Skiing in Lebanon
Discussion
Evening all,
I'm considering a short skiing break for my family, none of whom have ever skied before.
We live in Cyprus where snow is sparse at best and melts rather quickly. Lebanon is billed as the best skiing destination in the Middle East so I'm tempted to give it a try. However, I'm a little concerned by the security situation there and in its neighbouring countries.
Does anyone have any advice on what it’s like there, especially for British tourists and families. Unfortunately, all the big websites (FCO, US, Australian) all seem to contradict each other. We aren't planning on spending any time in Beirut and will head straight for one of the resorts, probably Mzaar. Flight seem reasonably cheap, around £110 direct from Larnaca to Beirut.
I've had a look at a thread from 2013 started by Shirt with some useful information particularly from VanquishDubai (Luke). I was hoping someone may have been more recently. Any advice on hotels, snowboard lessons etc would also be much appreciated.
Martin
I'm considering a short skiing break for my family, none of whom have ever skied before.
We live in Cyprus where snow is sparse at best and melts rather quickly. Lebanon is billed as the best skiing destination in the Middle East so I'm tempted to give it a try. However, I'm a little concerned by the security situation there and in its neighbouring countries.
Does anyone have any advice on what it’s like there, especially for British tourists and families. Unfortunately, all the big websites (FCO, US, Australian) all seem to contradict each other. We aren't planning on spending any time in Beirut and will head straight for one of the resorts, probably Mzaar. Flight seem reasonably cheap, around £110 direct from Larnaca to Beirut.
I've had a look at a thread from 2013 started by Shirt with some useful information particularly from VanquishDubai (Luke). I was hoping someone may have been more recently. Any advice on hotels, snowboard lessons etc would also be much appreciated.
Martin
I have been to Faraya (excuse spelling) about 5 times with my mate. The pros and cons: pros... Easy to get to (about 1 hour and a bit from airport), cheap, quiet on the slopes, Lot of routes. Beirut is lovely to spend a night if you can. Good for skiers, not so much for boarders as flat in places. Good food.
Negatives: book very early as it gets booked up. Intercontinental is the best hotel as you can ski in and out. U heard there are new ones there now though, u haven't been for a bit 5 years. No trees... At all. So windy in the morning and ice, best in afternoon. Quite busy in the afternoon. Food can be expensive.
Security wise you are fine mate, places always harp on about it and I have been in and out of Beirut and skiing there for 16 years with work... Never an issue. Of course, there is always a chance as there is with anywhere these days. You want my opinion... With kids... Go to France. That's what we have been doing for the past 2 years. Less hassle, we'll catered for kids, safer for obvious reasons. Better runs, decent tree lines and well maintained routes. Better catering for kids/families.
Negatives: book very early as it gets booked up. Intercontinental is the best hotel as you can ski in and out. U heard there are new ones there now though, u haven't been for a bit 5 years. No trees... At all. So windy in the morning and ice, best in afternoon. Quite busy in the afternoon. Food can be expensive.
Security wise you are fine mate, places always harp on about it and I have been in and out of Beirut and skiing there for 16 years with work... Never an issue. Of course, there is always a chance as there is with anywhere these days. You want my opinion... With kids... Go to France. That's what we have been doing for the past 2 years. Less hassle, we'll catered for kids, safer for obvious reasons. Better runs, decent tree lines and well maintained routes. Better catering for kids/families.
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