A note from Beyond
You don't need to know everything before arriving.
You simply need to know where to start.
This guide is for you whether you're:
- putting on skis for the first time
- bringing your children
- returning to skiing after years away
- looking for a weekend in the mountains
- trying to take your skiing to the next level
01
Prepare.
Arrive with the right kit, the right pass and the right plan.
02
Experience.
Know the mountain, the lifts and the rules, and enjoy the day.
03
Progress.
Build real skills, step by step, with the right coaching.
Information as of October 2026. Mountain conditions, lift operation, access, prices and services change, so always check the current situation before your visit.
Part I
Welcome to Mzaar
Get to know Mzaar before you hit the slopes. Discover its three main areas and how they connect.
Chapter 01 · Welcome to Mzaar Kfardebian
Welcome to Mzaar.
One of Lebanon's premier mountain destinations and the country's most established ski area, with a range of terrain and an experience that goes far beyond simply skiing.
Copy link1,850m
Base, approx.
2,465m
Summit, approx.
80km
Marketed terrain
42
Marketed slopes
- Main areas
- Refuge · Junction · Warde
- Location
- Kfardebian, Mount Lebanon
- Season
- December to April, snow permitting
- Resort & emergency
- +961 3 771 211
Chapter 02 · Understanding the mountain
Three areas. One mountain.
Mzaar is best understood as a connected mountain rather than a single slope. These are the three areas you should know.
Copy link- 01
Refuge
also signed “Mzaar Refuge”A distinct sector linked to the Refuge area and the InterContinental Mzaar, with direct access to the mountain.
- InterContinental Mzaar
- Direct access
- 02
Junction
also signed “Jonction”The central reference point, and an important starting point for lessons, orientation and progression. Home to Baby 1.
- Central
- Lessons
- Baby 1
- 03
Warde
also signed “Wardeh”Wardeh, the northernmost area of Mzaar, offers a variety of slopes for different skill levels, along with a relatively quieter and less crowded parking area.
- Varied terrain
- Quieter parking
Chapter 03 · How to read the mountain
Where am I? Where next?
On a connected mountain, the most important thing for a first-timer is knowing three things at every moment.
Copy linkWhere am I?
Know which area you're in and the name of the lift you came up on.
Where am I going?
Pick your next run before you set off, and check its colour on the signs.
How do I get back?
Know the way back to your car park, rental shop or meeting point.
Varied terrain, quieter car park
Central reference point and lessons
InterContinental Mzaar, direct access
Schematic, not to scale. It shows how the areas relate, not the routes between them.
Part II · Phase 1
Prepare.
Everything to sort out before your first run: getting there, where to stay, what to wear, passes, rentals and your instructor.
Chapter 04 · Choosing your entrance
Pick the right door.
One of the first decisions you'll make is where to access the mountain. Don't choose your entrance just because it looks closest.
Copy link| If you… | Start at |
|---|---|
| are staying at or near the InterContinental Mzaar | Refuge |
| want a central point for orientation and lessons | Junction |
| have plans centred on Warde, or want a quieter car park | Warde |
| have a Beyond lesson booked | Your meeting point |
The rule: decide with all five in mind.
- Where you're staying
- Where your lesson starts
- Where you rent your gear
- Which sector you want to ski
- Where you're parking
Chapter 05 · Getting to Mzaar
The drive is part of the day.
If you're driving from Beirut or the coast, allow extra time in winter. A clear drive from Beirut doesn't mean the mountain road will have the same conditions.
Copy linkBefore you leave
Skip the drive
Beyond arranges rides up to the mountain and back, so you don't have to drive in winter conditions.
Weekends
The mountain road gets busy. Leave earlier than you think you need to.
Remember
Don't underestimate the final part of the drive.
Find Beyond on the map
Turn-by-turn directions to our location at Mzaar Kfardebian.
Chapter 06 · Parking & arrival
Arrive early. Start calm.
Parking is part of your mountain strategy. On busy days, arriving early can make the difference between a smooth start and a stressful morning.
Copy linkYour arrival, in order.
- 1Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
- 2Park at the entrance you chose, based on your lesson, rental and sector.
- 3Collect your equipment. You can rent your ski equipment on the way up to the resort or directly from the parking area. Feel free to reach out to us(opens in a new tab) for recommendations on where to rent.
