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 at a beach bar with your toes in the sand. Sound impossible? Welcome to skiing in Lebanon, where 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 Mount Lebanon range, 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, with the sweet spot for skiing in Lebanon hitting 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, but 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. 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. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top locations to help you decide where to book your lift ticket.
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.
The resort divides into three connected domains:
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Refuge: The busy commercial hub located right by the InterContinental Mzaar hotel.
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Jonction: The transition zone connecting the diverse slopes.
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Warde: The area where you will escape the crowds to find wider slopes and better snow.
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 après-ski scene for skiing in Lebanon, centered around legendary spots like Rikky’z.
What works:
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The scenery consistently scores high in visitor reviews.
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Intermediate skiers will find plenty of groomed terrain.
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It offers the largest ski area in the Middle East.
The friction points:
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Weekend crowds can be chaotic with aggressive queuing.
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Infrastructure issues, such as late lift openings, can occur.
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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 “Cedars of God” forest. These are home to 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. 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. It earns stellar ratings for snow reliability.
What works:
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Consistently better snow quality due to high elevation.
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Stunning historical context near the ancient cedars.
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Excellent off-piste opportunities in a safe bowl layout.
The friction points:
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It is roughly 2.5 hours from Beirut, making day trips harder.
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Unregulated snowmobiles can sometimes disturb the peace on the pistes.
Best for: Purists, off-piste adventurers, and history buffs.
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:
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Extreme proximity to Beirut allows for easy day trips.
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Modern infrastructure and reliable lifts.
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Thoughtful safety planning with separated activity zones.
The friction points:
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Smaller terrain means you can ski everything quickly.
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Weekends become extremely packed with day-trippers.
Best for: Families with young kids and day-trippers prioritizing convenience.
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. 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:
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Gentle terrain is genuinely beginner-friendly.
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Extensive snowshoeing opportunities with great vistas.
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A relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere.
The friction points:
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Lower altitude makes snow quality susceptible to warm spells.
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Reliability can be an issue in lean years.
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.
What works:
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No crowds and no lift lines.
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A unique cultural experience skiing near Roman ruins.
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High-end ambiance.
The friction points:
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Very limited terrain will bore serious skiers quickly.
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It is the most expensive option per vertical foot.
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. 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:
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Rock-bottom prices make it budget-friendly.
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True solitude and a low-key atmosphere.
The friction points:
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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.
The Strategic Itinerary:
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8:00 AM: Hit first tracks at Mzaar or Zaarour. These are closest to the coast.
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12:30 PM: Depart the mountain while you are still energized.
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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. In Byblos, Eddé Sands offers pool access, or you can visit the public beach at Al-Bahsa. 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.
Money Matters: The “Fresh Dollar” Economy
Lebanon’s economic situation has created a dual-currency reality.
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Bring US Dollars: Specifically “fresh” bills that are new, crisp, and unblemished. Old or torn bills are often rejected.
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Exchange Wisely: Do not exchange money at the airport. Use reputable exchange bureaus like Whish Money or OMT.
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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.
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Hire a Driver: Private drivers are the gold standard. Expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a day trip.
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Connectivity: US carriers charge high roaming rates. Buy a local SIM (Touch or Alfa) or use an eSIM package like Airalo for immediate data.
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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, but know that the mountains have been a safe haven for skiing in Lebanon for decades.
Mountain Food Culture
Your day skiing in Lebanon is not complete without the food. The cuisine shifts toward warmth and preservation.
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Breakfast: Start with a “saj” manousheh (thin flatbread).
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Lunch: Look for “eggs with awarma” (preserved lamb) to fuel your skiing.
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Après-ski: This centers around arak, the anise-flavored spirit. Winter mezze includes raw meat (kibbeh nayeh) and warm hummus.
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.
