Independent mountain planning guide
Best Ski Resorts in Lebanon Compared
Mzaar or the Cedars? Zaarour or Laqlouq? Compare all six ski areas in Lebanon by terrain, altitude, beginner-friendliness, atmosphere and practical access before choosing your mountain.
- Best all-rounderMzaar Kfardebian
- Family-orientedLaqlouq
- Convenient day tripZaarour
- Highest ski slopesThe Cedars
Where to ski in Lebanon
Which Lebanese ski resort is best for you?
There is no single best ski resort in Lebanon for every visitor. Mzaar Kfardebian is the strongest overall choice for an active ski holiday because it offers broad terrain variety, lessons, accommodation options and a developed resort atmosphere. Zaarour is a practical option for a shorter outing from Beirut, while Laqlouq appeals to families who prefer a smaller, calmer mountain setting.
For a high-altitude escape, the Cedars Ski Resort near Bsharri stands out for its dramatic open mountain landscape and lifts reaching approximately 2,850 metres. Two additional areas complete the comparison: Faqra Club, a private mountain community with restricted access, and Qanat Bakish, a smaller ski destination whose activity depends on snowfall and operations.
This guide compares the six areas around the questions that matter: the skiing itself, how easy it is to get there, whether first-timers will enjoy the day, and what to confirm before you pay. For the full destination overview, see our ski resorts in Lebanon guide.
Choose Mzaar for the broadest all-round ski day, Laqlouq for a relaxed family outing, Zaarour for convenience, and the Cedars for elevation and scenery — subject to snow, road and lift conditions.
Side-by-side comparison
Lebanon ski resorts comparison table
Use this at-a-glance overview to narrow your choice. Elevations are approximate ski-area ranges, not a promise that every run or lift will be open.
| Ski resort | Approx. elevation | Best for | From Beirut | Know before you go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mzaar KfardebianFaraya–Kfardebian area | 1,850–2,465 m | Best overall Mixed abilities and longer ski days | Popular full-day trip | Can be busy on peak weekends |
| Zaarour | 1,645–2,000 m | Convenient choice Families and day trips | Among the nearest main choices | Lower slopes are snow-sensitive |
| Laqlouq | 1,654–1,909 m | Family-friendly Beginners and calmer outings | Longer mountain drive | Limited terrain for expert skiers |
| The CedarsAbove Bsharri | 2,150–2,850 m | Highest slopes Scenery and experienced skiers | Best planned as a long day or stay | Higher-altitude wind and road exposure |
| Faqra Club | 1,735–1,975 m | Private access Eligible members and guests | Near Kfardebian | Confirm permission to enter first |
| Qanat Bakish | 1,843–2,000 m | Small ski area Local, low-key outings | Mountain day trip | Check whether lifts are operating |
Resort scale, published piste lengths and lift totals vary between directories and operators. This article prioritizes relative differences over potentially outdated counts. Always confirm current opening status, lift access and prices directly before setting off.
Six mountain destinations
The best ski resorts in Lebanon, reviewed one by one
Four main public-facing choices lead most visitor itineraries. Faqra and Qanat Bakish are worth knowing about, but have different access or operating considerations.
Mzaar Kfardebian01 / Best overall
Mzaar Kfardebian — the most complete ski resort experience
If you only have time for one resort and want plenty of options, Mzaar is the sensible first choice. Its ski terrain around Kfardebian includes beginner areas, intermediate pistes and more demanding slopes, with facilities suited to mixed-ability groups.
Mzaar is also the most practical place to build a full mountain itinerary with equipment rental, lessons, food stops and a chalet stay. The trade-off is popularity: busy days can mean more traffic, queues and crowded beginner zones.
Zaarour02 / Convenient day trip
Zaarour — a popular ski day near Beirut
Zaarour is one of the best choices for visitors who want to leave Beirut in the morning and enjoy a manageable ski outing. Its combination of accessible slopes and resort facilities appeals to families, groups of friends and people who do not need an enormous trail network.
Because Zaarour sits lower than the Cedars, fresh snow and temperature can matter a great deal. A convenient drive is only a good bargain when the lifts and terrain you need are operating.
Laqlouq03 / Families & beginners
Laqlouq — a quieter mountain day for learning
Laqlouq’s smaller scale is an advantage for families arranging a first or second day on skis. Rather than chasing a large number of pistes, you can focus on an easy-to-follow plan: fit the equipment, take a lesson and practise on suitable open terrain.
The mountain setting is also appealing for a gentle winter getaway. Advanced skiers looking for many long, challenging runs may find the area limited, while the relatively modest elevation makes conditions particularly important.
The Cedars / Al Arz04 / Highest mountain setting
The Cedars — elevated skiing and dramatic scenery
The Cedars offers a different kind of Lebanese ski experience: more exposed, open alpine terrain and a mountain landscape above the historic cedar region. It is a strong choice for skiers who value altitude and scenery as much as the resort infrastructure.
Although the altitude can help preserve snow, it does not guarantee good conditions or open lifts. Wind, visibility and the longer drive from Beirut can change the plan. A night in the area may make more sense than rushing a distant round trip.
