Northern Lebanon · Bsharri mountains
Cedars Ski Resort Guide Skiing, slopes, lift passes & winter travel in Lebanon
Explore the Cedars Ski Resort in Lebanon, one of the country’s most historic and highest ski areas. Discover its runs, the best months for snow, how to get there from Beirut, and how to plan an unhurried mountain getaway near the famous cedar forest.
A resort with a story
Why ski at the Cedars in Lebanon?
The Cedars Ski Resort, also known as The Cedars or Al Arz ski resort, sits high above the town of Bsharri in northern Lebanon. Skiers come here for wide mountain views, open slopes and a quieter setting than Lebanon’s larger, busier ski destinations.
Skiing at the Cedars has a long history. Lebanon’s first ski lift was installed here in 1953. Today the ski area combines gentle learning terrain with more demanding downhill runs; which lifts and trails operate depends on weather, snow coverage and maintenance.
The setting adds an experience beyond the pistes: the nearby Forest of the Cedars of God forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage property. A trip can combine skiing, a mountain village stay and a respectful visit to the historic cedar landscape.
- Best for: scenic skiing, relaxed overnight stays and combining snow with local heritage.
- Also suitable for: first-time skiers with an appropriate open beginner area and a booked instructor.
- Plan for: changing mountain weather and a longer journey than the resorts closer to Beirut.
and a distinctive northern Lebanon setting
On the mountain
Cedars Ski Resort slopes: what to expect
The Cedars ski area is listed with approximately 11 km of pistes across beginner, intermediate and difficult terrain. Choose your run based on the day’s open lifts—not just the printed trail map.
Beginner ski slopes
Gentler sections around the lower lift areas can work for new skiers. Arrange a lesson, start with fitting and braking, and confirm that the beginner lifts are operating.
Intermediate ski runs
Open downhill terrain offers room to practise longer turns and improve control. Ask local staff which pistes have been prepared and suit your current ability.
Advanced mountain terrain
Higher, steeper sections make the Cedars interesting for confident skiers when accessible. Wind, visibility, lift operation and snow stability can change the plan.
Check the day’s open pistes and lifts
The published ski-area profile lists a top elevation around 2,850 m, but that does not mean every upper lift is operating. Use the Cedars lift and slope status page as a reference, then confirm directly before travelling. Stay on open, marked runs unless you are with a properly qualified off-piste guide.
Snow & timing
When is the best time to ski at the Cedars?
The Cedars’ high elevation can help sustain snow later in the season than at some lower Lebanese ski areas. However, the Cedars ski season is governed by snowfall, temperature and safe lift operation—not by fixed calendar dates.
For planning purposes, January through March is often the most practical window to investigate. Early winter openings and late-spring skiing are possible in good snow years, but never guaranteed.
Plan your budget
Cedars Ski Resort prices, lift passes & ski rental
Budget separately for your lift pass, equipment, lessons, transport and meals. The example below is a published reference from winter 2025–26, not a confirmed price list for the upcoming season.
Source: published Cedars 2025–26 lift-pass information. Prices, age rules and ticket categories may change for winter 2026–27; verify the current tariff before booking. View the published reference.
Ski equipment rental
Check what is included in the quoted price: skis or snowboard, boots, poles and helmet. Availability and sizes are especially important for families and peak weekends.
Private ski lessons
A first-timer should plan for an instructor and a beginner area rather than purchasing an advanced-access pass unnecessarily.
Transport from Beirut
A private transfer is priced by route, vehicle, party size and schedule. For a one-day visit, allow extra time for winter traffic and snow-related changes.
Hotel or chalet
A stay near the Cedars or Bsharri avoids repeating the drive on consecutive ski days and leaves time to visit the surrounding region.
Getting there
How to get from Beirut to Cedars Ski Resort
The Cedars are roughly 130 km from Beirut by the commonly described northern route. Driving times are often quoted at around two hours in clear conditions, but a realistic winter trip may take significantly longer due to traffic, weather or icy mountain roads.
- 1Leave Beirut on the northbound coastal highway
Continue towards the Chekka area, allowing time for weekday and weekend traffic.