- 4Buy or collect your lift pass for the area you'll ski. Buy it online in advance to beat the queues at the ticket office.
- 5Meet your instructor at your meeting point, ready to go.
Junction
The central car park, close to lessons and Baby 1.
Refuge
Next to the InterContinental Mzaar, with direct access to the slopes.
Warde
A relatively less crowded car park, often easier on busy days.
Chapter 07 · Where to stay
Wake up in the mountains.
Staying overnight? Choose based on the kind of experience you want.
Copy linkInterContinental Mzaar
Ski-focused pickRefuge area
One of the strongest choices for a ski-focused stay. Its big advantage is mountain proximity and direct access to the ski area.
Good for- Ski weekends
- Families
- Convenience
- Less morning driving
Eleven Hotel
Kfardebian
A practical, comfortable mountain stay close to the slopes.
Good for- Couples
- Families
- Weekend trips
- Close to the mountain
Oakridge Mountain Resort
Kfardebian
A more upscale mountain-resort experience in Kfardebian.
Good for- Upscale stay
- Mountain resort
One-day trip
Staying closer to the coast can make sense.
Weekend trip
Staying in Kfardebian transforms the experience. You wake up in the mountains instead of driving towards them.
Want help booking? Beyond can find you a place to stay near the slopes. Ask on WhatsApp(opens in a new tab)
Chapter 08 · What to wear
Layers, not one giant jacket.
Three thin layers keep you warmer and drier than one thick one, and you can adjust as the day warms up.
Copy link- 03Outer layerProtects you from wind, snow and moisture.
- 02Mid layerProvides warmth.
- 01Base layerKeeps moisture away from your body.
Essentials
Avoid
- Jeans
- Cotton-heavy clothing
- Ordinary trainers on snow
- Too many thick layers that restrict movement
Chapter 09 · What to bring
Pack it once. Ski all day.
Tick these off the night before, and your morning starts with skiing, not searching.
Copy linkEssential
Smart extras
Pack light
Leave what you don't need in the car. A small backpack is easier on lifts than a big one.
Chapter 10 · Buying your lift pass
The right pass, not the priciest.
Make sure you have the correct lift pass for the area you plan to ski. Buy it online before your visit, or at the resort's ticket offices.
Copy linkFull-day prices · 2025–26 season, for reference
| Area | Under 12 | Adult | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Weekend | Weekday | Weekend | |
| Refuge | $50 | $65 | $55 | $80 |
| Domaine du Soleil | $40 | $55 | $45 | $70 |
| Warde | $30 | $40 | $35 | $50 |
Weekday: Monday to Friday. Weekend: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Which pass should you buy?
You don't need the most expensive pass. Choose based on your ski level, lesson location and the area you plan to explore.
Chapter 11 · Renting skis & snowboards
Rent from people we trust.
We recommend two rental partners. Each has a different strength depending on your plans.
Copy linkPic Blanc
Mayrouba
A wide selection of quality equipment, outstanding service and competitive prices. Ideal if you want to choose your equipment carefully before heading up to Mzaar.
SOHO
Mzaar · Junction entrance
Located right inside the Junction car park. Arrive, park and collect your equipment without an extra stop.
Wherever you choose
Mention Beyond.
Pic Blanc and SOHO work directly with Beyond Ski School on the slopes, so Beyond clients get a smoother rental experience when they say they're with us.
What you'll rent
- Skis or snowboard
- Boots
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Gloves
Wear one pair of ski socks for your boot fitting, and tell the shop your level so they set your bindings correctly.
Chapter 12 · Renting a car
Your own wheels, your own schedule.
Coming from Beirut, the coast or the airport? A rental car can make the whole trip easier.
Copy linkIt gives you freedom to
- reach the mountain
- choose your accommodation
- visit restaurants
- explore Kfardebian and Faraya
- leave on your own schedule
Places to start your search
Advance Car Rental
Naccache · coastal Beirut area
N N Rent a Car
Antelias · coastal area
Alpine Sports Rental
Kfardebian · mountain area
Before you rent, ask:
- 1Is the car suitable for mountain roads?
- 2What does the insurance cover?
- 3Are winter or traction requirements covered?
- 4What happens if the weather delays your return?
- 5Is airport or hotel delivery available?
Chapter 13 · Book your instructor
It starts with the right instructor.
