All Aboard: Olympic Snowboard Heroes Head to Erzurum World Cup in Türkiye

Snowboarding was a big Winter Olympics TV hit thanks to Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale winning cross mixed team gold for Team GB’s first ever gold medal on snow – and attention now turns to the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup in Türkiye next month (March).

The three-day tournament, featuring recent Winter Olympics Team GB athletes Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale returns to Erzurum’s Palandöken Ski Centre 6–8 March, bringing the world’s top snowboarders to one of the country’s premier winter sports destinations.

The 2026 event marks the second time Palandöken has hosted the prestigious competition, and it will welcome around 300 athletes from 20 countries. Known for its steep slopes, long runs and quality powder snow, Palandöken provides world-class infrastructure for elite competition, once again placing Erzurum firmly on the international winter sports stage.

A Rising Star in Winter Sports Tourism

Türkiye continues to shine in sports tourism with a lively schedule of international events throughout the year, and winter is when the excitement reaches its peak. Erzurum, home to Palandöken Ski Centre and recognised as one of the country’s leading winter sports destinations, is preparing to host major competitions throughout the 2026 season.

Following its designation as the 2025 Tourism Capital by the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and its recognition as the first European Capital of Winter Sports by ACES (European Capitals and Cities of Sports Federation), Erzurum has further strengthened its position on the international winter sports stage.

Festival Atmosphere on the Peak

 Palandöken Ski Centre also stands out this year not only for its international sporting events, but the vibrant activities that add colour to the winter season. Participants can enjoy four days of live music and DJ performances by internationally renowned artists, après-ski and night-time entertainment, award-winning ski and snowboard competitions, yoga sessions, ice sculpting and a series of unique workshops.

Discover Erzurum Beyond the Slopes

While Palandöken is the winter highlight, Erzurum offers year-round cultural and natural attractions.

Visitors can:

• Visit Tortum Waterfall, one of Türkiye’s most impressive waterfalls.
• Explore the striking rock formations of Narman Fairy Chimneys and the scenic Seven Lakes of İspir.
• Discover significant historical landmarks including the Ulu Mosque, the Double Minaret Madrasa, the Yakutiye Madrasa and Üç Kümbetler (the Three Tombs).
• Enjoy panoramic city views from Aziziye Bastion and Mecidiye Bastion.
• Taste local specialities such as cağ kebab — seasoned meat grilled on skewers over a wood fire — and the syrup-soaked dessert kadayıf dolma.