The Bey Mountains and Saklıkent: skiing and mountain life in Antalya

Most people know Antalya for sea and sun, but the Bey Mountains (Beydağları) rising west of the city show another face in winter, with snow-covered peaks. Saklıkent Ski Resort, about an hour from the city centre, is one of the places where the sentence "ski in the morning, sea in the afternoon" is most often said. Living in Antalya means experiencing winter differently, not only summer. In this post we describe the Bey Mountains and Saklıkent, stating clearly where sources give different figures.

The Bey Mountains: Antalya's western wall

The Bey Mountains lie west of Antalya, in the part of the Taurus range that approaches the Mediterranean. According to Kemer Municipality's page on Mount Tahtalı, Tahtalı is 2,365 metres high and one of the highest points close to the sea; the mountain lies within Beydağları National Park on the Kemer coast. At one end of the area are Olympos and Çıralı, and further north Saklıkent. In January and February, when the city's average temperature is around 10 degrees, the Beydağları peaks are under snow. That striking contrast is one of Antalya's best-loved winter views. For the coastline below the mountains see our post on Olympos, Çıralı and Yanartaş.

Where is Saklıkent Ski Resort?

Saklıkent is a winter-tourism centre on the northern slope of Bakırlıdağ in the Bey Mountains. CNN Türk's 2019 report gives 47 km from the city centre, while a car-rental site speaks of 45–50 km and about an hour's drive. Hürriyet Seyahat's 2005 article gave 40 km. The difference comes from the point measured and the route; in practice plan for a journey of about an hour.

On altitude the sources diverge. A car-rental site says the ski area runs from about 1,850 to 2,550 metres; CNN Türk's 2019 report gives about 1,900 metres and its 2020 report 2,400 metres. These figures may refer to different points of the facility (base, cafeteria, summit). For the exact value, check the operator's current information.

Photo: Gkhnmhn / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Pistes and skiing facilities

Piste numbers and lengths also differ between sources. CNN Türk's 2019 report lists four runs: a red run of about 4,000 metres, a steep black run of 1,500 metres, a blue run of 1,500 metres and a 300-metre yellow training run. The car-rental site's guide again gives the red run as 4,000 metres and the black as 1,500 metres, but describes the blue as a 300-metre beginner area. Hürriyet's 2005 article spoke of two runs totalling about 3 km. So read the piste information as approximate and confirm with the operator before you go.

The lifts are said to include the Karakaya chairlift and the Saklıbel T-bar; Hürriyet's article gave the chairlift as 1,400 metres long. There is also a sled run, and according to CNN Türk sleds are rented from the resort. Skis, snowboards and sleds can be rented by the day; we do not give prices because they change from season to season.

When is the season and how is the snow?

Because of Antalya's mild climate, Saklıkent's season is shorter than at other ski resorts. According to CNN Türk's January 2020 report, the centre usually opens at the end of December and closes in March. A car-rental site gives late December to late March (sometimes early April) and calls January and February the best months. Hürriyet's 2005 article spoke of a season of about 120 days from early December to early April. Snow depth varies from year to year; in January 2020 it was reported to have reached about two metres on the slopes, while the same guide gives a typical depth of 100–200 cm. In the afternoon the snow can soften and fog can roll in.

In the city itself snow is very rare: according to Wikipedia, the record snow depth in Antalya city is 5 centimetres in January 1993. So to see snow you have to go up into the mountains.

How to get there and what to watch

• By car: The road passes the Çakırlar–Doyran junction in the direction of Uncalı. The car-rental site says carrying chains is compulsory in winter conditions; sort out tyres and chains in advance.
• Public transport: The same guide says route "500" runs from Antalya Bus Terminal between 08:30 and 15:30. Timetables can change, so check the Metropolitan Municipality's current information before you set out.
• Weather and snow: Do not go if there is no snow or the road is closed; follow the news and the operator's announcements.
• Clothing: There is a big gap between 10–15 degrees in the city and the weather at the summit; dress in layers and take gloves and goggles.
• If you do not ski: Sledding, snow walks and a hot drink at the summit cafeteria are options. Other nearby stops mentioned include the TÜBİTAK observatory, Geyikbayırı, Feslikan Plateau and Lake Doyran.

The Bey Mountains beyond skiing

Another face of the Bey Mountains in winter is Tahtalı. According to Kemer Municipality's page, the Olympos cable car runs from 1 November to 30 April between 10:00 and 17:00 with an hourly departure, linking the coast to the summit in about 15 minutes. Consult the operator for current hours and prices. For a view of the city from above you can also read our post on the Tünektepe cable car and looking down on Antalya.

Winter in Antalya: snow in the mountains, rain in the city

In winter it does not snow in Antalya city but rain and humidity increase, so you need to be prepared for both mountain and city. We explained how to deal with damp and mould at home in winter, rain, humidity and home heating in Antalya; for the general course of the seasons see Antalya's weather through the year.

Conclusion

The Bey Mountains and Saklıkent are among the best examples that Antalya is not only a summer city. Because figures vary from source to source, always confirm piste, altitude and season information from a current source. If you are thinking of living in Antalya, see our guide to buying a home in Antalya and projects page for areas and homes, and feel free to write to us with questions.

Sources: Kemer Municipality (Mount Tahtalı), CNN Türk (Saklıkent reports, 2019 and 2020), Hürriyet Seyahat (2005), Yolcu360 Saklıkent guide, Wikipedia (Antalya).

Cover photo: Krystsina Kashtanava / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons