The provincial culture and tourism director in northeastern Kars province, Hakan Doğanay, has said that Kars is the pearl of eastern Turkey with its rooted history and cultural elements that have been protected for centuries.The city is also an important center for winter tourism with its significant snowfall blanketing the region for four months, according to Doğanay.Claiming that the Cıbıltepe Ski Resort in Sarıkamış is the liveliest ski resort in Kars, Doğanay said, "This ski resort is suitable for winter tourism and sports thanks to its natural ski tracks. The resort is also very practical for skiing. Dust-crystal snow, which the Alps are famous for, can only be found in the Sarıkamış region."Stressing that Cıbıltepe is also one of the most important ski resorts of Turkey, Doğanay continued, "Cıbıltepe Ski Resort is one of five first class ski resorts in Turkey. We have finished with winter preparations in Sarıkamış and are waiting for our visitors."The ski resort in Sarıkamış is located on a plateau, which is 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by Scotch pine forests. On average, Sarıkamış is covered with 150 centimeters (59 inches) of snow four months of the year. The best time to visit Kars's Sarıkamış for skiing is from Dec. 10 to April 10. The unique geography of Sarıkamış creates a destination comparable to the Alps offering opportunities to practice northern ski disciplines as well as "ski safaris" and "sledding tours."Moreover, Sarıkamış hosts a snow festival every year in February with various events, such as a horse-sledding show, skiing competitions, snow volleyball and off-road races.Sarıkamış is home to a five-star hotel, seven three-star hotels, a hostel and two apartment hotels. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Kars is the 118-year-old hunting lodge, which was built by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia during the Russian occupation of the region.The Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains National Park, which covers 22,519 hectares (55,643 acres) and spreads through two provinces Kars and Erzurum, is a destination in Kars that should not be overlooked. The Sarıkamış region has the largest Scotch pine forest in Turkey.While exploring the national park, guests can expect to encounter a wide variety of wildlife. Combined with its untouched nature and majestic geography, it can easily be said that Sarıkamış is a haven for trekking and wildlife enthusiasts.Apart from its skiing and natural attractions, Sarıkamış is also an important hub for religious tourism. Every year in the first week of January, people from all over Turkey flock to Sarıkamış to commemorate the 90,000 Ottoman soldiers who were martyred there during World War I. During the Sarıkamış Martyrs Commemoration Program, visitors have a chance to see the resting places of the heroic Turkish soldiers.