Experience Kfardebian: The Heart of Lebanon’s Snowy Peaks and Ancient Wonders

A Journey of Endless Discovery

No, I don’t get bored. Nor do I tire. And truly, I cannot resist that irresistible urge to leave everything behind and drive off into that place—wherever the road may lead me. Perhaps I should say “to that place” where I exalt the Creator for His countless blessings and where my love for our Lebanon grows ever deeper.

Our Lebanon—with its every corner safeguarded by our brave army wherever I go, and its cherished villages lovingly preserved by its people. For beauty alone is never enough; it must be embraced with love, nurtured with care, and upheld with unwavering cleanliness.

This is what I witnessed, and it filled me with pride during my Saturday and Sunday journeys as I bid farewell to a year that bore the weight of global warming—its effects evident across every season and region of our country, as I have shared with you. Now, I eagerly await the promise of a new year, filled with blessings and the long-anticipated arrival of the white visitor.

Kfardebian: A Majestic Winter Wonderland

The first chapter of my journey unfolded in Kfardebian, where winter draped the landscape in a pristine white embrace. The second carried me northward, toward the majestic and timeless Cedar of the Lord, a sentinel of history that still stands strong, drawing resilience from its roots despite the relentless grip of climate change.

I reached both destinations just as the storm swelled in intensity, turning the journey into an exhilarating dance between wind and snow. Earlier this week, I also wandered through Sawfer, capturing fleeting moments of the season’s magic before broadcasting live from Sassine Square and Najmeh Square, where Beirut welcomed the New Year with open arms and glowing lights. As always, my Instagram account remains a window into these journeys, allowing you to follow along in real time.

As I sifted through my photos and reflected on the places I had wandered, I knew these landscapes each deserved their own moment in the spotlight. Each region is a world unto itself—the Chouf Cedars Nature Reserve, Sannine, Qanat Bakish, and our other towering peaks, all wrapped in their winter splendor. But beauty is fragile. Its survival depends on us. Unchecked quarries and reckless crushers continue to scar these ancient lands, altering the map of Lebanon, erasing not just landscapes, but legacies.

Some things, once lost, can never be reclaimed.

Kfardebian: Gateway to Lebanon’s Ski Season

Now, let us journey to Kfardebian and the Oyoun El-Siman where the municipality is working relentlessly to keep the roads open, ensuring winter’s magic remains within reach. Last year, the ski season bore the scars of climate change, but this Monday, it made its long-awaited return. The white visitor has arrived once more, carrying the promise of prosperity and a season that we hope will endure.

Kfardebian’s Rich History and Breathtaking Landscape

Stretching across 40 square kilometers, Kfardebian is one of Lebanon’s largest towns, a place where history, nature, and adventure intertwine. It is home to ancient relics, elegant palaces, and charming chalets, yet it is best known as one of the Middle East’s premier skiing destinations. Its landscape is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring Wadi El-Salib (Valley of the Cross), where timeworn villages, historic mills, and centuries-old workshops stand as silent witnesses to the past.

Perched high in the Kasrouan Mountains, Kfardebian lies 44 kilometers from Beirut, its altitude ranging from 600 to 2,800 meters above sea level. Its name, derived from Syriac, translates to “the village of the deer”—a fitting tribute to the land’s natural grace and resilience.

This ancient town carries within it over 6,000 years of history, its past etched into Faqra Ruins. Travelers can reach this remarkable site through Kasrouan, following the route of the Statue of Jesus the King, or venture deeper into the mountains via Bekfaya and the Wadi al-Jamajem—paths that lead not just to breathtaking landscapes, but to the echoes of civilizations long past.

The Roman Legacy of Kfardebian

To your right, a magnificent Roman temple rises, its six Corinthian-style columns standing proudly against the sky. Time has not erased its grandeur; its walls still bear two Greek inscriptions—one above the main doorway, the other etched into the cornerstone—whispers from the past, dating back to the year 43 AD. Unlike many ruins that have succumbed to neglect, this temple remains enclosed and well protected, a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient craftsmanship.

Further along the northern side of the road, however, history stands on fragile ground. A two-story, square-shaped temple, a shrine upheld by twelve columns, and an altar—each relic a chapter in an untold story—await the protection they so desperately need.

As I wandered through these echoes of antiquity, I encountered travelers from Egypt and Jordan, their awe mirroring my own. Local visitors, too, had come—not just for the snow, but for the experience of standing where history and nature embrace, where the past lingers in every stone and every gust of winter wind.

The Iconic Natural Bridge and Freshwater Springs

From there, my journey led me to the arched stone bridge—a breathtaking natural marvel, sculpted over centuries by the patient hands of wind and water. Standing beneath its towering curve, I couldn’t help but feel as though I had stepped into another world, where nature itself is the master architect.

Beneath the bridge, the Laban Spring flows, its crystalline waters weaving through the valley, nourishing the land and feeding the Shabrouh Dam in Faraya.

Not far from here, the Asal Spring emerges, its pure waters safeguarded within a glass chamber—a source of fresh, potable water that has sustained the area for generations. As I stood there, watching the spring cascade beneath the bridge, I marveled at how seamlessly Kfardebian’s landscapes blend history, nature, and life itself into one breathtaking masterpiece.

The Charm of Kfardebian’s Chalets and Resorts

As I continued my journey—especially as I approached the ski resorts—I found myself captivated by the charm of the houses and chalets that dotted the landscape. Their meticulously arranged architecture, warm wooden facades, and vibrant rooftops stood in perfect harmony with the snow-blanketed surroundings, a scene from a postcard.

For a moment, I felt as though I had stepped into the "Switzerland of the East"—a place where nature and elegance intertwine, where winter transforms the entire region into a picture-perfect alpine dream.

A Thrilling Experience on the Slopes

The ski slopes and their surrounding landscapes is a place where adrenaline and tranquility coexist—where some chase speed and exhilaration, while others pause at the peaks, taking in the boundless beauty stretching before them.

Here, laughter echoes as first-time skiers take their tentative steps onto the powdery white canvas, while seasoned adventurers carve through the slopes with effortless precision.

A Farewell to the White Kingdom—For Now

And so, this enchanting region bids me farewell—its dreamlike clouds drifting lazily over the peaks, its breathtaking view stretching endlessly over Faraya, and the statue of Saint Charbel, standing steadfast atop its mountain, a silent guardian watching over the land. Just last week, I had stood at its base, feeling the weight faith in the crisp mountain air.

Now, as I take one last look before my descent, I know that Kfardebian is not just a destination—it is a feeling, a memory, a promise to return.

Until next time, dear readers, when I invite you to join me on another adventure—this time to Bcharre and our eternal Cedars after I share glimpses of Beirut’s New Year’s celebration, capturing the city’s vibrant spirit as it welcomed another chapter.

You can follow this journey—and many others—on my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and blog. If you wish, you may also request these photos, along with unpublished ones, in any size and the highest quality available—because some moments are best relived through the details.

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