Yıldız Dağı Ski Center

Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region is located in the north of Sivas Province. Yıldız Dağ, situated at an elevation of 2,552 metres above sea level, is 58 kilometres from the city centre of Sivas. The ski resort established at the foothills of the mountain is one of Türkiye’s newest state-supported ski centres. The facility has been operational since the 2014–2015 winter season.

Yıldız Dağı Kayak Merkezi (Republic of Türkiye Sivas Governorate)

Geographical and Geological Features

Yıldız Dağ is composed of gabbro-type rocks. It has a topographical structure suitable for skiing, with slopes ranging between 12 and 24 degrees. The optimal elevation range for training areas is between 1,900 and 2,200 metres.

Yıldız Dağı Kayak Merkezi (Republic of Türkiye Sivas Governorate)

Winter Sports Infrastructure

Yıldız Dağı Ski Centre features ski runs that comply with Fédération Internationale de Ski standards. Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and sledding are practised at the centre.

The ski centre has a total of seven ski runs, with lengths ranging from 900 metres to 3,500 metres. Additionally, there is a sledding slope for children, a moving walkway (400 metres), two chairlifts (2,551 metres and 1,636 metres in length), one ski lift (804 metres in length), and T-bars. Lighting systems are installed to enable night skiing.

Accommodation and Facilities

The ski centre includes two hotels with capacities of 110 and 90 beds, 25 bungalows, and a total accommodation capacity of approximately 300 beds. In addition, the facility provides cafés, restaurants, five day-use facilities, a health centre, technical infrastructure, an administrative building, and a police station.

Yıldız Dağı Kayak Merkezi (Republic of Türkiye Sivas Governorship)

Ice Park

The Yıldız Dağı Winter Sports and Tourism Centre hosts the first Ice Park in Sivas. The park features a 200-square-metre ice skating area along with shared-use facilities including a cafeteria, viewing terrace, skate rental service, and waiting lounge.

Summer Sports and Other Activities

Yıldız Dağ offers various activities not only during winter but also throughout the summer months. The region supports equestrianism, cycling, camping, trekking, and water sports (fishing, diving, boat tours). Additionally, ice skating and paragliding events are held year-round.

Transportation

The centre is connected to the city centre of Sivas by road. Sivas has air and high-speed rail connections to major cities such as Ankara, Istanbul and İzmir. A 54-kilometre road links Yıldız Dağ with Sıcak Çermik Hot Springs. Part of this road has been completed, while construction of the remaining sections is ongoing.

Yıldız Dağı Kayak Merkezi (Republic of Türkiye Sivas Governorate)

Tourism Potential and Usage Status

The Yıldız Dağı Winter Sports and Tourism Centre welcomed approximately 145,000 visitors during the 2022–2023 season. For the 2023–2024 season, the target is to exceed 200,000 visitors. The ski season opened on 29 November and was supported by artificial snowmaking systems to enable an early start. Hotel and bungalow occupancy reached 100 per cent during the New Year and holiday periods.

Potential for High-Altitude Training Camps

According to academic studies, Yıldız Dağ has the potential to serve as a high-altitude sports training camp due to its elevation. Average temperatures in July and August are around 17 °C, with wind speeds of approximately 15 km/h. The elevation range of 1,900–2,200 metres where training areas are located provides an ideal environment for athletes. However, currently there are no sports facilities such as football fields, running tracks or cycling paths in the area. To fully utilise this potential, development of sports fields and accommodation infrastructure is required.