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Mount Hermon, a symbol of Israel’s winter season, may soon reopen to visitors as security restrictions are expected to be lifted by the end of the month, officials said Friday.
"If there are no changes in the security situation and pending military approval, the general’s order designating the area as a closed military zone is set to expire at midnight on February 28," said Miki Inbar, vice president of marketing and spokeswoman for the site. "We anticipate being able to welcome visitors this winter season."
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Snow on Mount Hermon on Wednesday
(Video: Mount Hermon Ski Resort)
While skiing will not be possible this year due to Hezbollah fire damaging the ski lifts, Inbar confirmed that all safety checks and preparations for reopening the visitors' lift to the upper level have been completed. “Any sign of a return to normal here, after such a difficult year and a half, makes us happy,” she said.
The final decision on reopening will be made in early March, pending military approval. If conditions allow, visitors from across the country will be able to experience the snow-covered peak, which remains a rare and sought-after winter destination in Israel.
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Despite the optimism, concerns remain about Israel’s ongoing drought and lower-than-usual precipitation levels this season. Officials hope that snow will persist at the summit until at least March and possibly even through Passover in April.
For many in the region, the reopening of Mount Hermon represents more than just a return to winter recreation. “This is a tremendous event,” said Ami Israel, CEO of the Jacob Neve Ativ Resort. “It will bring back the life that we all need. When Mount Hermon is open, and there is snow and rain, then the waterfalls also flow and roar—it brings back the pulse that has been so lacking in the area.”
As of Wednesday night, the snow depth measured about 20 centimeters (8 inches) at the lower level and over half a meter (1.6 feet) at the summit.