Ararat Ski Touring - Winter expedition on Ararat

Mount Ararat (5.137 m) is the highest mountain in Turkey and one of the most impressive ski touring destinations in Eastern Anatolia. This mountain offers a unique combination of high-altitude adventure, spectacular mountain scenery and a long ski descent from close to the summit.

Our Mount Ararat ski tour is designed with a simple and efficient mountain program. Instead of moving the camp several times during the ascent, we establish one Winter Camp at the elevation  approximately 3.300–3.500 m, depending on the snow conditions. From there, we make an acclimatization ascent before attempting the summit.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Dogubayazit
Our guide will meet you at the airport.
From the airport, we will transfer to Dogubayazit, the town located at the foot of Mount Ararat and our base for the expedition.
After checking in at the hotel, you will have some time to rest after your journey. In the evening, we will meet together with the guides and other members of the group. We will also discuss the plan for the following days and make a final check of the equipment.
Overnight at a hotel in Dogubayazit.

Day 2: Dogubayazit – Mount Ararat Winter Camp
After breakfast, we will load our luggage, food and camping equipment into the minibus and drive towards Cevirme Village, located near the foot of Mount Ararat.
We will drive as high as the road and snow conditions allow, usually to the elevation approximately 2.200 m. From there we take our skis and begin the ascent towards our Winter Camp at approximately 3.300–3.500 m.
Depending on the snow conditions, especially in the lower part of the mountain, we may need to carry our skis until we reach continuous snow.
Our main luggage, food and camping equipment will be transported by horses as far as mountain and snow conditions allow.
After reaching the Winter Camp, we will set up our tents and have something to eat and drink. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxing and recovering after the ascent.
In the evening, our cook will prepare a hot dinner.
Overnight in tents at Winter Camp.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day
After breakfast at the campsite, we start our acclimatization ascent towards an altitude of approximately 4.000–4.200 m.
This acclimatization tour will help our bodies gradually adapt to the high altitude and prepare for the summit attempt.
After reaching our planned altitude and taking a short break, we ski back down to Winter Camp.
Hot drinks and snacks will be waiting for us at the campsite. The rest of the afternoon is free for resting and preparing our equipment for the summit day.
In the evening, we will have a hot dinner and discuss the weather conditions and the plan for the following morning.
Overnight in tents at Winter Camp.

Day 4 : Ascent to the Mount Ararat Summit
Summit day starts very early, usually around 2:00–3:00 a.m.
After waking up, we prepare our personal equipment and pack the luggage that will be transported down from the camp.
After an early breakfast, we take our packed lunches and start the ascent towards the summit of Mount Ararat.
We continue on skis as high as snow and ice conditions allow. Depending on the conditions near the summit, we may need to leave our skis at approximately 4.800–4.900 m. and continue the final part of the ascent on foot using crampons
After reaching the summit of Mount Ararat (5137 m), we take a short break to enjoy the views and take photos before beginning our descent.
We ski back down towards Winter Camp, where we will stop for a short rest, hot drinks and snacks. We then continue our descent towards Cevirme Village and the lower part of the mountain.
Our driver will be waiting for us at the meeting point for the transfer back to Dogubayazit.
We return to our hotel for a well-deserved shower and rest.
Overnight at a hotel in Dogubayazit.

Day 5:  Spare Day / Cultural Tour
This day is reserved as an extra mountain day in case weather or snow conditions do not allow us to attempt the summit as planned.
If we don’t use the spare day on the mountain, we will use it for a cultural tour around Dogubayazit.
We will visit the impressive Ishak Pasha Palace – Ottoman’s palace from 17th century and the Durupinar Site (a large boat-shaped geological formation that has long been associated with the story of Noah's Ark). After the sightseeing tour, we return to Dogubayazit.
Overnight at a hotel in Doğubayazıt.

Day 6 – Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your departure flight.
End of the Mount Ararat Ski Tour.

Note: The exact location of the Winter Camp and the route may change depending on snow and weather conditions.

Participants should have a good level of fitness and be confident skiing off-piste in variable snow conditions.

Previous ski touring experience is required.

Participants should also be familiar with basic avalanche safety procedures and know how to use avalanche safety equipment. If necessary, our guides can provide a safety briefing and equipment check before starting the tour.

The final decision regarding the route, summit attempt and use of skis or crampons will always be made by the mountain guide according to current conditions.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.