Lebanon is a country with a particularly favorable landscape for sports activities such as skiing. In this country where snow-capped mountains rub shoulders with the beaches of the Mediterranean, many board sports enthusiasts come every year. Lebanon is also one of the only places in the Middle East where you can ski freely. With its many ski resorts, the Pays du Cèdre has something to delight all ski enthusiasts, of all levels.
Let's start with Faraya Mzaar, the most famous ski resort in Lebanon, if not the Middle East. It is less than an hour from Beirut, at an altitude of 1,800m, on the heights of Kesrouan. Faraya Mzaar is also the best equipped and trendiest resort in the country. It has many chic restaurants, 5-star hotels as well as Night Clubs to get all this youth moving. At first glance, Faraya Mzaar looks like a mini Courchevel surrounded by luxury chalets. His particuliarity ? It offers a ski area of more than 80 km, with 42 slopes and more than 20 ski lifts. You will find good quality powder snow and a landscape opening directly onto the Mediterranean.
Then there is the Cedars station, located about 130 km from Beirut. It is the oldest ski resort in Lebanon and also the most mythical. The path leading to this station passes through the holy valley of Qadisha and Bcharré, the native village of the poet Khalil Gibran. The Cedars of God Forest, one of the last remnants of the ancient cedar forest of Lebanon, is right at the foot of the slopes, offering an idyllic landscape to skiers. The track is open but you can also reach the highest peak in Lebanon by chairlift.
Another popular ski resort in Lebanon, Faqra Club. Located between 1,735 and 1,975 m above sea level at the foot of Mount Sanine, this resort offers around ten trails for all levels. It was designed in 1974 with the help of Swiss architects. It is also one of the first private ski resorts in the world. Only Faqra Club members and their guests can access this station. This station is particularly appreciated because from the top of the slopes, there is a breathtaking view of the sea of Beirut.
For a family ski holiday, prefer the Laklouk resort. This Lebanese station, located about 60 km from Beirut, is perfect for a small budget because access is particularly affordable. On the same road, you can also see the monastery of Saint Charbel.
To test the good quality of Lebanese snow, opt for the Qanat Bakiche station. Located one hour from Beirut, this resort faces the Sannine Mountains. It welcomes all skiers of all levels. Many ski enthusiasts choose to stop off at the Qanat Bakiche resort before visiting the village of Baskinta, which made it famous. This old village is one of the oldest cities in Lebanon and also the best preserved, as it has kept most of its original architecture and green spaces.
If you are just passing through Lebanon, but want to go skiing, try Zaarour, the closest resort to Beirut. Located just 55 km from Beirut (about 30 minutes), this resort is best known for its activities specially dedicated to the family. In addition to skiing, other possibilities are available to you on the slopes of Zaarour: ride to the top of the slopes by chairlift, snowboarding, snow tubing, sledges for children, etc.