6 Best Resorts For Skiing In Lebanon
The Middle East is often misperceived as being one massive desert with borders to split up nation-sized sand boxes. However, the region is extremely varied and within it, tiny Lebanon is perhaps the most geographically multidimensional country. Lebanon, the homeland of the Phoenicians, boasts stunning Mediterranean coastlines and rugged mountain ranges. Even those who have heard about Lebanon and know a thing or two about it, are still typically surprised to find out that they can spend a day at the beach and then hike or ski in mountains an hour away. In fact, Lebanon offers visitors some of the best skiing in the Middle East.
For a fraction of the price of enjoying Europe and America’s glitzy ski resorts, Middle Eastern tourists and residents can spend the day carving up the slopes of Lebanon. Often called the Switzerland of the Middle East, Lebanon has a plethora of resorts for snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports. To make your decision a little easier, we’ve narrowed down the 6 best resorts for skiing in Lebanon.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s some snow-packed fun waiting to be had in Lebanon!
When to go: The ski season in Lebanon lasts about as long as the Alps, ranging from mid-December to the beginning of April.
6. Mzaar Kfardebian
Quite possibly the largest ski resort in the Middle East and certainly the largest and most famous in Lebanon, Mzaar is only an hour from downtown Beirut. Mzaar contains more than 100 kilometers of finely groomed ski runs for beginners, intermediate-level skiers, and pros. Plus, it sits nestled at 2,465 meters above sea level near the villages of Kfardebian and Faraya for spectacular views and scenery. In fact, you’ll be able to see the Mediterranean to the west and Syria past the Anti-Lebanon Mountains to the east. Advanced skiers should skip to the highest slopes for the most appropriate terrain.
5. Cedars Ski Resort
Cedars Ski Resort is ideal for cross-country skiing with its higher altitude and longer season than other resorts in Lebanon. Located in North Lebanon, the evergreen forests are blanketed in snow throughout most of the year.
As a bonus, beautiful Bsharri, the hometown of Khalil Gibran, his museum, and final resting place along with the Cedars of God are nearby attractions. Additionally, you can wander the monasteries, churches cut into the sides of the mountains, and the natural wonders including rivers, springs, caves, waterfalls, and gorges.
Le Cedrus Boutique Hotel, a four-star stay, has 40 rooms looking up at the slopes. After a fun day carving through powder, dine at Le Pichet or cozy up with drinks in the hotel lobby. In total, the Cedars are roughly 2 hours or 130 kilometers from Beirut.
4. Laklouk
Laklouk is perfect for cross-country and alpine skiing at an altitude as high as 2,000 meters. The waterfalls, natural arches, and ancient landmarks from the Romans and Phoenicians give travelers the best of both worlds. Plus, skiers can also check out the Balaa abyss and the nearby Afqa cave. This is one of Lebanon’s least developed ski resorts, however, it still offers stunning, private chalets at resorts such as the Nirvana Hotel and Shangri-la — both of which are within a few minutes from the slopes of Lebanon’s mountains.
As a bonus, if you’re staying at the Cedars or Mzaar, you can check out Laklouk for day skiing given its location between the other two major ski areas. Laklouk is about 1-hour and 15-minutes from Beirut.
3. Qanat Bakish
Qanat Bakish offers some of the best skiing for beginners and is considered to be one of the most family-friendly, uncrowded ski areas in Lebanon. Nearby Faraya is good for a break after a long but fun day hitting the slopes. Qanat Bakish is particularly known for the powdery quality of its snow.
Some of the resorts can provide custom trips and transportation from the mountains to the lodgings for a nice dinner to warm up by the fire. The Snowland Hotel is ideal for its location as perhaps the best Qanat Bakish skiing base. There’s also an on-site ski school to help beginners make the most of their time carving the Anti-Lebanon Mountains.
2. Zaarour
Zaarour is the smallest ski resort in Lebanon and the closest one to Beirut. You can gaze out at the Sannine Mountain and enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, and snow tubing next to the ski slopes. Zaarour is arguably best for the adventurous. Another great attraction that makes it an extra family-friendly Middle Eastern ski resort is the amount and range of dining options, including pizzerias, Le Grand Chalet, Frozen Cherry, lively lounge, and a burger place.
1. Faqra Club
Faqra Club is one of the oldest private ski clubs in Lebanon, dating all the way back to before the country’s civil war. The resorts offer heated pools and tennis courts, while the slopes are perfectly-suited to any skill level. My personal favorite part about skiing at Faqra Club is the nearby ancient monuments, ruins and natural rock bridges, which you can enjoy after or before hitting the slopes.
In addition to excellent skiing, the resort offers other winter sports, including snowshoeing, luge, and snowboarding. Also, Faqra is conveniently located about 45 kilometers from Beirut or an hour from the capital’s downtown.
People Also Ask:
Q: What is the best month for skiing?
A: The best months for skiing in Lebanon are mid-December to early April.
Q: Does Lebanon have snow?
A: Lebanon does have snow during the winter months, but also at high altitudes in the Anti-Lebanon and other mountain ranges.
Q: Which is the best ski resort in Lebanon for beginners?
A: Mzaar Kfardebian, Qanat Bakish, and Faqra Club are all very well-suited ski resorts for beginners looking to enjoy the snow in Lebanon or celebrate a Lebanese holiday.
Q: What is the cheapest way to go skiing in Lebanon?
A: All of the resorts in Lebanon are cheap in comparison to their European and American counterparts, however, Faqra Club and Mzaar Kfardebian are among the best values for ski resorts in Lebanon.