Ice and snow tourism: concept, development factors and practical examples

This article substantiates the emergence of the term “ice and snow tourism” in both scientific and practical discourse, reflecting the process of expanding recreational activities during the winter season and the emergence of new types of tourist attractions and services based on the use of the natural resources of snow and ice. The key factors influencing the development of ice and snow tourism are examined, and various subtypes are delineated, encompassing a range of recreational activities associated with snow and ice. Moreover, the article presents the experiences of China, Mongolia, and Canada in developing winter tourism geared towards ice and snow activities. Based on the results of content analysis, significant Russian regions that play a vital role in the progression of winter tourism focused on ice and snow events are identified. Additionally, the main directions for the development of this form of tourism are outlined. The study relies on scientific publications, strategic and programmatic documents, specialized websites, blogs, social media platforms, as well as artificial intelligence-based chatbots such as Perplexity AI.