What Can Non-Skiers Do at Erciyes?

When Erciyes is mentioned, the first things that come to mind are skiing and snowboarding. But you don't need to know how to ski or own ski equipment to visit Erciyes Ski Resort.

In the winter months there are plenty of alternatives, such as enjoying the snowy scenery, riding the gondola up to the higher sections, sledging, spending time in the cafés and exploring the surroundings. In summer, trekking, cycling, camping and nature activities come to the fore.

So even if you don't ski, you can make Erciyes part of your trip to Kayseri.

Can You Visit Erciyes Without Skiing?

Yes. Erciyes Ski Resort is not an area intended only for skiers.

There are also various options for visitors who don't ski. Especially in winter, those who want to see snow, breathe the mountain air and see the higher reaches of Erciyes can visit the area on a day trip.

If you don't ski, instead of spending your day on the ski slopes you can plan it around the gondola, sledging, walking, the scenery, food and relaxation.

1. Take the Gondola Up to the Higher Sections of Erciyes

For non-skiers, one of the best activities at Erciyes is going up to the higher sections by gondola or other suitable lifts.

Seeing the snow-covered mountain scenery from above can be quite impressive, especially in clear, sunny weather.

Riding the gondola lets you experience Erciyes without having to ski.

For current ticket prices, operating hours and piste maps for the gondola and lifts, see our

Erciyes Ski Resort Guide page.

2. Enjoy the Snowy Scenery

You don't have to go to Erciyes just to ski.

In the winter months, when the slopes of the mountain and the area around the ski resort are covered in snow, Erciyes also offers a lovely setting for taking photos and enjoying nature.

In particular, even at times when there is no snow in Kayseri city centre, winter conditions can continue in the higher sections of Erciyes.

If you don't ski, for a few hours you can:

• Take in the snowy views,
• Take photos,
• Walk in the mountain air,
• Spend time in the cafés,
• Explore different parts of Erciyes.

3. Go Sledging

If you don't want to ski, sledging is another winter alternative worth considering.

Sledging can be a simpler snow activity for visitors who don't want to learn to ski or don't have enough experience for skiing.

Sledging can be a fun option, especially for families with children.

However, the terms of use, opening hours and fees of the sledging areas may change during the season. So it is necessary to check the latest information before going to Erciyes.

4. Spend Time at Erciyes with Children

If you are going to Erciyes with children, you can make the most of the day without skiing too.

Enjoying the snow, sledging in suitable areas, taking a gondola ride and spending time at the facilities can be a different kind of winter experience for children.

In the summer months, there can also be cycling and activity areas for children at Erciyes.

For example, in the 2026 summer season the Children's Bicycle and Activity Park in the Tekir area operated for children aged 4–16. As seasonal opening hours and services may change, it is necessary to check the latest information before your visit.

5. Spend Time in the Cafés and Restaurants at Erciyes

One of the simplest options for non-skiers is spending time at the facilities.

In the cafés and restaurants at Erciyes you can have a hot drink, eat a meal and watch the atmosphere of the ski resort.

Especially if you have come with friends or family who ski, you can spend time at the facilities while they are on the slopes.

So when going to Erciyes as a group, not everyone has to ski.

6. Watch the Skiers

Even if you don't ski, you can be part of the skiing atmosphere at Erciyes.

Watching people ski and snowboard on the slopes can be interesting, especially if you have never skied before.

In fact, if you are coming to Erciyes for the first time, you can make a day trip to see the setting and get to know the ski resort before deciding to ski.

If you later decide to learn to ski, you can consider the training options suitable for beginners.

7. You Could Try Taking a Ski Lesson

Saying “I don't ski” doesn't mean “I can't ski”.

There are professional training options for those who want to ski for the first time.

If, after going to Erciyes and watching the skiers, you want to give it a try yourself, you can take a beginner-level lesson.

For your first experience, it is better to get support from professional instructors rather than heading onto the slopes on your own.

8. Take Photos at Erciyes

Erciyes offers plenty of rich photo opportunities, especially in the winter months.

The mountain itself, the snow-covered pistes, the cable cars and the surrounding scenery can all make for a variety of shots.

In clear weather, wide views stretching towards the Kayseri plain can be seen.

You don't need any special equipment to take photos either. You can capture lovely shots even with your phone.

9. Go Walking at Erciyes

Another option for non-skiers is walking.

But there is an important distinction here:

Taking a short walk around the ski resort is not the same thing as trekking or mountaineering at high altitude.

In the winter months, even an ordinary walking path can become difficult because of ice and snow.

For this reason:

• Check the weather.
• Watch out for slippery surfaces.
• Wear suitable footwear.
• Don't set out alone on routes you don't know.
• Don't take risks on high-altitude walks without experience and proper equipment.

If you are considering a more serious hike or a summit climb, you should plan it as a separate mountaineering activity. For summit routes and climbing details, see our Mount Erciyes and Mountaineering guide.

10. Watch the Night Skiing at Erciyes

Even for non-skiers, the night-time atmosphere at Erciyes can be a different experience.

At certain times and in suitable conditions, night skiing is possible on the floodlit pistes.

If you don't ski, you can't ski on the pistes, but you can experience the night atmosphere by spending time at the facilities.

As the days and hours of night skiing can change from season to season, you need to check the current schedule before your visit.

11. Go Camping at Erciyes

Although camping usually brings the summer months to mind, the camping areas at Erciyes can also be used in other seasons.

Especially in summer, tent and caravan camping is one of the main non-skiing activities at Erciyes.

In the 2026 season, the Tent and Caravan Camping Area at Erciyes operated at an altitude of around 2,200 metres and offered facilities such as electricity, water, showers, toilets, a kitchen and various social areas.

Those who want to camp need to check the season dates and current terms of use in advance.

12. What Can You Do at Erciyes in Summer Besides Skiing?

Erciyes shouldn't be thought of only in terms of the winter season.

For those who come to Erciyes in the summer months without skiing:

• Trekking
• Cycling
• Gondola
• Camping
• ATV safari
• Nature trips
• Children's activities
• High-altitude sports

are among the options available.

So if you don't ski, you can discover Erciyes from a rather different perspective, especially in the summer months.

"For detailed information about the nature walks and routes you can do at Erciyes in the summer months, see our Erciyes Hiking and Trekking Guide page.

"A One-Day Programme at Erciyes for Non-Skiers

If you want to spend a day at Erciyes without skiing, you could structure your programme like this:

Morning

Set off from Kayseri to Erciyes.

After reaching the ski resort, explore the surroundings and, if the weather allows, take a gondola ride.

Midday

Take a lunch break at a café or restaurant.

You can watch the skiers and enjoy the view.

Afternoon

In winter, go sledging or try a suitable snow activity.

In the summer months, you can go cycling, trekking or join another outdoor activity.

Evening

Before returning to Kayseri, you can stop for a hot drink at Erciyes.

If you are there during a period with night skiing and your schedule allows, you can stay at Erciyes longer into the evening.