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 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 at an altitude of 2 kilometers 236 meters.

Brief description

Mount Hermon is a national reserve, except for the part where the ski tourism center is located. For several centuries, until refrigerators were invented, one of the sources of income for 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 River.

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 1350 mm. Summer in the mountains is 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, winds sweep away most of the snow, leaving only a small layer on the surface. In places protected from the winds, snowdrifts of many meters form. It lies until late spring, and sometimes until early August. The temperature on Mount Hermon in winter drops to -5°C, and in summer the thermometer sometimes exceeds +30°C.

Tourist Center

Today, Mount Hermon and its surroundings are a developed year-round tourist center, attracting not only Israelis, but also numerous foreign tourists. It is located 10 km from the town of Neve Ativ. The city administration is making large investments in the development of the tourist center. In winter, you can spend an active holiday here 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 extreme sports enthusiasts. The length of the route is 45 kilometers. People go snowboarding, skiing, and sledding here. Driving over the abyss on chairlifts or rope tows, you can admire the snow-covered landscapes. At lower levels, children and adults ride a mountain toboggan and fly through the mountains on a high-altitude circular device ─ a unique Sky Rider attraction.

You don't have to take all the equipment with you. There is a rental of ski and snowboard equipment for both adults and children. The necessary equipment can also be purchased at a ski clothing and equipment store. For those who have not tried skiing before, there is a ski school that teaches skiing lessons. There are children's groups and groups for beginners. Those interested can purchase individual lessons.

Mount Hermon in summer

This is a great season for an active holiday in the mountains. There is beautiful nature here, more than 200 species of exotic plants grow, you can find a rare high-mountain flower - white edelweiss, rare animals and the symbol of Hermon - cypress. In good weather, excursions to the top, to the site of the battle for Hermon, as well as mountain sledding are organized. This attraction is open all year round. Many people like it more than a roller coaster, since it is possible to independently regulate the speed of descent. In clear weather and with good visibility, from the top of the mountain you can see everything that extends up to a distance of 150 kilometers. In the summer, you can rent a bicycle and ride along a difficult mountain route. And beginners will receive their first riding lessons. Another exciting activity is a five-kilometer kayak ride down the current of rushing water.

Where to stay and eat

You don’t need to travel anywhere to have a snack or lunch. There are buffets on the slope of Mount Hermon. Kosher food is also sold here. You should definitely try the signature Druze pita. Finding a place to stay overnight near the tourist center is not difficult. At the foot of the mountain there are two Druze villages and several other settlements where you can rent apartments or book a hotel room. When visiting Israel, do not miss the opportunity to visit the tourist center of Hermon. At any time of the year you can see a lot of interesting things here and get unforgettable emotions.