Palandoken is the center of a major ski resort area in the province of Erzurum in the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. Palandoken Mountain is 3,271 meters high. Skiers from all over the world come to budget hotels in Palandoken to try out the longest ski trail in Turkey. It has high quality, fine grained, light powder snow. The steep slopes on the backside of the mountain are considered a challenge even by the most experienced skiers. The trails are sometimes closed because of fog and the risk of avalanche. Nonetheless, some 32,000 people can ski here everyday. The chair lifts can handle 4500 people an hour. The nearest city, Erzurum, is one of the highest and coldest communities in Turkey. It will host the 25th World Winter Games in 2011.
Erzurum is a very old city, dating back to Roman times. You can still see the ruins of a medieval citadel fortress and the 13th century Cifte Minareli Medrese (the Twin Minaret Madrasa). This is a monument from the late Seljuk period. It was once a theological school. While you are in Palandoken try the delicious Kag Kebab and a walnut desert called kadayif dolmasi. For more information on cheap hotels in Palandoken check our listings at EasyToBook.com.