2021-03-21 Ez Znanir Snowshoeing
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 6.89 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,465 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Very difficult
- Elevation loss
- 3,465 ft
- Max elevation
- 10,101 ft
- TrailRank
-
54
5
- Min elevation
- 6,661 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 6 hours 27 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1588
- Uploaded
- March 22, 2021
- Recorded
- March 2021
near Cedars, Liban-Nord (Lebanon)
Viewed 335 times, downloaded 6 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
This hike is advanced.
Only recommended for seasoned hikers who are willing to take a beating. The goal of the trail was to reach Ez Znanir Peak (the second highest peak in Lebanon after the Black Peak Qornet Sawda) and to “enjoy” a 360 degree view of Lebanon; especially the North Bekaa Valley. The Znznir peak is 3079 meters ASL as compared with 3088 meters for Black Peak but has better views.
The trail started from the Arz Ski lift Station and went up one of the steepest ski slopes in Lebanon. The climb gained 750+ meters of snow-covered slopes. On the way up, skiers passed by and giving us the “crazy” look for doing this. After reaching the upper Arz Ski Station (start of the ski slope), the trail became a bit manageable with still needing to cover 250 meter climb over a 3+ km trail (a walk in the park after climbing a nonstop 750+ meters).
We had our lunch break at Znanir with cold (windshield factor gave it a – 3 degrees Celsius; an estimation) gusty winds and enjoyed the views then headed back via a small loop and connected with the up trail. The trail going down the slope was not easy either; faster but not easier. The slope down was steep and never ending.
All in all, it was a great day and difficult enjoyable hike. The low level of oxygen at such heights added to the difficulty of the trail.
Only recommended for seasoned hikers who are willing to take a beating. The goal of the trail was to reach Ez Znanir Peak (the second highest peak in Lebanon after the Black Peak Qornet Sawda) and to “enjoy” a 360 degree view of Lebanon; especially the North Bekaa Valley. The Znznir peak is 3079 meters ASL as compared with 3088 meters for Black Peak but has better views.
The trail started from the Arz Ski lift Station and went up one of the steepest ski slopes in Lebanon. The climb gained 750+ meters of snow-covered slopes. On the way up, skiers passed by and giving us the “crazy” look for doing this. After reaching the upper Arz Ski Station (start of the ski slope), the trail became a bit manageable with still needing to cover 250 meter climb over a 3+ km trail (a walk in the park after climbing a nonstop 750+ meters).
We had our lunch break at Znanir with cold (windshield factor gave it a – 3 degrees Celsius; an estimation) gusty winds and enjoyed the views then headed back via a small loop and connected with the up trail. The trail going down the slope was not easy either; faster but not easier. The slope down was steep and never ending.
All in all, it was a great day and difficult enjoyable hike. The low level of oxygen at such heights added to the difficulty of the trail.
Waypoints
Waypoint
9,997 ft
Comments (6)
You can add a comment or review this trail
Must have been exhausting for such a climb.
Maybe nice to do in summer ?
I think it would be a nice summer hike; especially if you did black peak before. Because this one has better 360 degrees views.
Yalla, let us do it together.
soon
Let me bring my little bit of contradiction into this conversation :-)
For me a good time for Qornet Essawda is April-May. Why?
- Not enough snow for skidoos
- Too much snow for quads.
Qornet Essawda in summer is like going to the Corniche. Quads, 4x4, motorbikes, hikers, mountain-bikers, tourists with narguile and the endless pile-up of garbage. Last summer our friends from Bcharre and Sir Donniye even granted us with some free fireworks. I didn't see it, but the army apparently closed the place.
But the ever best time is October. Just when it starts to freeze. With the cold, the view is be crystal-clear. I once could distinctly see Tartus and Homs with bare eyes. Really recommended.
Thank you. May seems like a good choice.