Your first turn or your next level. Lessons for every level and every age from 3, at Refuge, Junction and Warde.
Copy link- Never skied before?
- Don't try to figure everything out alone.
- Coming back to skiing?
- Don't spend the whole day repeating the same habits.
- Bringing your children?
- Give them the right foundation from the very beginning.
Beyond Ski School is a certified ski school offering professional instruction, exceptional customer service and a personal approach to every skier.
Why Beyond
- Professional instructors
- Personal coaching
- Safety-first approach
- Exceptional customer service
- Progress-focused teaching
Who we teach
- First-timers
- Children from 3
- Families
- Adults
- Returning skiers
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Anyone who wants to improve
| Lesson | When | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Private lessonStarts from 12:00 pm | 1 hour | $60 |
| Private half day AMMorning · 8:00 am–12:00 pm | 4 hours | $190 |
| Private half day PMAfternoon · 12:00 pm–3:30 pm | 3.5 hours | $175 |
| Private full day8:00 am–3:30 pm | Full day | $350 |
| Lesson | When | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Group half day AMMorning · 8:00 am–12:00 pm | 4 hours | On request |
| Group half day PMAfternoon · 12:00 pm–3:30 pm | 3.5 hours | On request |
| Group full day8:00 am–3:30 pm | Full day | On request |
Group prices depend on group size. Prices as of October 2026. Lift passes and equipment rental are not included.
Meet at
Refuge, Junction, Baby 1 (now Panda) or Warde
Languages
English, Arabic and French
12
Years teaching
2K+
Students coached
3
Areas at Mzaar
3
Languages
Tell us the date, how many people, their ages and levels, and your preferred area. We'll confirm your instructor and meeting point.
Part III · Phase 2
Experience.
On the snow: reading slopes, riding lifts, your first day, the conditions, the rules, and where to eat afterwards.
Chapter 14 · Reading slope difficulty
Colours guide. Ability decides.
The colour system tells you the general difficulty of a slope. Learn the four markers before your first lift.
Copy linkBeginner
Gentle terrain designed for learning.
Intermediate
More gradient and greater technical demands.
Advanced
Steeper terrain requiring stronger control and technique.
Expert
Where it exists: terrain needing very high technical ability and mountain awareness.
Markers show shape and colour together: green circle, blue square, red diamond, double black diamond.
Remember
A slope's colour doesn't decide whether you're ready for it. Your ability does.
Chapter 15 · Mzaar's areas & runs
Know the names on the map.
The resort markets 42 slopes and about 80 km of terrain. The official listings include these runs, grouped by area.
Copy linkJunction
- Pandapreviously Baby 1
- Ecole
- Jonction
- Jabal Dib
- Renard
- Faucon
- Rocher
- Mzaar
- Piste Rouge
- Nabil
- Panorama
- M
Refuge
- Refuge
- Refuge Nord
Warde
- Mickeyeasiest green
- Petite Source2nd easiest
- Donald
- Vallon
- Lac
- Nord
- La Cabane
Chapter 16 · The lifts
The lift is part of the lesson.
For beginners, learning the lift is part of learning to ski. Here's what you'll practise, step by step.
Copy link- 01
Approach
Move calmly to the loading area and wait for your turn.
- 02
Position
Stand where the operator shows you, skis pointing straight ahead.
- 03
Ride
Sit back (or hold on, on a surface lift), stay still and keep your tips up.
- 04
Unload
Stand up and glide off when you reach the top.
- 05
Move away
Clear the unloading zone straight away so the next people can get off.
If you're unsure
Tell the instructor or lift operator.
Chapter 17 · Your first day
Comfortable and controlled.
Your first day should follow a progression. Each step unlocks the next.
Copy link- 01
Equipment
- 02
Stance
- 03
Glide
- 04
Stop
- 05
Turn
- 06
Controlled runs
- 07
First lift
- 08
Independent descent
Your objective isn't
To reach the highest point of Mzaar.
Your objective is
To become comfortable and controlled on skis.
Chapter 18 · Your first three hours
Three hours. Real progress.
Here's what a well-structured first session looks like with a Beyond instructor.
Copy link01
Hour 1
Foundations
- Equipment
- Stance
- Balance
- Gliding
- Stopping
02
Hour 2
Control
- Turning
- Speed control
- Linked turns
- Controlled descents
03
Hour 3
Freedom
- First lift
- Longer run
- Independent skiing
- Correcting technique
This is where a professional instructor makes a major difference.
