Skiing in Lebanon: 6 top resorts and complete guide

Picture this: you are carving fresh tracks down a mountain slope with the Mediterranean Sea glittering on the horizon, and by afternoon, you are sipping Arak Lebanon at a beach bar with your toes in the sand. Sound impossible? Welcome to skiing in Lebanon.

Here, the famous “ski in the morning, swim in the afternoon” promise is not just marketing fluff—it is actually doable if you plan it right. Nestled in the Lebanon mountains, this tiny Mediterranean country packs serious vertical peaks hitting over 10,000 feet into a compact winter season. The season typically runs from mid-December through early April, which is arguably the best time to visit Lebanon if you love winter sports. The sweet spot for skiing in Lebanon hits between mid-January and late February when snow cover is at its peak.

Whether you are an advanced rider looking for off-piste challenges or a family seeking a gentle snow day, the mountains here offer a diversity of terrain that rivals many European destinations. However, skiing in Lebanon comes with a unique Middle Eastern cultural twist that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Where to go for skiing in Lebanon: The top 6 resorts

Choosing the right destination is the first step to a successful trip when you plan on skiing in Lebanon. The country features six main mountain resorts, each offering a distinct vibe, terrain difficulty, and historical context. When planning your itinerary for skiing in Lebanon, you must consider whether you want the bustling nightlife of a large resort or the quiet solitude of a cedar forest.

The distances between these resorts can be deceptive due to winding mountain roads, so picking a base of operations is crucial for anyone skiing in Lebanon. Looking for accommodation? You might want to explore guesthouses in Lebanese mountains to stay close to the slopes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top locations to help you decide where to book your lift ticket for the ultimate experience of skiing in Lebanon.

1. Mzaar Kfardebian: The terrain heavyweight

Mzaar Kfardebian (often referred to as Faraya Mzaar) is the undisputed heavyweight champion of skiing in Lebanon. Located less than an hour from Beirut in the Keserwan district, this is the country’s largest resort. It boasts approximately 80 kilometers of skiable terrain spread across 42 trails, served by 18 to 20 lifts. For a deep dive into this specific resort, check out our Mzaar Kfardebian Ski Guide.

The resort divides into three connected domains:

• Refuge: The busy commercial hub located right by the InterContinental Mzaar hotel.

• Jonction: The transition zone connecting the diverse slopes.

• Warde: The area where you will escape the crowds to find wider slopes and better snow while skiing in Lebanon.

The vertical drop here is substantial. The base sits at 1,850 meters with Mzaar peak topping out at 2,465 meters. On clear days, the summit views are genuinely spectacular. You can see the Bekaa Valley stretching east, Mount Hermon rising to the south, and the Mediterranean sparkling to the west. This is also where you will find the most vibrant Lebanon nightlife scene for skiing in Lebanon, centered around legendary spots like Rikky’z.

What works:

• The scenery consistently scores high in visitor reviews for skiing in Lebanon.

• Intermediate skiers will find plenty of groomed terrain.

• It offers the largest ski area in the Middle East.

The friction points:

• Weekend crowds can be chaotic with aggressive queuing.

• Infrastructure issues, such as late lift openings, can occur.

• Advertised terrain may be closed during lean snow years.

Best for: Intermediate skiers, nightlife lovers, and those wanting the complete experience of skiing in Lebanon.

2. The Cedars (Al Arz): Skiing through history

If Mzaar is the body of skiing in Lebanon, The Cedars is its soul. Located in the north near Bsharri, this resort sits adjacent to the UNESCO-protected forest. You can easily combine your ski trip with a Bsharri and The Cedars of God visit to see some of the oldest trees on Earth.

The resort operates at a higher altitude than Mzaar, with a base around 2,100 meters and a top elevation of 2,850 meters. This altitude translates directly into superior snow quality and a longer season for skiing in Lebanon. The Cedars is essentially one massive high-alpine bowl. This layout makes it nearly impossible to get lost, which is great for exploration without anxiety.

