When you think of Lebanon in particular, what are your first thoughts of this magical country that attracts tourists worldwide? Historical cultural sites, scenic landscapes, golden beaches, delicious cuisine and fabulous nightlife? How about skiing? It just isn’t a country you would associate with this popular pastime, but you would be wrong. In fact, skiing has been going strong in Lebanon since 1953. There are 7 ski resorts you can choose from.
Lebanon boasts 127 km of snowy slopes which are served by 48 ski lifts. The ski resort of Zaarour receives 2.9 stars out of 5. The largest ski resort is Mzaar Kfardebian which offers 80 km of slopes, it’s conveniently situated just one hour from Beirut and it’s close to the villages of Faraya and Kfardebian. The highest altitude ski resort is The Cedars with an altitude of 2,850m.
The top 4 ski resorts in Lebanon
Zaarour
This ski resort is located in the Mount Lebanon region, it offers great skiing and snowboarding with 16 km of slopes with 4 ski lifts. Its elevations are between 1,645 and 2,000 m. There are 0.3 km of beginner runs, 9.2 km for intermediates and 6.5 km for advanced skiers. Other activities include snow tubing and kids sledging, during the summer months you can go biking, hiking, swimming, boating and pedalos, tyrolienne, go camping or play tennis. The winter season is from early December until early April.
The Cedars
This ski resort is located in the Bsharri Mountains in northern Lebanon. Its Lebanon’s oldest ski resort and home to Lebanon’s first ski lift, which was built in 1953. It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding with over 9 km of slopes all served by 7 lifts. Its elevations are between 2,095 and 2,850 m. There are 4 km of beginner’s slopes, 2 km for intermediates and 3 km for advanced skiers. Other activities include cross country skiing and skidoo tours. This location also offers superb sites of interest including the birth and resting place of Gibran Khalil Gibran, which was Lebanon’s most famous poet, artist and novelist. The museum here exhibits his paintings and drawings and if you love to wander around beautiful churches and monasteries you won’t be disappointed. The winter season is from mid-November until late April.
Mzaar Kfardebian
This ski resort is the largest ski resort in the Middle East and has over 100 km of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. It has everything you could wish for in a ski resort including, superb snowy slopes, great entertainment, restaurants and lively bars. It boasts 80 km of slopes and is served by 19 lifts. Its elevations are between 1,850 and 2,465 m and has 46 km of beginner runs, 30 km for intermediates and 4 km for advanced skiers. It has a wonderful range of other activities including, sledging, snow mobile, zip line, raquette, swimming, spa and fitness facilities, bowling, cinema, children’s playground and arcade games are just a few on offer. The winter season is from early December until early April.
Laqlouq
This ski resort is located in the Mount Lebanon region. It offers good skiing and snowboarding with over 8 km of slopes served by 9 ski lifts. Its elevations are between 1,640 and 1,914 m. There are 5 km of beginner’s slopes, 3 km for intermediates, however it doesn’t have an advanced runs, therefore is ideal for novices and intermediates which are superb for families. It’s a winter and summer destination and is perfect for those who enjoy cross country skiing. A superb ski school is also in operation in Laqlouq and a plus is its landscapes, which offer panoramic snowy scenes. The winter season is from early December until early April.
Lebanon is an ideal summer and winter destination. Enjoy the sunshine in the summer and ski in the winter, what more could you want!