Ice Climbing on Tortum Stream Basin (Erzurum-Artvin) in 2014 and 2015 and the Value of Such Climbing Activities with Respect to Winter Tourism

Carried out within the activities of mountain climbing, ice climbing is an extreme winter sport that consists of two sub disciplines called snow ice (alpin) and water ice. snow ice climbing, which is generally carried out on frozen falls or on artificial ice walls and ice towers, is lesser known in our country. ice climbing carried out on tortum stream basin (erzurum-artvin) and led by atak search rescue and youth sport association is made in order to provide an alternative to present winter sports in turkey and introduce the region and its potential for winter sports at national and international levels. accordingly, two important organizations were held respectively; a national one on 7-8-9 february 2014 and an international one on 21-25 january 2015. this study is intended to examine the natural characteristic of the falls on which such climbing activities are carried out and the above-mentioned organizations. it is concluded that tortum stream basin, which is mostly within the borders of erzurum, has a great potential for water ice in terms of its topographical qualities, its climate and water potential, and that it could be an attraction centre for those who have an interest in such extreme sports and for masses looking for new sports activities if necessary advertisement, marketing and organizational activities are carried out.