The Cedars (Mzaar Bcharre) is the highest ski area in the Middle East, with runs between roughly 2,000 m and 3,000 m on Mount Makmel above the namesake cedar grove. It is small by Alpine standards — a handful of lifts, a few dozen kilometres of pistes — and the lift system is dated.
It is, however, a very Lebanese experience. The slopes look out over the snow-covered Qadisha Gorge, the lift queues are short, and at lunchtime the on-mountain restaurants serve mezze, arak and grilled meat instead of bratwurst. The season runs roughly from December to early April, depending on snow. Day passes are reasonable and rental gear is available in Bcharre and at the base.