05 / Restricted access
Faqra Club — private skiing near Kfardebian
Faqra Club has its own ski slopes and facilities, but it is not a standard walk-in public ski resort. Its private-club setting is best for eligible members and authorised guests. Check admission rules, guest arrangements and operating facilities before planning a trip around it.
Best for: visitors who already have confirmed access. Faqra Club official site.
06 / Smaller ski destination
Qanat Bakish — a low-key alternative
Qanat Bakish is a small mountain ski area near Baskinta. It can appeal to local visitors who prefer a quieter, uncomplicated outing rather than a major resort. Its limited scale means you should confirm the availability of lifts, slopes, lessons and rental services beforehand.
Best for: a flexible local day when snow and operations are confirmed. Compare general conditions in our Lebanon resort overview.
Pick by travel style
Which is the best ski resort in Lebanon for your trip?
The shortest route to the right mountain is to choose by your group and experience, not by a one-size-fits-all ranking.
Laqlouq or Mzaar
Prioritise beginner lessons, an appropriate open practice slope and convenient rental equipment.
Beginner skiing guideLaqlouq or Zaarour
A relaxed schedule and available lessons matter more than the largest piste map.
Family ski trip ideasMzaar or the Cedars
Check actual advanced runs, wind exposure and current lift openings before leaving.
Compare slope typesZaarour or Mzaar
Keep the drive practical, depart early and allow for weekend mountain traffic.
Ski trips from BeirutThe Cedars
Make room for the northern mountain landscape and consider staying overnight.
Explore the CedarsA private ski trip
Choose your resort, departure point, group size and pace instead of following a group schedule.
Private ski trips in LebanonBefore you leave Beirut
Ski season, snow conditions and travel planning
The best resort on paper is not necessarily the best resort on your travel date. These three checks make a bigger difference than rankings.
1. Check the ski season
Lebanon’s ski season typically centres on winter, often December to March, with some high-altitude skiing extending into April in good years. Dates change with snowfall and weather; never treat a calendar as an opening guarantee.
When is ski season in Lebanon?
2. Check lessons and rentals
For beginners, confirm that an instructor is available and the correct equipment sizes are in stock. A resort with an open beginner zone is more useful than one with only advanced pistes running.
Ski equipment rental guide
3. Check mountain roads
Travel times vary with traffic, rain, snow, ice and road restrictions. Verify the forecast and road status, plan an early start and use a suitable vehicle with a driver familiar with winter mountain routes when needed.
Ski transfers in LebanonBudget realistically
Are the best ski resorts in Lebanon expensive?
Your total ski-day budget depends more on what you need than on the resort’s name alone. Lift passes can differ by resort, date, age and available ski areas; rental equipment, lessons, transport, meals and lodging are separate decisions.
Do not choose a resort based on an old advertised ticket price. Ask for the current total, including any equipment, instruction and transport you want, then compare like for like. See our Lebanon ski prices guide for a more detailed breakdown.
- Lift accessResort, date, age and operational area
- Gear rentalSkis or snowboard, boots and helmet
- LessonsPrivate or shared instruction, duration
- TransportPickup, vehicle size and return journey
- AccommodationOnly if you choose an overnight trip
Frequently asked questions
Best ski resorts in Lebanon: FAQs
Short answers to common questions about resort choice, Faraya, beginner slopes and winter conditions.
What is the best ski resort in Lebanon overall?
Mzaar Kfardebian is the most versatile overall choice for most visitors, thanks to its broad selection of ski terrain, lessons and resort facilities. The best choice for your own trip may be different if convenience, scenery or a beginner-friendly day matters more.
Is Faraya the same as Mzaar ski resort?
No. Faraya is a mountain area and village name often used informally when talking about skiing. Mzaar Kfardebian is the ski resort in the wider Faraya–Kfardebian area. Faraya should not be counted as a seventh ski resort in this comparison.
Which ski resort is closest to Beirut?
Zaarour is among the most convenient major ski areas for day trips from Beirut. Actual driving time depends on your pickup location, traffic, weather, road closures and winter conditions.
Which Lebanese ski resort is best for beginners?
Laqlouq is a popular family and beginner-oriented option. Mzaar and Zaarour also offer learning opportunities when their beginner areas and lesson services are operating. Choose based on that day’s open beginner terrain and instructor availability.
Does the Cedars have the highest ski slopes in Lebanon?
Yes. The Cedars ski area near Bsharri reaches approximately 2,850 metres, higher than the other established Lebanese ski resorts. This does not mean every high-altitude lift runs every day.
Can anyone ski at Faqra Club?
Faqra Club is a private club, so public access must not be assumed. Contact the club and verify membership or authorised guest arrangements before making transport or accommodation plans.
When is the best time to ski in Lebanon?
January and February are often the core winter months, but conditions vary significantly year to year. Some resorts open in December, and higher areas may continue into March or April when snowfall allows. Check current snow and lift reports close to departure.
Useful official and reference sources: Mzaar Ski Resort · Zaarour Club · Faqra Club · Lebanon ski area comparisons. Operations and published figures may change.
Make your winter day yours
The best mountain is the one that suits your day.
Tell us where you are staying, who is travelling, your skiing level and the date you have in mind. We can help you plan a private ski trip in Lebanon with a suitable resort, transfers and the services you need, subject to availability and conditions.
