Every January, Harbin hosts a stunning ice festival where sculptors create illuminated ice sculptures, attracting visitors from afar to enjoy the magical winter displays and activities like ice swimming, with the festival running until mid-February.
Zagreb's Christmas market, known as Zagreb Advent, has become a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Croatia's efforts to promote year-round tourism, with the city aiming to compete with Europe's top markets by offering diverse, themed venues and attracting visitors from across Europe, contributing significantly to the local economy and tourism growth.
The Kaçkar range in northeast Turkey offers a hidden gem for heli-skiing enthusiasts, with its towering peaks, proximity to Europe, and coastal location providing ideal conditions for powder snow. Swiss mountain guide Thierry Gasser discovered the potential of the area in 2001 and eventually set up his own heli-ski business in the village of Ayder. With exclusive access to a large tenure, Gasser and his team offer unforgettable skiing experiences in this picturesque region. The Turkish government is also exploring plans to develop a proper ski resort in Ayder, potentially putting the Kaçkar mountains on the world ski map.