Outdoor action
Put your ski gear on! It's time to hit the slopes with our friends at
CEDARS
At an altitude of 2,000m, this area enjoys a long season that begins in early November and often lasts until late April. The gently sweeping slopes are excellent for beginners.
WHERE TO SLEEP
White Cedar Hotel and Resort (+961 70 493394) features a panoramic view over the Cedars Forest and valley. La Maison des
Cèdres (+961 6 678073) is a cozy option boasting a restaurant, bar and garden. Le
Cedrus Boutique Hotel (+961 6 678777), an attractive four-star hotel, is in the heart of the resort, where customers can enjoy dinner at Le Pichet (+961 70 413777), one of the top dining experiences in the area.
WHERE TO EAT
For traditional Lebanese cuisine, head to Jannat Al Arez (+961 3 743760) and admire the mesmerizing sunsets above the clouds. Al Arze (+961 3 666746) is also revered for its fresh food and homemade arak.
WHAT TO DO
This charming village is well known for its nature, art, history and culture. Horsh El
Rab (Forest of the Cedars of God), which is the oldest cedar forest, is just meters away from the ski slopes. Being the hometown of prolific Lebanese writer and poet Gibran Khalil Gibran, the Gibran Museum (+961 6 671137) — formerly the Monastery of Mar Sarkis — is also located nearby in Bcharre. A little further you will find the Qadisha Grotto and Wadi Qadisha.
FAQRA
Faqra resort is one of the world's first private ski clubs. It is situated at an elevation of 1,550m, overlooking Beirut and Jounieh.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Auberge de Faqra (+961 9 300600) has a private ski slope. There is also the Urban
Hotel (+961 9 341541), a trendy eight-room design hotel, and the Terrebrune Hotel
(+961 9 300060), an alpine-style property.
WHERE TO EAT
Beirut’s well-known dining concepts have found their way to the mountains of
Faqra, including Meat the Fish (+961 3 003932), serving fresh seafood and premium meat dishes, as well as Bar du Port (+961 71 444007), Faqra edition, which is known to be one of the best spots to eat and drink.
However, for those in search of an authentic experience, delicious Lebanese mezze can be enjoyed at Chez Michel (+961 9 300614) and Aand Shaker (+961 3 771046).
WHAT TO DO
Faqra has some remarkable attractions.
The Temple of Faqra (Qalaat Faqra) is an archaeological site with Roman and Byzantine ruins that feature well-preserved altars, columns and tombs. Also, one of the most spectacular wonders of nature is Jisr Al Hajar, or the Stone Bridge, with a 38-meter arch spanning Nahr El Laban.
LAQLOUQ
Located at an altitude ranging from 1,750m to 2,000m and surrounded by thousands of trees, Laqlouq is a ski destination unlike any other. It is an excellent resort for alpine and cross-country skiing.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Shangri-la Hotel (+961 3 441112) is a warm and luxurious boutique hotel with 20 rooms. Nirvana Hotel and Spa (+961 3 441112) is another cozy option.
WHERE TO EAT
Azawardi (+961 76 888868) promises an authentic yet trendy Lebanese dining experience. For international dishes, eat at Los Reyes (+961 71 400077).
WHAT TO DO
The legendary Afqa Grotto and Balou Balaa sinkhole can be reached within a 15-minute drive of Laqlouq. Other nearby sites of interest include the Kornet Saidat Al-qarn peak and the village of Annaya, where you can find the Monastery of Saint Charbel, the museum and the hermitage.
MZAAR KFARDEBIAN
Ski lovers can enjoy altitudes of 1,850m up to 2,465m and take in epic views over the Bekaa Valley, Mount Hermon, and other peaks like Laqlouq and the Cedars. With 42 slopes and 80km of ski tracks, the Mzaar Ski Resort is the most popular resort in Lebanon.
WHERE TO SLEEP
From boutique properties to chalets, there is no shortage of accommodation options. Some facilities are close to the slopes, such as Eleven Hotel (+961 70 999931), Mzaar Views Chalets (+961 3 140143) and
Vintage Ski & Summer Chalet Mzaar, while others are clustered in town, including The
Lodge Inn (+961 9 320020), Faraya Village
(+961 9 320666), Chalet de Faraya (+961
3 321216) and Villetta di Faraya (+961 76
188220).
The five-star Intercontinental Mzaar (+961 9 340100) offers year-round activities and direct ski access to an 80km trail.
WHERE TO EAT
One of the best foodie spots is the famous
Le Montagnou (+961 9 341441) serving French cuisine with two main specialties: raclette and fondue. Don’t miss out on the best street food at R.snack (+961 70 777696) and taste their famous pork tartine.
WHAT TO DO
Mzaar Kfardebian is known to host the best parties in the region. Odin (+961 76 506502) is a place where you can relax, have a drink and dance. Rikki’z (+961 3 120201) is also a popular hangout due to its fun events and energetic crowd. Enjoy the thrill of off-roading through mind-blowing landscapes, Helmets-on (+961 71 644442) offers ATV, buggy and snowmobile tours for families, beginners and experienced riders.
In addition, visit the stunning 30m natural bridge of Kfardebian, the ruins of a Phoenician temple and a Roman tower.
QANAT BAKISH
One of the best-preserved towns in Lebanon, the old village of Qanat Bakish provides skiers of all levels with excellent snow and calmer slopes.
WHERE TO SLEEP
ODOM Retreat (+961 76 992092) is located at Le Plateau de Bakish and offers a one-ofa-kind experience with its eco-village feel and dome-like capsules, while the three-star
Snowland Hotel (+961 3 345300) is the closest to the ski slopes, making it a great option for families.
WHERE TO EAT
Shwar Jreid (+961 3 795064) serves a wide selection of Lebanese mezze, fresh raw meat, grills and more. If French and Italian cuisine is more your thing, try The Notch
Restaurant (+961 70 765755).
WHAT TO DO
The old village of Qanat Bakish is one of the best-preserved villages in Lebanon. The plateau of Bakish is a popular destination offering plenty of activities during winter. Go snowshoeing up to the Cross of All Nations, the largest illuminated cross in the world.
ZAAROUR
Located just 30 minutes away from Beirut, Zaarour is the closest ski destination to the capital. Its family-friendly ski slopes, year-round activities and picturesque views of red-roofed houses hidden under coats of snow make this region a popular choice.
WHERE TO SLEEP
A luxury five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the mountains, Le Grand Chalet (+961 4 310010) offers a cozy and memorable retreat. Villagio Hotel & Resort (+961 4 296496) promises guests comfortable accommodation, a selection of dining options and a seasonal outdoor pool.
WHERE TO EAT
Qasr Al Bouhayra (+961 4 296200) is known for its flavorsome food. Zahr El Rabih
(+961 4 296333) is also a resort favorite, where you can enjoy Lebanese mezze.
Head to Koukh Al Sabaya (+961 3 658734) for saj, or try Roots (+961 81 297397) for Lebanese and international dishes.
For a sunset above the clouds, look no further than Frozen Cherry (+961 71 661225).
WHAT TO DO
Whether you are a fan of off-roading, camping, hiking or snowshoeing, Zaarour is the right place for you.