Ski Mount Hermon, Israel

Skiing In Israel
(Updated December 2003)

By GoSki.com and Joel Leyden

Getting To Mt. Hermon: From Tel Aviv, take the coastal road north in the direction of Haifa. Just after Hadera there is a turn off to Afula. Take this turn, drive to Afula and through the town following the sign to Tiberius.
At Golani Junction drive straight on, following signs to Kiryat Schmona. In Kiryat Schmona, drive through the town and take the right turn at the exit of Kiryat Schmona. You should see signs to Mt. Hermon. Follow this road passing Kibbutz Hagoshrim, Dafna, Dan and continue via the Banias and Neve Ativ to Mt. Hermon.

Vertical Drop: 620m/2,034'

Top Elevation: 2,020m/6,627'

Lifts: 7 (4 chairs, 3 surface)

Season: December - April

Tourist Office: +972 (6) 698 13 37

Evaluation:

Joel Leyden (Israel): I know something about the Hermon ; I served as a ski instructor at Mt. Hermon for a few years after working as a certified ski school director / PSIA ski instructor in the Northeast, USA for 14 years!
First - you may hear some people bad mouth this ski resort, which is unfair.
It's not much different than any other small to midsize ski resort in the Northeast USA, i.e. - Hunter or Great Gorge / Vernon Valley.

Skiing in the Middle East provides a challenging, beautiful and mystical run. The terrain has something for everyone. The area, which has no snowmaking, relies on Mother Nature. And when this mother is sweet - the skiing is excellent!!!
Yes - it is expensive - if your living on an Israeli salary (Israeli's make about 1/3 the income of Americans.)
Yes - the service is not American or European - but this is another culture - not good or bad - just different.

The view from the top - spectacular!
As you look down through the clouds on the green valleys and snowcapped peaks of Northern Israel, Lebanon and Syria - well - just mystical!
Excellent lodging is in the nearby French style Neve Ativ village. Very modern, romantic and friendly! But don't look for apres-ski here - doesn't exist.
Good food - yes!

The ski school gets a grade of 8 out of 10.
The ski patrol an 9 out of 10.
The rental equipment - 8 out of 10.
Ski Grooming - 9 out of ten.
Excellent runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.

What I will warn you about are the Israeli skiers (not all - but enough to make a difference).
They don't have enough money for ski instruction - so always look up for a "bomber" out of control.

If your a skier and happen to be in Israel during January, February and March - don't miss this truly beautiful and magical mountain range.

NEED PROFESSIONAL SKI INSTRUCTION?

Professional, Certified Ski School Director available for weekends and European / USA Tours