Mount Hermon

Mount Hermon is recognized as a national treasure of Israel, it is part of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. The highest peak is located at an altitude of 2 kilometers 812 meters, it is controlled by the Syrian state. Israel owns only 7% of the southern mountainous area in the north of the state, which is 70 kilometers. The remaining territories belong to neighboring Syria and the Lebanese Republic. In Israel, the highest peak is located at an altitude of 2 kilometers 236 meters.

Short description

Mount Hermon is the territory of a national reserve, except for the part where the ski tourism center is located. For several centuries, until refrigerators were invented, one of the income items of local residents was the ice trade. It was bought by rich Israelis, Syrians, and Egyptians. The mountain is the source of the Banias, Dan and Snir rivers, which in turn fill the Jordan riverbed.

Climate

It is worth noting that Mount Hermon is the coldest place in Israel. In this area, precipitation falls on average 90 days a year, and its amount sometimes reaches 1,350 mm. Summers in the mountains are drier, there is almost no precipitation, but strong winds blow. In winter, they intensify, their speed can even exceed 150 km/h. In open areas, the winds sweep away most of the snow, leaving only a small layer on the surface. In places protected from the winds, multi-meter snowdrifts form. It lies until late spring, and sometimes until the beginning of August. The temperature on Mount Hermon drops to -5 °C in winter, and in summer the thermometer sometimes exceeds +30 °C.

Tourist Center

Today, Mount Hermon and its surroundings are a well-developed year-round tourist center, attracting not only Israelis, but also numerous foreign tourists. It is located 10 km from the city of Neve-Ativ. The city administration is making major investments in the development of the tourist center. In winter, you can spend active holidays at the ski resort. The slopes are built at different heights from 1600 to 2040 meters, they are designed for different levels of skiing, both for beginners and for fans of extreme sports. The length of the highway is 45 kilometers. People can snowboard, ski, and sled here. Riding over the abyss on chairlifts or tow lifts, you can admire the snow-covered landscapes. At lower levels, children and adults ride mountain sleds and fly in the mountains on a circular high-altitude device, a unique Sky Rider attraction.

It is not necessary to take all the equipment with you. Ski and snowboard equipment can be rented here for both adults and children. You can also buy the necessary equipment at the ski clothing and equipment store. For those who haven't been skiing before, there is a ski school that teaches skiing lessons. There are children's groups and groups for beginners. Those who wish can purchase individual lessons.

Mount Hermon in summer

This is a great season for an active vacation in the mountains. There is beautiful nature here, more than 200 species of exotic plants grow, you can find a rare alpine flower - the white edelweiss, rare animals and the symbol of Hermon - the cypress. In good weather, excursions to the top, to the battle sites for Hermon, as well as mountain sledding are organized. This attraction is open all year round. Many people like it more than roller coasters, as it is possible to independently adjust the speed of descent. In clear weather and with good visibility, everything that extends up to 150 kilometers can be seen from the top of the mountain. In the summer, you can rent a bike and ride along a difficult mountain route. And beginners will get their first riding lessons. Another fascinating entertainment is considered to be a five-kilometer kayaking descent along the rushing water.

Where to stay and eat

In order to have a snack or lunch, you do not need to go anywhere. Buffets are located on the slope of Mount Hermon. Kosher food is also sold here. You should definitely try the Druze's signature pita. It is not difficult to find a place to spend the night near the tourist center. There are two Druze villages and several other settlements at the foot of the mountain, where you can rent apartments and book a hotel room. When visiting Israel, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Hermon tourist center. At any time of the year, you can see a lot of interesting things here and get unforgettable emotions.