- 2Climb inland towards Amioun and Bsharri
Follow the appropriate mountain road via local villages; check navigation and road notices for the specific day.
- 3Continue up to the Cedars ski area
Check access, safe parking and any winter vehicle requirements before entering higher elevations.
- 4Return with a flexible schedule
Plan daylight travel where possible. If a storm is forecast, adjust your departure or consider an overnight stay.
For visitors arriving by air, a private transfer to Cedars Ski Resort can also be arranged from Beirut airport or a city hotel, subject to conditions and availability.
A sample itinerary
A practical Cedars ski day from Beirut
Use this sample schedule to organize a winter day. It is not a lift-opening timetable, and all times should be adjusted for the weather, your location and the resort’s operation.
- Early departure from Beirut
Check the road and snowfall forecast before setting out.
- Arrive, park and collect equipment
Allow enough time for boot fitting and ticket arrangements; arrival time is illustrative.
- Start skiing or meet your instructor
Choose suitable open slopes based on skill and visibility.
- Take a warm lunch break
Recharge and check the afternoon weather outlook.
- Enjoy the final runs or a scenic break
Finish early if lifts, wind or road conditions suggest it.
- Prepare for the return or overnight stay
Allow generous time for the mountain descent.
Illustrative schedule only. No resort service or travel time is guaranteed.
Beyond the pistes
What else can you do near the Cedars?
A Cedars ski holiday can be more than skiing. Plan the surrounding stops carefully and be prepared to change plans when winter access is limited.
Snowshoeing & winter walks
Enjoy a guided snow outing on an appropriate, accessible route. Do not assume a forest path or mountain trail is safe simply because it looks easy in summer.
Bsharri village & local stays
Explore the mountain town’s cultural atmosphere, lodging and food after your day on the slopes. Check opening times for individual attractions.
Cedar forest & mountain heritage
Visit the UNESCO-listed Forest of the Cedars of God if visitor access is permitted. Respect site rules, trail closures and the protected trees.
Useful answers
Cedars Ski Resort FAQ
Answers to the questions people ask before visiting Lebanon’s Cedars for the first time.
Where is Cedars Ski Resort in Lebanon?
The resort is in northern Lebanon, above Bsharri, near the area known as the Cedars (Al Arz). It is not the same ski area as Faraya or Mzaar, which are located farther south.
Is Cedars Ski Resort good for beginners?
It has beginner-suitable terrain, but a first-time skier should confirm that the lower learning area and its lifts are operating and arrange a lesson before arrival. More demanding runs exist at higher elevations.
How high is the Cedars ski area?
Published ski-area profiles put the base around 2,150 metres and the highest ski point around 2,850 metres above sea level. Access to the upper slopes depends on which lifts are operating.
How far is Cedars Ski Resort from Beirut?
The commonly quoted road distance is about 130 km. Allow roughly two hours only as a clear-road reference; winter traffic, snow and mountain conditions can make the journey much longer.
When does skiing start at the Cedars?
There is no guaranteed opening date. Snow can arrive early or late; January to March is a useful planning window, with the possibility of skiing outside it in a good season. Check that the resort is operating before departure.
How much is a Cedars ski lift pass?
For winter 2025–26, published full-day adult prices were US$30 on weekdays and US$40 on weekends and holidays. Those are historical figures, not a verified tariff for winter 2026–27. Confirm the current price and availability before travelling.
Can I rent ski equipment at the Cedars?
Equipment rental has been offered in the resort area. Confirm the required ski or snowboard sizes, helmets, availability, return procedure and pricing in advance, especially for children and busy weekends.
Can you visit the Cedars of God forest during a ski trip?
The protected Forest of the Cedars of God lies nearby and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage property. Access and walking routes may be restricted due to snow, conservation rules or local conditions, so check before visiting.
Your mountain escape
Plan a private ski trip to the Cedars
Tell us when you want to travel, where you are staying, how many people are coming and whether you need ski equipment or lessons. We can discuss a suitable Cedars ski trip and check options before you commit.