We are going to the Alps to ski. Ski season in the Carpathians: how long does it last and when is the best time to go?

How to get to the famous Krasnopolyansk puffy, how to avoid getting stuck with warm weather and how to guess the dates of the trip? Let's try to answer, but let's immediately understand that the Heavenly Office works according to its own rules. And “unstable” is the main word about the ski season in Krasnaya Polyana. And now more details...

On the websites of all travel agencies that sell New Year's tours, they like to write that the ski season in Krasnaya Polyana lasts from November to May, or even June. And sometimes they call in August, although tourists in shorts are busy Instagramming rhododendrons on their iPhones. In November, the Sochi administration can celebrate the beginning winter season, and inattentive journalists spread the news on their tails. And potential guests of Krasnaya Polyana already think that we are riding =) In reality, usually the two most delicious months are February and March, and in the rest there may be a ride, but usually not ideal. The best time to catch the famous Krasnopolyansky powderfish is in February and March. But you may not catch it. Snowfalls are not guaranteed anywhere, and you can either catch a meter of fresh snow overnight or ride only on the slopes for two weeks. Hence the conflicting reviews about the snow at the resort.

“What about the snow cannons that the resort is so proud of?” - you ask... The fact is that Krasnaya Polyana is a rather warm place, and guns only work at sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, if previously everyone was waiting for cold weather and snowfalls, now at least the temperatures are below zero. So a lot still depends on the weather. When to go to Krasnaya Polyana?

Let's talk about everything in order. Chronology of the riding season according to RiderHelp...

Autumn and first snow

When the first snow falls in the mountains, the most impatient ones head out into the backcountry. Then they post photos on the Internet and the entire skiing community is actively waiting for winter. This can be either in September or November. Moreover, the snow may still melt five times, and the ski resorts don’t even smell of official opening.

Open season

Around mid to late December there is enough snow to officially open the season. Rosa Khutor usually starts it thanks to its snowmaking system and heights. For example, in the 14/15 season, the opening of the season was postponed twice because there was no snow, people were refunded money for hotels, etc., and in the end they opened somehow on December 25 (see the link for our rather dull report). In the 15/16 season, Gorki Gorod opened skiing on the slopes of the Second Circus on November 22, a month earlier. Of course, this was not yet a full opening of the resort, but there was snow at the top. But all the same, most of the tracks began operating only by the New Year and the opening of the season stretched from mid to late December.

And last season 16/17 turned out to be abnormally cool! In December 2016, so much snow fell that everyone went nuts: tourists, public utilities, and wild animals in the forest. Old residents of Krasnaya Polyana say that they remember such snowy winters only in childhood, when they could not get to school. December turned out to be so snowy that already in December the ride was similar to February. On New Year's Day, for the first time in our memory, all resorts were open and all trails were open! Here is a 10-second demonstration video from December 18th. Perfect corduroy and wonderful puffy stuff!

In past years, at the opening of the season on Rosa for several years in a row, an unrealistic number of people gathered; there was a crush at the ticket office due to skiers applying for seasonal ski passes and inexperienced coat makers who come to watch the fireworks and eat salad. The next day everything is usually fine: many were disappointed in the crush due to the opening, the coat makers left, and the remaining people skated for their own pleasure.

However, in the 15/16 season, the slopes opened gradually, people started struggling in the snow starting in November, so there were no wild queues. Again, you see: completely different situations in different years depending on the weather. And in the 16/17 season, many did not come due to high prices for ski passes and hotels. But those who came were fabulously lucky with the snow and quality of skiing.

New Year

It usually has little to do with skiing, but everyone has the weekend, so there’s nowhere to go. What is skiing like? new year holidays in Krasnaya Polyana? The beginning of winter, there is usually not enough snow. Even if it falls, there is still no solid snow base. Mostly the more difficult red and black routes in the upper stages are open. But the New Year's crowd, as a rule, knows how to ski only on blue and green slopes, as well as on ski lifts. Well, they all know how to sit on the slopes, drink and take pictures with the mountains in the background. Therefore, we recommend not to count too much on skating, but just drink mulled wine =)

However, you want to ski, so the only guaranteed option is to buy a ski pass in advance and be the first on the lift in the morning. You'll definitely be able to ride for an hour or two, and by about eleven o'clock in the morning we see the following picture: confidently skating riders are depicting among the dummies something similar to slalom, in places turning into bowling. Sometimes there is a strike, which is sad. Considering that Krasnaya Polyana is actively increasing the level of comfort and après-ski services, there are more and more people who are weak skiers. And New Year - best time for such a coven. Therefore, do not forget that there are many times more alcohol riders on the mountain than usual and there is also a risk of injury.

