Bozdag Ski Center - Our Local Ski Resort.

By Luke & Callie Hock

Developed by the Izmir Governor's office in 2003, the Bozdag Ski Center boasts an "open bowl" type ski area with two T-Bars and one Chairlift that rises impressively over 600 vertical meters! The hotel that sits at the base of the skiing area has 20 hotel rooms, a top-floor bar with scenic views, a games room, and 2 large dining rooms.

It is easily acessed from the Izmir highway, off at the Selcuk exit, past the towns Tire and Odemis, and up the mountain to the town of Bozdag. Once in Bozdag town carry on until you see the turn off for Bozdag Kayak Merkezi... Driving distance from Bodrum 285 km...

While it caters to the local Izmir weekend crowd, the real beauty of visiting this place is during the week. In our visits there typically 10 to 30 people are skiing weekdays which gives the place the air of being "yours." On blue sky days the views out over the extending valley are alone worth the trip up. Toboggans are also available to rent for non skiers.

When I visited Bozdag for the first time in 2006, it was one of those Turkish experiences which shocks and delights you. I thought how could this place be so spectacular and yet so few have heard about it!

In our last visit (skiing March 2 & 3, 2009) the snow conditions were optimal and weather perfect for "spring skiing". The staff says the snow base is over 2 meters and the best year's snowfall since they opened up in 2003. They expect to be open until March 30.


Have a look at their website for more details, please note the number to call for snow info / reservations is now: 0533 664 1151. http://www.bozdagkayak.com/eng/kayak.php

Details for planning a visit: The package the hotel offers includes your room, breakfast, dinner, and your lift pass. (Drinks, lunch and ski/board rental (at 20TL per day) are extra). Avoid if you can the alpine traffic jam there on the weekends! Also, while one T-Bar will always run at a minimum on weekdays, the resort may not open the Chairlift depending on conditions and number of skiers...

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE: Readers of the BodrumBulletin should present a printed copy of the advert HERE to get 10% off! (Offer excludes food and beverages).