Overview
Uludağ, "Great Mountain", rises to 2,543 m above the city of Bursa and is the main ski area in north-west Turkey. The slopes are reached by a long cable car or by road from Bursa, through dense forest of fir, pine and beech. In winter, a cluster of hotels, ski lifts and runs operates on the upper slopes, and the resort is popular with families and students from Istanbul.
In summer, the mountain is a national park with hiking trails, picnic areas, alpine meadows and views to the Sea of Marmara. A walk to the summit is possible from the resort area, and the cool air is a relief from the heat of the plain. Plan around the weather: snow can come early and last late, and mist and wind are common.
Highlights
- Skiing and snowboarding on the main slopes
- The cable car above the forest
- Summer walks and alpine meadows
- Views over Bursa and the Sea of Marmara
Best time to visit
The ski season runs from about December to March, with the best snow in January and February. Summer, from June to September, is good for walking, with cool air and clear days. Spring and autumn are changeable.
- JanJanuary: Best
- FebFebruary: Best
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Not ideal
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Not ideal
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Best
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Istanbul (IST), then take a bus or ferry to Bursa (about 2.5 hours). From Bursa, the cable car or a road leads to the resort in about 30 to 45 minutes. Taxis, minibuses and car rental are available, and tours run from Istanbul.
What to expect
The resort is busy at weekends, with queues for the lifts and the cable car. Weather can change quickly, with fog, ice and wind. Equipment rental, ski schools and cafes are on the mountain, and hotels fill up early in winter.
Practical tips
- Book hotels and lift passes in advance for winter weekends.
- Check road conditions and bring snow chains in winter.
- Dress in layers and bring sunglasses, even in cloudy weather.
- In summer, start hikes early and watch for afternoon cloud.
Frequently asked questions
When is the ski season?
Usually December to March, depending on the snow.
How do I get to the top?
By cable car from Bursa, or by road. The cable car is long and scenic.
Is Uludağ good for beginners?
Yes, there are gentle slopes and ski schools, and it is easier than the big alpine resorts.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
