The final handshake. The closing remarks. The satisfying click of my laptop shutting down after a whirlwind of meetings. Today marked the official end of our business here in Lebanon, and honestly, a wave of both accomplishment and a tinge of melancholy washed over me. But the day was far from over. In fact, it was about to take a rather exhilarating turn.

“What better way to bid farewell to business than by embracing the majestic peaks of Faraya?” The thought had been brewing in my mind all week, a tantalizing whisper amidst spreadsheets and presentations. And as soon as the last meeting concluded, that whisper turned into a decisive plan. Faraya, nestled in the heart of Lebanon, beckoned with promises of adventure and a healthy dose of natural beauty – a perfect antidote to days spent indoors.

We wasted no time. The anticipation was palpable as we hopped into the car, leaving behind the familiar buzz of Beirut and heading towards the mountains. The landscape began to shift almost immediately. The city’s concrete gave way to rolling hills, which gradually steepened, hinting at the grandeur that awaited us. Faraya, with its charming village peeking out from the folds of the mountains and the vast, inviting slopes, soon came into view. This was it – home to the renowned Mzaar Ski Resort, our destination for this impromptu adventure.

Just an hour’s journey from the bustling capital, Faraya felt like another world entirely. This haven in Kfardebian wasn’t just about stunning scenery, though it certainly had that in abundance. There was a sense of history clinging to the air, a whisper of ancient times. I’d read that this region boasted a rich past, even dating back to Roman times.

As we finally reached the Mzaar Ski Resort, the crisp mountain air invigorated us. The very name “Mzaar,” meaning sanctuary, resonated deeply. Looking around at the snow-dusted peaks stretching towards the clear blue sky, I could certainly understand why it was once known as “Jabal el Mazar” – the mountain of the sanctuary. It was fascinating to learn that a Roman temple once graced its highest point. Though the civil war had taken its toll, leaving behind only remnants, I could almost picture it standing proud against the elements, a testament to centuries past.

Stepping out of the car and into the resort felt like entering a playground of possibilities. A blanket of fresh snow sparkled under the afternoon sun, and the cheerful chatter of fellow adventurers filled the air. With 42 slopes and a staggering 80 kilometers of piste spread across three valleys, the sheer scale of the resort was impressive. Whether you were a seasoned skier, a tentative snowboarder, or simply looking to soak in the winter wonderland, Mzaar seemed to offer something for everyone.

I’ll confess, my skiing skills are… rudimentary at best. But the allure of the snow-capped mountains and the thrill of gliding (or perhaps more accurately, wobbling) down a slope was too strong to resist. We rented our gear, the familiar weight of the skis feeling both exciting and slightly daunting.

As we ascended the chairlift, the panorama that unfolded before us was simply breathtaking. The vast expanse of the Bekaa Valley stretched out like a patchwork quilt below, framed by the majestic silhouette of Mount Hermon in the distance. It was a view that truly showcased the diverse beauty of Lebanon’s natural tapestry, a reminder of the incredible landscapes this country holds.

Reaching the top of the Mzaar slope, I paused to take it all in. The air was thin and crisp, carrying the distant laughter of skiers and the gentle whoosh of the wind. From this vantage point, we could see not only the Bekaa Valley and Mount Hermon of the Anti-Lebanon range but also other impressive peaks like Zaarour, Laqlouq, and even the distant Cedars. The Mzaar-Kfardebian mountain range itself was a sight to behold, its peaks varying between 1,913 and 2,465 meters. I learned that the highest peak is Mzaar itself, followed by Wardeh and the aptly named Jabal Dib (Mountain of the Wolf) Peak, which apparently offers a serious challenge for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. Maybe next time, I thought with a hopeful grin.

For now, I was content with the gentler slopes. The winter snow here, I was told, can reach over 1.75 meters, and the temperature can drop to a chilly -6 °C. Today, however, the sun was shining, making for perfect skiing conditions.

My attempts at skiing were a mix of exhilarating moments and comical tumbles. There were definitely more of the latter, but the sheer joy of being out in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by such stunning scenery, made every little victory feel significant. Even the feeling of the cold snow against my face after an unexpected descent couldn’t dampen my spirits. It was pure, unadulterated fun.

We even stumbled upon a cozy cafeteria nestled amongst the snowdrifts. Stepping inside, the warmth and the aroma of hot coffee were incredibly inviting. Sipping on a steaming cup while gazing out at the winter wonderland felt like a scene from a postcard. And then I spotted it – a charming chalet tucked away on the hillside, smoke gently curling from its chimney. “Wish I could have this chalet! 😉” I couldn’t help but think, imagining cozy evenings spent by a crackling fire after a day on the slopes.

As the afternoon light began to soften, casting long shadows across the snow, we reluctantly knew it was time to bid adieu to Faraya. The journey back to Beirut felt different this time. We carried with us not just the memories of successful meetings, but the vibrant images of snow-capped peaks, the thrill of the slopes, and the warmth of the mountain air.

Tomorrow, we’ll be heading back to Baghdad. But as I reflect on our time here in Lebanon, this unexpected mountain escape stands out as a highlight. It perfectly encapsulated the magic of this captivating country, where business can seamlessly transition into breathtaking natural adventures, and where you can quite literally ski on snow-capped mountains in the morning and, I’m told, even swim in the Mediterranean waters in the afternoon. It’s a juxtaposition that’s uniquely Lebanese, and it’s a memory I’ll carry with me long after I leave. In Faraya, every moment felt like a testament to the wonders this incredible land has to offer.