Skiing in Lebanon
 

One of the many advantages we have in Lebanon is that we can sunbath, water
ski, scuba dive, and ski all in one day, and within a reasonable distance
due to its size and geography. Therefore, as a woman who enjoys
participating in any sort of social and sport activity , I get to meet many
people who travel to Lebanon, whether they are Lebanese living abroad or
tourists, and who have the same interests and more or less the same hobbies
as mine.

I recall one time in the winter, when Jessica Gilles, Lara Jawad, Sami Eid,
and myself decided to take sometime off from the city and head to Faraya (a
ski resort which is about 45mn from beirut) to take advantage of the fresh
snow and contemplate the spectacular views from the cafeteria on top of the
slopes. We were having Turkish coffee at the cafeteria of "La Refuge" and
were joined by a good friend of Sami, Hicham Aboutaam and his son. Sami and
Hicham took the little boy to the ski slope. In the meantime, we made a
couple of phone calls trying to figure out where we can all go and party
later that evening. Finally, we all decided to go down to Beirut and party
at Crystal, one of the most popular night clubs in Lebanon and where people
go to see and be seen. Crystal is my kind of place.

Back to Faraya, where ski is a wonderful experience. The mountains in that
part of Lebanon are high full of snow until the end of February. One of the
most amazing things about Faraya is that there is a spot where you can pause
and enjoy an unforgettable view of the Mediterranean. Yes believe it, and
try that at sunset.

It wouldn't be fair to talk about ski in Lebanon without talking about the
the country's symbol. Simply known as "The Cedars". This resort settlement
in Lebanon's highest range is one of the most dramatically beautiful spots
in the country. Its centerpiece is an ancient grove of cedars, a tree
synonymous for millennia with Lebanon itself.

The area is undergoing serious renovation and upgrading its ski facilities.
We all should keep it in mind for the future.