Ski Season Kicks Off at Palandöken and Sarıkamış Resorts in Turkey, Marking a Promising Winter Tourism Growth Season with Expanding Offerings

Published on December 14, 2025

The Palandöken and Sarıkamış ski resorts in Turkey have started the 2025 ski season with favorable snow conditions, hosting winter sports enthusiasts from both domestic and international markets. This early-season excitement at these eastern Turkish ski resorts heralds the beginning of another successful year for winter tourism in the country, a sector that keeps on expanding with each passing year towards becoming an attractive destination for skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities.

Palandöken Ski Resort: Early Season Success and Tourism Growth Potential

At Palandöken Ski Center in Erzurum, snow depth has reached 41 centimeters (16 inches), and the slopes are now open, offering a great start to the season. Located just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center and 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the airport, Palandöken is easily accessible and consistently draws local and international visitors. This year, the resort continues to benefit from its strategic location, attracting families for sledding and winter sports enthusiasts for skiing and snowboarding.

The growing popularity of Palandöken is reflective of the broader winter tourism growth in Turkey. Görken Yıldırım, a skier from Gümüşhane, shared his excitement about the resort’s conditions, comparing it favorably to other Turkish resorts like Erciyes and Uludağ. “I’ve been here for two days, and it’s been very nice and fun. The snow conditions are good, and I like Palandöken more than other resorts,” said Yıldırım, highlighting the growing appeal of the resort in the winter sports community.

The increasing number of visitors to Palandöken showcases how winter tourism in Turkey is continuing to thrive, with expectations for higher visitor numbers each season. The resort’s emphasis on family-friendly activities alongside its focus on skiing infrastructure and snow-making technology supports its role in driving winter tourism growth across eastern Turkey.

Sarıkamış Ski Resort: Expanding Popularity and Scenic Attractions

Similarly, Sarıkamış Ski Center has begun the season with favorable snow conditions, attracting tourists eager to experience the resort’s renowned crystal snow and beautiful pine forests. Known for its long runs and pristine natural environment, Sarıkamış is a premier destination for those looking for eco-tourism experiences in addition to winter sports. Although the resort has not yet officially opened for the season, weekend visitors have already taken advantage of the second-stage slopes, enjoying activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

Sarıkamış’ growing reputation as a winter tourism destination is aligned with the broader expansion of winter sports tourism in Turkey. At an elevation of 2,634 meters (8,642 feet), the resort’s location makes it an ideal choice for high-altitude winter sports enthusiasts. The resort’s continued investment in infrastructure and the maintenance of snow quality is helping to drive tourism growth in the region.

Erdoğan Polat, a visitor to Sarıkamış, noted the resort’s ideal snow conditions and stunning scenery, saying, “We want to enjoy skiing in this beautiful scenery. There is very good snow, and the view is perfect. This is the first snowboard run of the season for me.” As Sarıkamış continues to attract new visitors, its potential for becoming a key player in Turkey’s winter tourism market is clear.

Winter Tourism Growth: Turkey’s Expanding Appeal as a Ski Destination

The opening of Palandöken and Sarıkamış for the season signals the ongoing growth of winter tourism in Turkey. As domestic and international tourists seek new and exciting destinations for winter vacations, Turkey’s ski resorts are gaining recognition for their world-class snow conditions, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities.

Winter sports tourism in Turkey is benefiting from both domestic and international travelers, with Russian and European visitors contributing to the growth in international arrivals. As Turkey continues to invest in its winter tourism infrastructure, including snow-making technology and improved ski slopes, the country’s ski resorts are expected to attract even more visitors in the coming years. Resorts like Palandöken and Sarıkamış are well-positioned to play a key role in this continued winter tourism growth.

Gastronomic and Eco-Tourism: Broader Attractions for Winter Travelers

The growth of winter tourism in Turkey is not limited to just skiing and snowboarding. Resorts like Sarıkamış, with its eco-tourism offerings, and areas like Palandöken, known for its family-friendly amenities, reflect the increasing diversification of winter tourism in the country. Visitors are not only attracted to the slopes but also to the chance to experience local cuisine, wellness programs, and cultural tourism during the winter months.

Winter tourism growth in Turkey is also supported by the country’s ability to offer multi-faceted travel experiences, from gastronomic tourism to spa resorts and cultural festivals. This variety is appealing to travelers looking for more than just winter sports, ensuring that Turkey remains competitive in the global winter tourism market.

Turkey’s Winter Tourism is Poised for Continued Growth

With Palandöken and Sarıkamış at the helm, winter tourism in Turkey will continue to evolve. The increased popularity of these resorts, with further investment in infrastructure and artificial snow, makes Turkey a very attractive destination for winter sports. With a country focusing on winter tourism development—both skiing and eco-tourism—Turkey will soon become one of the most sought-after international destinations in winter, offering various experiences for every type of traveler. The novel developments and increased access, the future indeed is bright for Turkey’s winter tourism industry to maintain its status as a premier choice for travelers in search of thrilling snow adventures and cultural experiences.