A private half day (8:00 am – 12:00 pm) fits this whole plan, with time to spare for a break.
Chapter 19 · Snow & weather
Same slope. Different day.
The same slope can feel completely different depending on conditions. You may find any of these, sometimes in one day.
Copy link- Fresh snow
- Groomed snow
- Hardpack
- Icy sections
- Soft spring snow
- Poor visibility
- Strong wind
- Big temperature swings
Morning
Often firmer, faster snow. Great for clean turns once the slopes are groomed.
Afternoon
Snow can soften or turn heavy, and light can go flat. Ski a little slower.
Respect the mountain you're given that day, not the mountain you expected.
Chapter 20 · Mountain safety & etiquette
Space, speed, signs.
Good mountain behaviour is simple. Follow these and you keep yourself and everyone around you safe.
Copy linkAlways
- Control your speed
- Give other skiers space
- Look uphill before merging
- Follow the signs
- Respect closures
- Stay within your ability
Never
- Stop in the middle of a piste
- Stop below a blind crest
- Cut across another skier
- Ski faster than you can control
- Leave equipment blocking a path
- Ignore closures
Mzaar resort & emergency
+961 3 771 211Save it in your phone before you go up. If someone is hurt, stay with them, cross your skis upright above them on the slope and call.
Chapter 21 · Food & après-ski
A good ski day needs a good meal.
This guide is about Kfardebian as a destination, not just its slopes. Here are our picks.
Copy linkFriends' In Restaurant
Easy and varied, so it works for different tastes within one group.
- International
- Grills
- Lebanese specialities
- Mezze
- Pizza & comfort food
- Groups & families
The Lebanese mountain table
Cold and hot mezze, grilled meats, kibbeh, fresh bread and traditional dishes, mountain style.
Restaurant Fawzi
Kfardebian
A local favourite for traditional Lebanese dining.
Al Kanater
Faqra · Kfardebian
Lebanese food in the wider mountain area.
Après-ski
Le Montagnou
Faraya · Food with a proper après-ski atmosphere.
Part IV · Phase 3
Progress.
How skiing really improves: the skills behind every level, the Beyond progression system, children and snowboarding.
Chapter 22 · Understanding your ski level
Think in skills, not colours.
Where are you today? Find the highest line that's true for you. That's your level.
Copy link- Level 6
Advanced skier with strong technical and mountain skills.
- Level 5
Confident on red terrain.
- Level 4
Comfortable on beginner and intermediate terrain.
- Level 3
Can use lifts and complete controlled runs.
- Level 2
Can turn in both directions.
- Level 1
Can glide and stop.
- Level 0
Never skied.
Chapter 23 · The Beyond progression system
Control first. Performance last.
Every Beyond lesson builds the same way, one layer on top of the last. Skip a step and the next one wobbles.
Copy linkControl
01Direction
02Confidence
03Technique
04Mountain skills
05Performance
06
The goal isn't
“I skied a red run.”
The goal is
“I can control myself on a red run.”
That's the difference between surviving a slope and actually skiing it.
Chapter 24 · Your next level
Green, blue, red, beyond.
What each step up really takes. Your instructor will tick these off with you.
Copy linkBeginner → Blue
Before you progress, you should be able to:
- Stop confidently
- Control your speed
- Turn in both directions
- Link turns
- Recover from mistakes
- Use the right lifts
- Keep safe spacing
Blue → Red
Now we develop:
- Parallel turns
- Edge control
- Speed management
- Stronger body position
- Confidence on steeper terrain
- Recovery from mistakes
Red → Advanced
The focus becomes:
- Short turns
- Stronger edge engagement
- Variable snow
- Steeper terrain
- Line selection
- Mountain awareness
- Managing fatigue
Chapter 25 · Skiing with children
Safety first. Then fun.
Children need a different approach. Their priorities, in order:
Copy link- Safety
- Fun
- Confidence
- Technique
- Progress
Don't turn day one into an endurance test.
Short, positive sessions often produce better long-term results than forcing a child to continue when they're cold, tired or frustrated.
Lessons from age 3
Play-based first steps for ages 3–5, real technique through games for ages 6–12. See the kids' programs
Chapter 26 · Snowboarding
Sideways, from scratch.
