Bursa Cable Car: The Scenic 22-Minute Journey to Uludağ's Ski Slopes
Bursa Cable Car Offers Stunning Panoramic Route to Uludağ Slopes
Turkey's ski resorts are buzzing with tourists during school holidays, and Uludağ—one of the country's top winter destinations—is seeing peak seasonal demand. More visitors are choosing the Bursa Cable Car as the most convenient and scenic way to reach the mountain.
Formerly known as Olympos and Kışış Dağı, Uludağ is accessible both by car from Bursa and via the cable car departing from the Teleferik station in the Yıldırım district.
A Historic Journey Since 1963
Opened on October 29, 1963, the Bursa Cable Car was Turkey's first line of its kind. For over half a century, it has transported passengers along a 9-kilometer route with 140 cabins, connecting the city to key mountain points: Kadıyayla (1,231 m), Sarıalan (1,635 m), and the hotel zone (1,810 m).
The journey takes just 22 minutes and is especially breathtaking in winter, when snow-covered slopes create a spectacular panorama.
Unlike the busy mountain roads, where traffic can stretch a trip to over two hours during peak times, the cable car saves significant time. A round trip lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Peak Season Performance
Ersoy E., the company's marketing manager, noted that visitor numbers surge during the winter holidays.
"Regular maintenance ensures passenger safety, and visitor satisfaction remains our top priority. The 22-minute ride is a visual journey from the green landscapes at the foothills to the snowy summit."
Even during peak hours, ticket waiting times rarely exceed 25–30 minutes, making the cable car a reliable alternative to road travel.
Record-Breaking Season
The winter season at Uludağ opened on December 19 for the hotel area and December 29 for ski slopes. Around 230,000 visitors enjoyed the resort over the school holiday period, marking one of the busiest seasons in its history.
The cable car system has proven essential in managing this surge, efficiently moving thousands of visitors daily while offering unparalleled views of the mountain.
Key Information for Visitors
- Route length: 9 kilometers
- Cabins: 140
- Journey time: 22 minutes one way
- Round trip: Approximately 45 minutes
- Stations: Kadıyayla (1,231 m), Sarıalan (1,635 m), Hotel Zone (1,810 m)
- Peak wait time: 25-30 minutes maximum
Visitors planning trips during school holidays are advised to arrive early, though the cable car's efficient system keeps waiting times manageable even at peak hours.
With its combination of historical significance, engineering reliability, and spectacular winter views, the Bursa Cable Car continues to serve as the gateway to Turkey's premier ski destination, offering visitors an unforgettable ascent to the slopes of Uludağ.
