kaletepe at 3200mts high. The view is wonderful. Descent on long slopes in the west to Buldurus pass at an altitude of 1700 mts. Transfer to the village. In the afternoon transfer to Cappadocia for the night. On the way, we visit Derinkuyu, the underground city of the Paleo-Christian era, the largest in Turkey.
DAY 8: Mont Erciyes – Ankara
Early morning transfer to Mount Erciyes. 5 hours of ascent along the Seytanderesi valley. A magnificent view from the summit at 3916 mts above sea level. Descent and transfer (5 hours) to Ankara for the night in the hotel.
DAY 9: Ankara – Retour
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight.
The program is subject to change depending on the conditions on the ground and the fitness of the participants.
Hotels and Huts
Hotels and Huts
NIGHTS AT THE INHABITANT: 5 nights with full board at the inhabitant
FAMILY PENSION: 1 night full board in a family pension.
HOTEL: 2 nights at the hotel with breakfast.
Included
Included 9V GUIDES
Full-time supervision by a UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide or a fully qualified ski guide specialist of the region.
LOGISTIC
A local French-speaking tourist guide.
ACCOMMODATION
8 nights in mixed style accommodation:
-5 nights in full board at the inhabitant.
-1 night full board in a family pension.
-2 nights in a comfortable hotel with breakfast in a double room.
LUNCHES
We will provide you with a copious picnic, but do plan to bring some groceries (dried fruits, marzipan…), a snack will also be served at the end of each hike.
TRANSPORTATION
Transfers by private minibus and 4×4 in the Taurus Mountains.
SAFETY GEAR
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Not included
Not included RESCUE INSURANCE
TRIP INSURANCE
TOURING SKIS
DRINKS
Often group members will pool their money for wine at the dinner table.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
Entrance tickets to historical sites, to the museum, dinners in Ankara, drinks, energy bars …
PLANE TICKETS
All plane tickets are at your expense.
