Ovit is an adventure that is almost like "glamping". It is outside the norm, not necessarily easy but it's still fancy.
Getting to Ovit after being dropped off with all your travel/ski equipment by a transfer on the side of a freeway in the dark is the start. Being packed onto a ski-doo, either seated in front of the driver or standing on a side running board, whilst trying to helpfully balance and not fall off on the 10km journey to the lodge was exciting, both on the way in and when leaving.
Arriving at a beautiful lodge that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, with extraordinarily welcoming and professional staff, plus two cheeky Old English Sheepdogs (there's a whole story around how that happened) was fantastic.
Carefully considered ski doo and skin accessed skiing led by experts over several days was also an adventure. The snow wasn't at it's best or safest when I was there but I still had some cracking turns, the views were spectacular, the accommodation beautiful and the hospitality and service exemplary.
See our video here

Ovit Mountain's experience is in many ways centred on the delightful boutique lodge and its fantastic staff. After an interesting after dark, 10km snowmobile ride up to the lodge, the friendly late-night welcome, including from the two resident Old English Sheep Dogs - Bob & Ovit, set the next few days up perfectly. Feeling welcome in isolated locations is so important, and the crew at Ovit Mountain set it up perfectly.

The three day stay included a full-on rampaging blizzard with no skiing, bookended by two cold, glorious sunny days. On the blizzard day we enjoyed the company of the staff and relaxed comfortably. The lodge bedrooms are spacious and the ensuite bathrooms perfect for an extended stay. The lounge and bar area provides the centre of social activity. The music playing throughout the stay, including some stellar sets on the decks by DJ Dan, was absolutely on point.

The professionalism from our guide, Lasha, was excellent. He understood the snow pack, gave clear instructions, provided an extensive safety briefing and clearly communicated during the skiing.

Ovit's terrain includes all manner of possibilities aside from trees! The treeless alpine has wide bowls and steep couloirs on both shaded north and sunny south aspects. Getting up to the best terrain involved a combination of transport by snowmobile, followed by both short & long skinning. Without skinning, the terrain can be quite mellow.

Snow quality varied markedly depending on aspect and exposure to the strong winds that often buffet the pass. Luscious powder, sun softened butter and breakable crust were skied in equal measure. The best runs were top to bottom untracked snow all the back to the lodge.

Some may find the use of snowmobiles to get up the hill uncomfortable. It can certainly be chilly, bumpy and challenging. But it is also fun and fast. Safety on the snowmobiles is certainly a question. Whilst the drivers are expert, it is easy for things to wrong, so it is best to have ones wits about you when a passenger. Note that there were no safety incidents on our tour. The snow cat was not used at all during our stay as it had a mechanical issue.

Meals at the lodge are fantastic. Alcohol and cocktails are in ample supply and expertly prepared, but do check the pricing before going too far. Alcohol in Turkey is not as cheap as it used to be. 'Bill shock' from unrestrained boozing is a distinct possibility here. If in doubt, stick to the endless (and complimentary) teas & coffees on offer. A final evening of apres ski with spiced wine, tunes and a fire on the outdoor deck was a great way to finish.

If you have a cashed up group of advanced to expert freeriders looking for a different 'bespoke' experience in a fascinating country, head up to Ovit Mountain in Turkey from late January to the end of March.
See our video here