The real gem here is the off-piste terrain. The high-altitude plateau offers accessible backcountry that is less tracked out than anything you will find elsewhere when skiing in Lebanon. It earns stellar ratings for snow reliability.

What works:

• Consistently better snow quality due to high elevation.

• Stunning historical context near the ancient cedars.

• Excellent off-piste opportunities in a safe bowl layout.

The friction points:

• It is roughly 2.5 hours from Beirut, making day trips harder when skiing in Lebanon.

• Unregulated snowmobiles can sometimes disturb the peace on the pistes.

Best for: Purists, off-piste adventurers, and history buffs interested in skiing in Lebanon.

3. Zaarour Club: Modern amenities near the city

Zaarour Club sits on the eastern flank of Mount Sannine. It is the closest resort to Beirut, located just 35 to 40 kilometers away. This makes it a prime destination for spontaneous skiing in Lebanon.

Recently renovated, Zaarour operates as a private club that welcomes public day guests. They have invested heavily in modernization. You will find newer chairlifts, magic carpets for beginners, and infrastructure that feels current.

The north-facing slopes help preserve snow despite the lower altitude of 1,600 to 2,000 meters. A key differentiator for skiing in Lebanon here is the separation of activities. Dedicated zones for sledding ensure skiers and snowboarders do not mix dangerously with families on tubes.

What works:

• Extreme proximity to Beirut allows for easy day trips for skiing in Lebanon.

• Modern infrastructure and reliable lifts.

• Thoughtful safety planning with separated activity zones.

The friction points:

• Smaller terrain means you can ski everything quickly.

• Weekends become extremely packed with day-trippers.

Best for: Families with young kids and day-trippers prioritizing convenience while skiing in Lebanon.

4. Laqlouq: The scenic family plateau

Laqlouq offers a completely different vibe for skiing in Lebanon. Situated on a plateau at altitudes between 1,650 and 1,920 meters, it is known for scenic terraces and jagged ridges.

With about nine trails served mostly by drag lifts and platters, the skiing is straightforward and non-intimidating. Where Laqlouq truly shines is beyond traditional downhill skiing in Lebanon. The flat plateau is perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The atmosphere is consistently described as authentic, avoiding the show-off culture sometimes found elsewhere.

What works:

• Gentle terrain is genuinely beginner-friendly.

• Extensive snowshoeing opportunities with great vistas.

• A relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere for skiing in Lebanon.

The friction points:

• Lower altitude makes snow quality susceptible to warm spells.

• Reliability can be an issue in lean years for skiing in Lebanon.

Best for: Families with beginners and snowshoeing enthusiasts.

5. Faqra Club: The exclusive enclave

Faqra is a private ski club located just minutes from Mzaar. It technically operates as members-only but allows public access for a fee. This creates an exclusive environment for skiing in Lebanon where lifestyle takes center stage.

The terrain is small, consisting of just four lifts covering about 4.5 kilometers. However, the focus here is on the manicured gardens, the boutique L’Auberge de Faqra hotel, and high-end dining. You can view the ancient Roman ruins and the Stone Bridge directly from the slopes, blending history with luxury while skiing in Lebanon.

What works:

• No crowds and no lift lines.

• A unique cultural experience skiing near Roman ruins.

• High-end ambiance.

The friction points:

• Very limited terrain will bore serious skiers quickly.

• It is the most expensive option per vertical foot for skiing in Lebanon.

Best for: Luxury travelers and “lifestyle” skiers.

6. Qanat Bakish: The quiet budget alternative

Qanat Bakish is one of the oldest areas for skiing in Lebanon but remains the least developed. It operates as a micro-resort near Faqra with extremely limited terrain.

You are not visiting here for a full week of hard skiing in Lebanon. Instead, Qanat Bakish offers solitude and budget-friendly access to snow. It is perfect for a low-cost day on the mountain away from the overwhelming crowds at Mzaar.

What works:

• Rock-bottom prices make it budget-friendly.

• True solitude and a low-key atmosphere for skiing in Lebanon.

The friction points:

• Limited infrastructure means limited skiing.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and solitude seekers.

