Besides the chalet in Niederthai, there is also the opportunity to explore a completely new area: the Kaçkar Mountains in Turkey. Due to the influence of the Black Sea on the Kaçkar Mountains, the area is known for its very snowy winters, with plenty of powder snow and a stable snowpack.
This NSAC touring week offers the chance to explore the Kaçkar region on skis. Throughout the region, you’ll cross steep passes on skis to emerge on the other side of the massif. This week has an adventurous character and requires a good understanding of the area’s topography. Standard maps are not available; only sketches and GPS data are provided.
In north-east Turkey, on the coast of the Black See, lies the Kaçkar massif, part of the Pontic Alps. The area between Rize and Hopa, has mountains of 3900 meters high, glaciers, lakes, forests and hot water springs.
Kaçkar Dagi (3992 m) is the highest mountain in the area, which is 100km long and 35km wide. The major villages of Ayder and Yaylalar are situated around 1800 meters of elevation. Different mountain passes between the villages, over which you can hike during summer, are around 3000m high.
Practical information:
- Dates: Tuesday March 2nd until Wednesday March 10th (2027).
- Costs: The provisional estimate is approximately €750 per participant. This includes accommodation, meals, local transport and instructors’ fees. This is still an estimate; the final costs may vary. Transport to Trabzon (or Rize) is not included. A return flight will cost around €400. The NSAC will apply to funds for financial support to reduce the costs.
Entry requirement:
- At least T1, or equivalent experience. Please bear in mind that this may be raised further.
- Off-piste skiing in a variety of terrains and the ability to ski down a black run with ease.
- Excellent physical fitness
Programme
The final programme is still being finalised. This depends in part on the snow conditions and the availability of accommodation. The plan is to meet up at Trabzon (or Rize) airport on 2 March and travel together to Ayder from there. Over the following 7 days, we’ll be able to go on some lovely tours and enjoy some powder snow runs. Kaçkar is very quiet during the winter months, and accommodation options are limited. We’ll be staying overnight in the yaylas, the old mountain villages. There’ll also be time to visit the thermal baths at Ayder and the Sumela Monastery. On 10 March, everyone can begin their return journey independently.
If you are have questions, send an email to wp@nsac.alpenclub.nl
