THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Mzaar (Faraya) is the Middle East’s largest ski area, offering chairlifts, varied runs and a vibrant mountain scene just a short trip from Beirut. This guide covers what to expect on a day trip—terrain, local culture and practical tips to plan your visit.
Mzaar (Faraya) is the Middle East’s largest ski area, offering chairlifts, varied runs and a vibrant mountain scene just a short trip from Beirut. This guide covers what to expect on a day trip—terrain, local culture and practical tips to plan your visit.
A sharp cold greets you as the bus climbs from Beirut's coastal haze into stone terraces and wind-scoured pines; by the time the resort comes into view, chairlifts cut neat lines against a high, winter sky. Mzaar—commonly called Faraya-Mzaar—spreads across ridgelines with open bowls, groomed pistes and pockets of steeper fall-line terrain that push beginners toward confidence and intermediates toward longer runs.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Zingy Ride · Faraya, Mount Lebanon
A sharp cold greets you as the bus climbs from Beirut's coastal haze into stone terraces and wind-scoured pines; by the time the resort comes into view, chairlifts cut neat lines against a high, winter sky. Mzaar—commonly called Faraya-Mzaar—spreads across ridgelines with open bowls, groomed pistes and pockets of steeper fall-line terrain that push beginners toward confidence and intermediates toward longer runs.
The slopes sit on the western edge of the Mount Lebanon range, where limestone folds and karst outcrops create abrupt drops and sheltered gullies. Skiing here is layered with history: winter sports in Lebanon trace back to the mid-20th century, and Mzaar has since grown into the region’s largest ski area, balancing international visitors and a lively local après culture.
Cafés and restaurants at the base mix Lebanese mezze and hearty mountain fare; the mood is convivial and party-ready after dark. Pay attention to the mountain’s seasonal rhythms—snowpack varies year to year, and lift access can change quickly.
Practical guidance: arrive early from Beirut to grab morning corduroy and shorter lift lines, dress in breathable layers and protect exposed skin—the sun at altitude is sharp. Stick to marked runs if you’re unfamiliar; off-piste here can be rocky under thin cover. For a day trip, allow a full eight hours for travel, rentals and a few laps—book transfers that include pickup and drop-off from Beirut to avoid parking hassles. Whether you carve a first turn or chase off-piste pockets, Mzaar delivers steep lines, lively village energy and a distinct Levantine take on alpine skiing.
Expect about 45–90 minutes depending on traffic and weather; morning departures are typically faster.
Yes—Mzaar offers ski and snowboard rentals and a range of lesson options for beginners through intermediates.
Season timing varies with snowfall; the resort often operates core season in winter months, with March/February typically busiest—check local updates before booking.
There are off-piste zones, but conditions can be variable and rocky under thin snow; only experienced skiers with local guide knowledge should go off marked runs.
Zingy Ride operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A sharp cold greets you as the bus climbs from Beirut's coastal haze into stone terraces and wind-scoured pines; by the time the resort comes into view, chairlifts cut neat lines against a high, winter sky. Mzaar—commonly called Faraya-Mzaar—spreads across ridgelines with open bowls, groomed pistes and pockets of steeper fall-line terrain that push beginners toward confidence and intermediates toward longer runs.
A sharp cold greets you as the bus climbs from Beirut's coastal haze into stone terraces and wind-scoured pines; by the time the resort comes into view, chairlifts cut neat lines against a high, winter sky. Mzaar—commonly called Faraya-Mzaar—spreads across ridgelines with open bowls, groomed pistes and pockets of steeper fall-line terrain that push beginners toward confidence and intermediates toward longer runs.
The slopes sit on the western edge of the Mount Lebanon range, where limestone folds and karst outcrops create abrupt drops and sheltered gullies. Skiing here is layered with history: winter sports in Lebanon trace back to the mid-20th century, and Mzaar has since grown into the region’s largest ski area, balancing international visitors and a lively local après culture.
Cafés and restaurants at the base mix Lebanese mezze and hearty mountain fare; the mood is convivial and party-ready after dark. Pay attention to the mountain’s seasonal rhythms—snowpack varies year to year, and lift access can change quickly.
Practical guidance: arrive early from Beirut to grab morning corduroy and shorter lift lines, dress in breathable layers and protect exposed skin—the sun at altitude is sharp. Stick to marked runs if you’re unfamiliar; off-piste here can be rocky under thin cover. For a day trip, allow a full eight hours for travel, rentals and a few laps—book transfers that include pickup and drop-off from Beirut to avoid parking hassles. Whether you carve a first turn or chase off-piste pockets, Mzaar delivers steep lines, lively village energy and a distinct Levantine take on alpine skiing.