The “ski and swim” reality: How to pull it off

Let me be straight with you—every marketing brochure for skiing in Lebanon trots out the “ski in the morning, swim in the afternoon” line. Making it actually happen requires specific planning. The geography supports it, as Mzaar to the coast is theoretically 45 minutes to an hour. However, traffic is variable. The “swim” in winter involves water temperatures around 16°C to 17°C, which is cold but refreshing.

If you are committed to this unique aspect of skiing in Lebanon, you need a tight schedule. You cannot linger over lunch if you want to catch the sunset on the coast. It is one of the few places in the world where skiing in Lebanon allows you to experience two distinct seasons in a single day.

The strategic itinerary:

1. 8:00 AM: Hit first tracks at Mzaar or Zaarour. These are the closest resorts to the coast for skiing in Lebanon.

2. 12:30 PM: Depart the mountain while you are still energized.

3. 1:30 PM: Arrive at Batroun or Byblos (Jbeil).

For Batroun, Pierre & Friends is a legendary spot. It is a beach bar on a pebble beach that stays open year-round. You can read our guide on things to do in Batroun to plan your afternoon perfectly, or check out the best beach resorts in Batroun if you want a more luxurious dip. In Byblos, Eddé Sands offers pool access, or you can consider a full Beirut to Byblos day trip if you want to combine history with the coast. The allure of skiing in Lebanon is experiencing snow and palm trees in the same hour.

Essential logistics for skiing in Lebanon

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, you need to understand the local logistics. Skiing in Lebanon has unique requirements compared to Europe or North America. From handling currency to navigating mountain roads, being prepared is key to enjoying skiing in Lebanon without stress.

Most visitors find that the logistical quirks are part of the adventure, but they can be frustrating if you arrive unprepared for the realities of skiing in Lebanon.

Money matters: The “fresh dollar” economy

Lebanon’s economic situation has created a dual-currency reality that affects everyone skiing in Lebanon.

• Bring US Dollars: Specifically “fresh” bills that are new, crisp, and unblemished. Old or torn bills are often rejected.

• Exchange Wisely: Do not exchange money at the airport. Use reputable exchange bureaus like Whish Money or OMT. You can read more about Lebanon currency to avoid getting scammed.

• Cash is King: While major hotels accept cards, many mountain chalets and ski rental shops remain cash-only. Relying solely on cards when skiing in Lebanon is risky.

Transportation and safety

Self-driving can be stressful due to narrow, icy roads and aggressive local driving styles while skiing in Lebanon.

• Hire a Driver: Private drivers are the gold standard. Expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a day trip. If you choose to drive yourself, read our driving in Lebanon advice and our guide on how to rent a car in Lebanon safely.

• Connectivity: US carriers charge high roaming rates. Buy a local SIM (Touch or Alfa) or an eSIM. For details, check out our guide on the best Sim card for tourists in Lebanon.

• Safety: The ski regions in Mount Lebanon are distinct from volatile border areas. They are historically stable and heavily toured. Always check real-time updates, and if you are concerned, read our article: Is Lebanon safe for american tourists?

Mountain food culture

Your day skiing in Lebanon is not complete without the food. The cuisine shifts toward warmth and preservation.

• Breakfast: Start with a “saj” manousheh (thin flatbread).

• Lunch: Look for “eggs with awarma” (preserved lamb) to fuel your skiing in Lebanon.

• Après-ski: This centers around arak, the anise-flavored spirit. Winter mezze includes raw meat (kibbeh nayeh) and warm hummus. For a broader look at the cuisine, don’t miss our guide to Lebanese food.

Skiing in Lebanon is not about seeking the sanitized perfection of a mega-resort. It is for collectors of experiences who understand that the context—ancient cedars, the chaotic energy of après-ski, and the glittering Mediterranean—makes this world-class in its own right.

If you commit to the logistics and embrace the adventure, you will find that skiing in Lebanon offers a cultural density impossible to replicate anywhere else. From the peaks of Mzaar to the history of The Cedars, the mountains are waiting for your next trip skiing in Lebanon.