Your first snowboard session focuses on:
Copy link- 01
Stance
- 02
Balance
- 03
Gliding
- 04
Stopping
- 05
Falling safely
- 06
Getting back up
- 07
Lift technique
- 08
Flat sections
Part V
Plan your day
Plans, checklists and the one-page cheat sheet to keep on your phone.
Chapter 27 · Your perfect Mzaar day
Your perfect Mzaar day.
A sample rhythm for a full day on the mountain, starting with a morning lesson.
Copy link- 06:30Wake up & breakfastA real one. You'll burn through it.
- 07:00Leave
- 07:30Collect equipmentOn the way up, or at the car park.
- 08:00Arrive, park & meet your instructorYour lesson starts.
- 10:00BreakWater and a snack.
- 12:00Lunch
- 13:00Afternoon skiing
- 15:00Final runs, return equipment
- EveningDinner & recovery
This is just an example
Your timing depends on where you're staying, how far you are from the slopes, whether you already have your equipment or need to rent it, where you're renting from, and more.
It's always best to message Beyond(opens in a new tab) and we'll advise you on when to start your day.
Finish before you're tired
Plan your last run early. “One last run” on tired legs is when most falls happen.
Chapter 28 · One-day plans
Ski the best terrain for you.
The objective isn't to ski the hardest terrain available. It's to ski the best terrain for you that day.
Copy linkFirst-timer
- Lesson
- Beginner terrain
- Practice
- Lunch
- Second lesson or practice
Intermediate
- Central start
- Connected terrain
- Some of Warde
- Back before fatigue
Advanced
- Read conditions
- Check visibility
- Match terrain to ability
Chapter 29 · Weekend vs weekday
Weekday ease. Weekend plan.
Copy linkWeekday
Usually easier for:
- parking
- lessons
- equipment
- moving around the mountain
Weekend
Plan ahead. Arrive early. Book these in advance whenever possible:
- Accommodation
- Instructor
- Equipment
Chapter 30 · First-timer checklist
Tick it off.
Your whole day in three short lists. Tick them off right here on your phone, or print the page.
Copy linkBefore leaving
Before skiing
Before going home
Chapter 31 · What nobody tells you
What nobody tells you.
Copy link- 01
You don't need to ski everything.
Mzaar is big enough that trying to “complete” the mountain isn't the point.
- 02
The hardest slope isn't the best slope.
The best run is the one that matches your ability and today's conditions.
- 03
Weather changes everything.
The mountain you ski at 9 am may not feel the same at 2 pm.
- 04
Your first lesson matters.
Bad habits learned on day one can stay with you for years.
- 05
A professional instructor saves you time.
Instead of spending hours wondering why something isn't working, get the right feedback early.
Get the right feedback early.
Chapter 32 · Mzaar cheat sheet
Mzaar on one page.
Screenshot this chapter and keep it on your phone.
Copy linkBase
~1,850 m
Summit
~2,465 m
Marketed terrain
~80 km
Marketed slopes
42
Main areas
Refuge · Junction (Jonction) · Warde (Wardeh)
Resort & emergency
Beyond · WhatsApp
Beyond lessons
- Half day AM
- 8:00 am–12:00 pm
- Half day PM
- 12:00 pm–3:30 pm
- Private hourly
- from 12:00 pm
Rentals
- SOHO
- Junction car park
- Pic Blanc
- Mayrouba
- Say
- “I'm with Beyond”
Adult lift pass · full day, 2025–26
- Warde
- from $35
- Domaine du Soleil
- from $45
- Refuge
- from $55
Golden rules
- Control your speed
- Look uphill before merging
- Respect closures
Slope markers
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
Chapter 33 · Why Beyond Ski School
More than going downhill.
Because skiing is about more than getting to the bottom. It's about:
Copy link- Learning.
- Building confidence.
- Improving technique.
- Enjoying the mountain.
- Creating an experience worth remembering.
At Beyond Ski School, we combine professional instruction with exceptional service to make the experience personal, safe and enjoyable. Whether you're:
- A first-timer
- A parent introducing your child to skiing
- An intermediate skier looking to improve
- An advanced skier looking for refinement
We are ready.
More than lessons
- Skidoo tours
- Snowshoeing
- Transport to the mountain
- Hotel booking
- International ski trips
