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Türkiye's snow sports capital Erzurum set to host FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup

The FIS SBX Snowboard World Cup will take place at Palandoken Ski Center in Erzurum, featuring around 300 athletes from 15 countries, Türkiye. (IHA Photo)
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The FIS SBX Snowboard World Cup will take place at Palandoken Ski Center in Erzurum, featuring around 300 athletes from 15 countries, Türkiye. (IHA Photo)
March 06, 2026 12:16 PM GMT+03:00

The slopes of Palandoken Ski Center in Erzurum are set to come alive this weekend as the world’s fastest and most skilled snowboarders descend on Erzurum for the FIS Snowboard Cross (SBX) World Cup. With 300 athletes and officials from 15 countries expected, the event promises high-speed action, intense competition, and a global spotlight on Türkiye’s winter sports scene.

World-class athletes gather in Palandoken

Erzurum Governor Aydin Barus highlighted that the competition will bring together elite snowboarders from across the globe. “This event not only showcases the skills of the world’s top athletes but also presents an opportunity to demonstrate Erzurum’s hospitality and Türkiye's organizational expertise to the international community,” Barus said during a press conference on Palandoken Mountain.

Erzurum to host the FIS SBX Snowboard World Cup with 300 athletes from 15 countries. At a press conference on Palandoken Mountain: Governor Aydin Barus (center), Mayor Mehmet Sekmen (left), and Turkish Ski Federation President Suleyman Sahin (right). Erzurum, Türkiye, March 5, 2026. (AA Photo)
Erzurum to host the FIS SBX Snowboard World Cup with 300 athletes from 15 countries. At a press conference on Palandoken Mountain: Governor Aydin Barus (center), Mayor Mehmet Sekmen (left), and Turkish Ski Federation President Suleyman Sahin (right). Erzurum, Türkiye, March 5, 2026. (AA Photo)

Erzurum Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Sekmen described the SBX World Cup as “more than just a race.” He emphasized that the event serves as a global stage to display Türkiye’s winter sports potential.

“Hosting the World Cup for the second consecutive year at Palandoken confirms that our slopes meet international standards and reinforces our reputation as a trusted venue for world-class competitions,” Sekmen stated.

World-class snowboarders set to compete on Palandoken’s internationally certified slopes. (IHA Photo)
World-class snowboarders set to compete on Palandoken’s internationally certified slopes. (IHA Photo)

A prestigious event for Türkiye's winter sports

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Sahin, President of the Turkish Ski Federation, noted the significance of the competition in the snowboarding world. “Last year, we hosted the first edition, and this year, we are proud to welcome even more top athletes. With approximately 150 international competitors among 300 participants, the world’s best snowboarders will take on Palandoken’s challenging courses,” he said.

The press conference also included remarks from Uwe Beier, Race Director of the International Ski Federation (FIS), who outlined the technical aspects of the event, safety measures, and organizational standards, ensuring a competition that meets the highest international expectations.

The three-day event, running from March 6 to March 8, will feature Snowboard Cross (SBX) races demanding a combination of speed, precision, and tactical skill. Organizers say the World Cup is not only a sporting highlight but also a platform to showcase Erzurum’s natural beauty, state-of-the-art facilities, and Türkiye’s growing role in global winter sports.

March 06, 2026 12:16 PM GMT+03:00
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