Morning Skiing, Afternoon Swimming
Very few places on earth make it possible to ski and swim in the sea on the same day. Saklıkent is one of them. Located just 50 kilometres and approximately one hour from Antalya city centre, on the north slope of Bakırlı Mountain in the Beydağları range, this ski resort sits between 1,900 and 2,400 metres above sea level — making it one of the few points in the world where serious winter sport is possible within an hour's drive of a Mediterranean beach resort.
The centre's slogan — "skiing in the morning, sea in the afternoon" — is most achievable in late February and March, when the ski season is still in full swing and the coast is already warm enough to swim.
The Resort
Saklıkent is built on the north face of Bakırlı Mountain in the Beydağları section of the Taurus range, a complex of 500 mountain houses and ski facilities. It is one of the ski resorts closest to both the Mediterranean and the Equator, with an average snow depth of 100 to 200 centimetres and depths reaching 4 metres at the summit on occasion.
The season runs from approximately 10 December to 10 April — around 120 days of skiing — and thanks to its mild climate, Saklıkent is the warmest ski resort in Turkey. The number of sunny days across the season reaches 50 to 60, which sets it apart from many ski resorts where grey, overcast conditions are the norm.
Slopes and Lifts
The resort has four slopes. The Red Piste is approximately 4,000 metres long with sharp turns and steep descents, served by the Karakaya chairlift. The Black Piste is 1,500 metres long — steep but without bends, connecting to the upper section of the red run. The Blue Piste is 1,500 metres of intermediate terrain. The Yellow Piste is a 300-metre beginner and training slope served by a baby lift.
The Karakaya chairlift carries 800 people per hour to the summit, serving both the professional slopes and the summit café with its panoramic views. Sledge runs are also available; only sleds rented from the resort are permitted on the designated sledging piste. Snowboard facilities, ski lessons, and equipment rental are all available on site.
Summer at Saklıkent
Saklıkent is not only a winter destination. At 2,400 metres, the summit becomes a cool, oxygen-rich escape from the coast's summer heat. Hiking, camping, and highland walks are all possible in the warmer months, and the resort accepts visitors year-round.
Important Notes
Even when Antalya city centre is sunny and warm, the mountain road can be icy. Carrying snow chains is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity. Before visiting, check current snow conditions and piste status through official channels or the Saklıkent Konut Yapı Kooperatifi's social media accounts.
Practical Information
- Location: North slope of Bakırlı Mountain, Konyaaltı. 50 km from Antalya city centre, 65 km from Antalya Airport.
- Getting there: Bus line 500 from Antalya bus terminal, daily 08:30–15:30. By car via the Uncalı direction, then Çakırlar–Doyran junction. Day-trip transfers available through hotels and tour operators.
- Season: 10 December – 10 April.
- Opening hours: 09:00–19:00.
- Entrance fee: Entry to the resort is free. Lifts, slopes, and equipment rental are charged separately.
- Time needed: Full day.
- Best time: Late February to March — optimal conditions for the "ski in the morning, swim in the afternoon" experience.
