Nature & Outdoors

Uludağ

Everything you need to plan a ski or summit-climbing trip to Uludağ, from winter slopes and cable car access to summer routes and glacial lakes.

Summit Elevation: 2,543 m
Ski Slopes: 28 km
Summit Route: 14 km
Climb Time: 6-8 hours
Country: Turkey
State / City: Bursa
Nearby Airport: Bursa Yenişehir Airport

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Why Uludağ Is a Year-Round Mountain Destination

Uludağ rises to 2,543 m at Kartaltepe and is the highest mountain in Turkey's Marmara region. It combines a well-developed winter ski resort with rugged summer hiking terrain above the tree line, all inside Uludağ National Park close to the city of Bursa.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders use roughly 28 km of pistes served by dozens of lifts, while the Bursa Teleferik cable car provides fast panoramic access from the city. In summer, the same mountain transforms into a dry, rocky ridge route to Kartaltepe and Kesistepe, with glacial lakes such as Kilimli, Karagöl and Aynalı lying in lower basins.

Distance: 14 km round trip
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Season: June - September
Starting Point: Kurbağa Kaya Cable Car Station, Hotels Zone, 1,800 m

The Route, Step by Step

1
Kurbağa Kaya Cable Car Station
Start from the final Bursa Teleferik station in the Hotels Zone at approximately 1,800 m.
0 kmStart
2
Upper Ski Lift Stations
Follow the unpaved service roads beneath the ski lifts to gain elevation above the Hotels Zone.
2 km45 minutes-1 hour
3
Kesistepe
Continue along the exposed rocky ridge to Kesistepe and its abandoned hut at about 2,486 m.
4 km2-2.5 hours
4
Saddle Below Kartaltepe
Drop gently into the wide saddle before starting the final climb toward Kartaltepe.
5.5 km3-3.5 hours
5
Kartaltepe Summit
Reach the summit area at approximately 2,543 m and complete the ascent at the trig pillar.
7 km4 hours

Mountaineers climbing a snowy ridge on Uludağ near Bursa, Turkey, with ski slopes and pine forests in winter light

When Is the Best Time to Visit Uludağ?

For skiing, the main season runs from late December to late March, when the pistes between roughly 1,750 m and 2,543 m are covered with snow. Early-season snow is usually powdery, becoming heavier toward the end of the season.

For summer hiking, the most reliable window for the Kartaltepe ridge route is late June through September. Snow patches can linger on the high ridge into early June, and from November to May the exposed crest becomes a serious winter mountaineering route requiring snow equipment and strong navigation.

What the Mountain Actually Feels Like

In winter, Uludağ offers forested, mostly intermediate ski terrain with panoramic views of Bursa and the Marmara region. The Bursa Teleferik cable car ride up through the landscape is part of the experience, delivering visitors directly to the hotel area.

In summer, the summit route leaves the tree line quickly and becomes a dry, rocky ridge with scree, strong wind and no shade. The scenery is harsh and open, with wide views toward the glacial lakes and the surrounding national park, making the climb feel remote and demanding rather than highly technical.

A winter hiker with skis ascending a snowy ridge on Uludağ mountain near Bursa, Turkey, surrounded by pine trees and alpine peaks.

What to Bring

Water

Carry at least 2.5-3 litres per person because there are no water sources on the summit ridge.

Windproof Shell

A windproof layer is essential, as wind chill on the Kesistepe-Kartaltepe ridge drops temperatures quickly.

Trekking Poles

Use poles for stability on the loose scree descents between the peaks.

Sun Protection

Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat because the route has no shade above the tree line.

High-Traction Footwear

Wear stiff-soled hiking boots or approach shoes with strong grip for sharp, broken rock.

Getting to Uludağ

Uludağ lies in Bursa province in northwestern Turkey and is reached from the city of Bursa. The most convenient access is the Bursa Teleferik cable car, which climbs from the city to the final Kurbağa Kaya station in the Hotels Zone at about 1,800 m; drivers can instead follow the D-575 mountain road for roughly an hour to the Oteller Bölgesi and pay a national park vehicle entry fee.

From Bursa, travelers can continue with a private transfer, chauffeur service or rental car, while larger groups may prefer a minibus or charter bus depending on their itinerary and group size.