14. Are there any information about ski resorts in Lebanon ?? resorts
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This article is from the Lebanon FAQ, by Alaa Dakroub dakroub@leb.net with numerous contributions by others.
14. Are there any information about ski resorts in Lebanon ?? resorts
Cedars
The Cedars, 121 kilometers (75 miles) from Beirut, is perched on a platform
at 2,066 meters (6,300 feet) elevation in a great bowl scooped from the
towering peaks. Qornet al Souda reaches up 3,100 meters (10,135 feet)
offering a superb view of Qadisha valley to the south and the Bekaa plain
in the north. The ancient cedar trees, survivors of the magnificent giants
that nice covered the entire area, are both a land-mark and symbol.
As for skiing, the Cedars offers the most complete combinations of slopes,
valleys and exposures of any resort in Lebanon, most of them with an ideal
northwest exposure. But this natural ski paradise remains relatively
undeveloped compared with its rivals. Its 2,400-meter chair lift, built in
1951, has been out of service for two years, although four good T-bar tows
carry skiers up to 2,300 meters (7,500 feet). The Cedars has a number of
chalets and hotels, ski shops, restaurants and a varied night life.
Faqra
Faqra, now a private club, is located south of Ouyoune as-Siman
(Faraya-Mzaar) at 1,750 meters (5,741 feet). Its ski trails overlook the
sea and the bay of Beirut. Facilities include a hotel, 200 private chalets,
restaurants, a heated pool, squash, sauna, tennis, and a fitness club. The
slopes are equipped with a chair lift, 2 ski lifts, and a baby lift. The
resort also features an international slalom track. Members only. Special
arrangements are available for tourists.
Kanat Bakiche
Kanat Bakiche, with an elevation of 1,990 meters (6,065 feet) is located on
Mount Sannine near Faqra. This centre, 48 kilometers (29 miles) from
Beirut, is known for the good quality of its snow. There are 2 ski lifts,
and hotels are available in the area.
Laklouk
Laklouk was established by banker Joseph Saab in the early 1950's. Set
among terraced orchards, its safe, gentle slope was dynamited out of a
nearby cliff. Known as a family resort, Laklouk is remarkable for the stark
beauty of its surroundings. Sixty kilometers from Beirut (37 miles), it is
1,740 meters (5,708 feet) high. It has three ski lifts, hotels, chalets and
other facilities.
Ouyoune es-Siman, generally known as Faraya-Mzaar after the nearby village,
was established by Sheik Selim al-Khazen, who early on saw the area's
potential. Mzaar is a region rich in natural curiosities, among them the 30
meter bridge carved from the rock by wind and rain. From Mzaar, one of the
finest views in Lebanon takes in the Bekaa, Mount Hermon, Laklouk, the
Cedars and the coast. Skiers are often able to see the sprawling city of
Beirut outlined below.
Fifty-four kilometers from Beirut (34 miles), Ouyoune es-Siman has an
elevation of 1,891 meters (5,763 feet). It is one of the best equipped and
maintained of Lebanon's resorts, with 11 lifts, including 2 chair lifts,
which connect trails ranging from beginner's to advanced. There are
chalets, hotels, ski shops and other facilities available.
Zaarour
Zaarour, 37 kilometers (29 miles) from Beirut, is a small resort on the
wester flank of Mount Sannine where a splendid panorama takes in the famous
Valley of Skulls ("Wadi el Jamajem"). About an hour's drive from Beirut,
the center is equipped with ski lifts and a snack bar, but lacks hotels and
other facilities. Elevation is about 1,990 (6,065 feet). Owner Michel Murr
plans to develop Zaarour as a private club.
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