Palandoken Ski Touring , located near Erzurum in Eastern Turkey, is one of the premier ski destinations in the region. While it is well-known for on-piste skiing with modern lifts and well-groomed slopes, the surrounding terrain offers excellent opportunities for ski touring (backcountry/off-piste skiing). These areas provide untouched snow, scenic alpine landscapes, and a true backcountry experience, accessible only with a certified IFMGA guide.
All off-piste tours should be led by IFMGA-certified guides due to avalanche risk, variable snow conditions, and unmarked trails. Skiers should have intermediate to advanced skills for off-piste terrain.
Palandoken Ski Touring Quick Facts
Difficulty Level: 🟠Intermediate to Advanced (depending on chosen route – off-piste)
Age Range: 18 – 55 years
Group Size: 7-14 participants (with IFMGA-certified guide)
Accommodation: 3 nights in a ski-in/ski-out hotel (twin/double rooms, breakfast included)
Best Season: December – March (optimal snow and safe touring conditions)
Trip Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Note: If weather or snow conditions are unfavorable, the ski touring program may be replaced with an on-piste alpine skiing program.
Popular Touring Routes Around Palandoken
- Â Northern Slopes (North Side Touring)
Terrain & Route: Gentle to moderate slopes, open alpine fields, some forested areas.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Guide: Recommended with IFMGA-certified guide for orientation and safety.
Access: Directly accessible from Palandoken top lifts; 20–30 min hike for full tour start.
Best Season: Late December – March (stable snow, low avalanche risk).
Distance: ~5–7 km one-way or looped depending on route chosen. - Southern Slopes (South Side Touring)
Terrain & Route: Steeper slopes, mixed open areas and trees, some rocky patches.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Guide: Mandatory due to avalanche and navigation challenges.
Access: Hike or short lift ride to upper south slopes.
Best Season: Late January – March (deep snow, stable conditions).
Distance: ~4–6 km per run. - Upper Forest Trails (Near Top Lifts)
Terrain & Route: Long forested paths with gentle-to-moderate gradients.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Guide: Recommended for first-time touring in forested terrain.
Access: Top lifts or short hike; entry points near ski resort boundary.
Best Season: January – March.
Distance: ~6–8 km; can combine with northern or southern slopes. - Combined Loop Routes (Multi-Slope Touring)
Terrain & Route: Combination of north, south, and forested areas; full-day tour possible.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Guide: Mandatory for navigation and safety.
Access: Requires use of multiple lifts or initial hike to connect slopes.
Best Season: Late January – March.
Distance: ~8–10 km depending on loop configuration.
 Summary
- Arrival & evening briefing in Erzurum → transfer to Palandoken hotel
- Northern slopes tour with guide
- Southern slopes & forest trail touring
- Combined loop day + departure to Erzurum
Palandoken Ski Touring – Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Erzurum – Transfer to Palandoken
Morning flight from Tehran to Erzurum.
Private transfer (~40 min) to Palandoken Ski Resort.
Check-in at ski-in/ski-out hotel.
Evening: Introduction to the ski touring program, equipment check, avalanche and safety briefing with IFMGA-certified guide.
Overnight: Palandoken hotel - Day 2: Northern Slopes Ski Touring
Warm-up and orientation on northern slopes.
4–6 hour guided tour on gentle-to-moderate terrain with breathtaking alpine views.
Practice route finding, safety drills, and downhill techniques.
Evening: Return to hotel for dinner and rest.
Overnight: Palandoken hotel - Day 3: Southern Slopes & Forest Trails
Transfer to southern access point.
Guided off-piste skiing on advanced terrain with tree sections and steeper gradients.
Afternoon: Explore forest trails near top lifts for varied terrain and scenic descent.
Evening: Group review session, optional photography, dinner at hotel.
Overnight: Palandoken hotel - Day 4: Combined Loop Route – Full Day Touring & Departure
Full-day guided loop connecting north, south, and forest trails (~8–10 km).
Enjoy panoramic views, untouched snowfields, and extended ski runs.
Late afternoon: Return to hotel, pack-up, and private transfer back to Erzurum Airport.
Departure flight to Tehran.
What’s Included
3 nights in slope-side hotel (breakfast included)
3 full days of guided ski touring led by IFMGA-certified guides
Daily hotel ↔ touring area transfers
Avalanche safety briefing and basic backcountry skills
Group dinner on Day 2 & 3
Not Included
International flights (Tehran ↔ Erzurum)
Personal ski equipment (available for rent on-site)
Lunches & personal expenses
Travel insurance (mandatory for winter sports)
Safety & Notes
All routes are off-piste and unmarked; expert guidance is essential.
Avalanche conditions can change; tours may be modified for safety.
Suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Participants should carry standard touring gear: avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, helmet, and layered clothing.
This 4-day Palandoken off-piste ski touring program gives skiers a true backcountry experience, with untouched slopes, forest trails, and professional IFMGA guide support – a perfect winter escape from Tehran.
Route Flexibility & Safety Notice
All touring routes around Palandoken are subject to change based on weather conditions, snow stability, and the skill level of participants. Our IFMGA-certified guides continuously assess avalanche risk, slope safety, and group capabilities before and during the tour. While we provide recommended routes such as the northern slopes, southern slopes, and forest trails, the final itinerary may be adjusted to ensure maximum safety and an enjoyable experience for everyone. This flexibility is a key part of responsible backcountry guiding.