Yıldıztepe

“Located opposite of the Ilgaz national park, Yıldıztepe ski resort is in the Kadınçayırı region and offers a unique skiing experience. The ski slope area houses a single rental shop, which can get crowded especially during the semester break. However, they are well-stocked for ski equipment but may fall short when it comes to clothing. The resort features a large restaurant near the chairlift area serving hot and cold beverages and food. A separate section in the establishment offers sausage, bread, and meatballs. During peak times, such as the semester break, the chairlifts could get overwhelmed, causing queues. The chairlift ride is slow, taking around 15 minutes to reach the summit, and can get chilly especially during heavy snowfall. The resort also offers sled rentals and a cafeteria at the summit. However, the cafeteria only serves hot drinks and no food. The resort has two ski runways of differing difficulty levels. The first one is of medium difficulty, ideal for novice and intermediate skiers and is about 5 kilometers long. The second one, known as the black track, has a high difficulty level and is recommended only to seasoned skiers. This track is about 2 kilometers long and has two steep sections referred to as "the wall." The snow quality at Yıldıztepe ski resort is medium level powder. It's best to reach the resort after 9:00 AM during weekends outside of the semester, as the chairlift operates only after this time. The resort also features a novice track without a lift. However, it's currently closed, which is a significant drawback, as it's an essential facility for beginners. The resort is quite popular during winter weekends due to its proximity to Ankara and the appeal of its ski slopes. Accommodation is available at the Ilgaz Hotel, located 400 meters below the track. While snowboarders may find the track a bit harsh, professional snowboarders often opt for the areas with denser snow in the forested section near the chairlift. Novice snowboarders might prefer the longer track number 1, which wraps around the mountain, but the low slopes in some parts might be tiring.”

“While there are areas where the facilities could use some improvement, I still find Yıldıztepe to be a destination worth visiting.”

“I am hopeful for more snow in the future, as it would greatly enhance the experience. The Green Runway, the training track, was accessible; however, it wasn't quite suitable for players at intermediate and advanced stages. On the other hand, the Black Track, designed for experienced players, was unfortunately closed. The food and beverage options were fairly priced, not overly expensive, unlike some places in Bolu. The cable car was operational, and I believe that if there's heavy snowfall, it would make for a great time.”

“I found the chairlift ride somewhat overpriced, despite understanding that maintenance fees are involved. The sled rental option for children felt steep as well and I was disappointed to find there wasn't a proper track, just a simple ramp lower down. Individuals had to find their own spaces which was a bit inconvenient. Furthermore, I believe the skiing experience can be greatly improved by offering longer, unrestricted access to sleds. Sadly, my visit was hampered by insufficient snowfall. The tracks had frozen over, making skiing less enjoyable, especially for a beginner like me.”