Affordable off the beaten track winter holidays with Pegasus

(LONDON – 23 October 2015) Turkey’s leading low cost airline Pegasus, now flying to over 100 destinations across its wide-reaching network, offers the most affordable way to enjoy an off-the-beaten track winter holiday for an alternative to the well-known European ski resorts, departing from London Gatwick or Stansted.

The lesser-known plains of Asia and the Middle East such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, Iran and Turkey offer world-class facilities with conditions and climate that are ideal for skiers, snowboarders and hikers alike; with many of the ski resorts nestled within forested mountains, providing a stunning setting and breathtaking views – as well as all the delights of delicious international cuisine and great value for money for those seeking an affordable – and more unusual – winter holiday.

Visitors can plan their winter holiday with a variety of travel services on offer from car hire to hotel bookings - and book their flights on www.flypgs.com/en and on Pegasus’ mobile channels.

Some of Pegasus’ top destinations for an affordable winter getaway

Dizin (77 km from Tehran, Iran)

While Iran’s capital Tehran is surrounded by mountains suitable for skiing, the largest and most popular of Iran’s numerous ski resorts is the nearby Dizin, under two hours’ drive from Tehran. Located in the Alborz mountain range, the region has a long ski season running from December to May due to its high altitude plains, with its highest ski lift reaching 3600m. A visit to Dizin is a perfect way to combine a ski holiday with a cultural tour of an increasingly popular Middle Eastern destination that boasts thousands of years of history. Pegasus flies to Tehran daily via Istanbul from London Stansted and Gatwick with fares from just £159.66.

Erciyes (29 km from Kayseri, Turkey)

The mercantile region of Kayseri in Central Anatolia is overseen by the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Erciyes, an extinct volcano rising from the otherwise flat plains. It offers year-round glacier skiing at the northern region of the mountain and skiing at heights of 2100-2900 metres at snow depths of 2 metres. As the highest peak in central Anatolia, Erciyes is also a prime destination for heli-skiiers and serious mountaineers. The region has received significant investments in recent years for the development of brand new facilities, transforming Erciyes into one of Turkey’s most popular ski resorts. The International Ski Federation event for Parallel GS and Parallel Slalom will be held in Erciyes, Kayseri in 2016. Erciyes is located 40 minutes from Kayseri Airport, Pegasus flies to Kayseri double daily from London Stansted and six times weekly from London Gatwick, with fares from £61.99.

Gudauri (120 km from Tbilisi, Georgia)

The Gudauri ski resort is nestled at an altitude of 2196m in the Kazbegi Mountains, and is located 120 km from Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. With the ski season running from December to April and slopes getting up to 2-3 meters of snow on average, Gudauri offers 50 km of marked routes with different levels of difficulty for professionals and general skiers. Visitors can enjoy world-class ski resorts along with world-famous Georgian wines and gourmet food. Pegasus flies to Tbilisi via Istanbul daily from London Stansted and six times weekly from London Gatwick with fares from £141.84.

Palandoken (8 km from Erzurum, Turkey)

Located to the south of Erzurum on the Palandoken Mountains, the Palandoken Winter Sports Centre in the northeast of Turkey has some of the longest and steepest ski pistes in the world. 28km worth of ski pistes provide a variety of snow activities at 2200-3175 metres and at a snow depth of 3 metres. The centre’s four- and five-star hotels, ski lodges and restaurants are easily accessible from the mountain, with the centre providing transportation from the city centre throughout its December–May season. Palandoken will be hosting an International Ski Federation event in 2016 for Slalom and Grand Slalom. Pegasus flies to Erzurum Airport, 8km from Palandoken, daily from London Stansted via Istanbul with fares from just £76.99.

Shymbulak (15 km from Almaty, Kazakhstan)

Located at an altitude of over 2000m and only a short bus ride from Almaty (15 km), Shymbulak is Central Asia’s most prominent spot for skiing. Having hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games, Shymbulak has great facilities for beginners, professionals and snowboarders alike and the skiing complex also boasts the 10,500-square-metre Medeu ice rink, which professional speed skaters have been using as a training ground since 1972. The region also offers plenty of opportunities for trekking, hiking and mountain-biking. Pegasus flies three times weekly from both London Stansted and Gatwick to Almaty via Istanbul with fares from £225.66.

For press trip requests to any of Pegasus’ winter destinations, please email [email protected]