An unexpected winter destination, Türkiye is a four-season country offering distinctive experiences that blend cultural depth, outdoor adventure, and contemporary festivals. From scenic rail journeys through snow-covered Anatolia to naturally frozen lakes and music festivals in the mountains, the country’s winter landscape tells a story far beyond its famous coastlines.
- The Touristic Eastern Express — Ankara to Kars
The Touristic Eastern Express has become one of Türkiye’s most iconic winter travel experiences, offering a slow-travel rail journey through snow-covered Anatolian landscapes from Ankara to Kars. Designed for the experiential traveler, the route includes extended stops at Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, and Erzurum, allowing passengers to explore local culture, architecture, and winter scenery at a relaxed pace.
Key stops provide access to standout cultural and natural highlights including Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys dusted with snow, the dramatic Karanlık Canyon, the ancient archaeological site of Altıntepe, and the striking ruins of Ani—a medieval Armenian capital frozen in time near the Georgian border.
The journey unfolds slowly through vast white plains and mountain passes, offering passengers a rare opportunity to witness eastern Türkiye’s winter landscapes from the warmth of vintage-style carriages. January through February offers peak conditions, when snow coverage is at its most dramatic and the route feels most atmospheric.
When: January–February (peak season)
Route: Ankara to Kars, with stops in Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum
- Lake Çıldır — Ice Skating on a Frozen Plateau
Located near Türkiye’s eastern border, Lake Çıldır transforms into a frozen winter playground during the coldest months. Unlike artificial rinks, this natural lake offers authentic ice skating experiences surrounded by wide-open snowy plains, alongside traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice fishing with local fishermen.
The setting is strikingly cinematic: wide horizons, traditional wooden sleighs cutting across white ice, and local communities continuing centuries-old winter traditions. When fully frozen, the lake becomes one of eastern Türkiye’s most photogenic winter destinations, offering a rare glimpse into regional life during the coldest season.
Lake Çıldır is accessible from Kars, making it a natural pairing with the Eastern Express journey for travelers seeking a comprehensive eastern Türkiye winter experience.
When: January–February (in particularly cold winters, into early March)
Location: Eastern Türkiye, accessible via Kars
Activities: Natural ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, traditional ice fishing
- Winterfest Uludağ — Where Ski Culture Meets Live Music
Dates: February 1–5 and February 5–8, 2026
Location: Uludağ, Bursa
Winterfest Uludağ has established itself as one of Türkiye’s premier winter festivals, transforming the country’s best-known ski destination into a multi-day celebration of music, après-ski culture, and alpine energy. The festival combines daytime skiing with high-energy evening programming featuring some of Turkish music’s biggest names.
The 2026 lineup includes major artists such as Kenan Doğulu, Hande Yener, Sefo, Çakal, Melis Kar, Arem Özgüç, and Arman Aydın—names that dominate Turkish pop and hip-hop streaming charts and draw devoted followings across the country.
Uludağ itself sits just outside Bursa, making it easily accessible from İstanbul for a long weekend escape. The festival atmosphere blends alpine setting with concert-level production, creating a social, lifestyle-led winter experience that appeals to younger, culture-focused travelers.
What to expect: Skiing by day, live concerts by night, festival energy throughout
Accessibility: Short distance from İstanbul via Bursa
- Frozen Festival — Palandöken’s Curated Winter Gathering
Dates: February 12–15, 2026
Location: Palandöken Ski Resort, Erzurum (Dedeman Palandöken)
Now in its 7th edition, Frozen Festival offers a distinctly modern take on winter travel: an all-inclusive four-day package combining skiing, music, community, and curated social programming in eastern Anatolia’s premier snow destination.
Palandöken features 19 slopes and approximately 27 km of runs, providing legitimate ski credentials beyond the festival backdrop. The resort’s long season and quality snow conditions have made it a favorite among serious skiers, while its location in Erzurum positions it as an off-the-beaten-path alternative to mainstream European ski towns.
Festival Format:
Frozen Festival operates as a turnkey winter escape, with packages including:
4 days of ski access plus night skiing
Live DJ sets and music performances
Workshops and curated social programming
The Frozen Cup skiing and snowboarding races
Private accommodation takeover at Dedeman Palandöken
Round-trip flights between Istanbul and Erzurum with airport transfers
The festival maintains an invitation-based participation model, creating an intimate, community-driven atmosphere distinct from mass-market ski events. This curated approach attracts an adult, style-conscious crowd seeking immersive winter experiences that feel exclusive and socially connected.
What makes it distinctive: Premium all-inclusive format, night skiing, reference-based community, full festival + travel bundle