If winter is early and snowy, as in the 15-16 and 16-17 seasons, then the situation changes. Gazprom is fully operational, as well as the lower gentle slopes of Rose and Gorki Gorod, so everything is evenly distributed among the resorts. But this perfect option, and early winter does not happen every year.
If you are going specifically to ski, you will have to wake up very early, while the mountain beachgoers are having a late breakfast after yesterday's apres. Evening skating at Gazprom is also traditionally in great demand. And since the 2014-2015 season also in Gorki Gorod and Rosa Khutor.

However, in the past three seasons, the Snow Gods heeded the pleas of the skiers, and the snow New Year I just had a blast for a week. As a result, piste skating was not always good due to many closed slopes, but our Pukhodava crowd enjoyed it with all its might. Here is a video from the New Year holidays in January 2015:

But in fact, New Year's snowfalls simply saved the resort from the invasion of tourists. Due to the rise in the euro exchange rate, Krasnaya Polyana was in such demand that, in order to reduce the flow of tourists, the government introduced, and suddenly, new, more high prices on ski passes, as well as restrictions on the daily number of tourists. Moreover, this was very actively broadcast on television. If there were no snow and restrictions, it’s scary to think what would happen on a small part of the open trails. In general, due to all these anti-tourism measures, many canceled their trips. Here is our material about restrictions for the New Year 2015-2016. Although in the 16-17 season they scared everyone away and in the end there were few people =)

Conclusion: New Year in Krasnaya Polyana is crowded, expensive and unstable. The last three years we have been lucky with the weather, and the other five years before that it was the opposite.

After the New Year

The peak days with queues are January 3 and 4, and after January 7-8, the entire New Year's party leaves, and quite often, right after the holidays, the snow that was so awaited for the New Year falls. A small number of riders arrive and calmly roll out the resort. This situation usually lasts until almost the end of January.

January 20 - February 20

This is the time when large and small groups of young people arrive. They ski well, know how to behave on the ski lifts and are very different from the New Year's vinaigrette in the level of activity and number of parties.

The best skiing time usually begins at the end of January, when enough snow falls to open most of the slopes, which will be skiable until the beginning of April.

February 23 - March 8

February 23rd is a special day, so quite a lot of people arrive just in time for February 23rd. Many stay until March 8th and do the right thing. Almost every year, Mother Nature gives women a gift in the form of snowfalls of a meter per night. Well, men take full advantage of this.

And in general, March in Krasnaya Polyana is considered the best and snowiest month. The most delicious snacks most often happen in March. Therefore, every weekend (if there is good snow) we have troops landing from Moscow, St. Petersburg, as well as nearby Krasnodar and Rostov. The region's best downhill skiers closely monitor the condition of the slopes on RiderHelp.ru and immediately take off if snowfalls begin. But the first lines in the snow are usually drawn local residents, sorry =)

But! Again, “but”. In the 2014-2015 season, March turned out to be the snowless month in Krasnaya Polyana. There was no snowfall for more than three weeks. Here's to a guaranteed March powder. But everything was fine on the slopes; by this time there was already enough snow. And then on March 31st it started snowing!

In general, March 31 is traditionally a turning point in the season. The number of people on the slopes noticeably decreases, mostly local riders come, hotels become cheaper... and the mountain beach season begins. However, in April there are also frosts and good snowfalls. And in the mornings until the end of the season, the pistes are quite pleasant. The end of the season is a great time for those who know how to enjoy all the joys of a ski resort. Don't forget to take sunscreen with you!

However, a person assumes, but Snow disposes. In March 2015, everyone was expecting traditional snowfalls, but there were no snowfalls for almost a month, and March was marked by piste skiing on wide skis. And, when everyone was already getting ready to pack their gear, on the night of March 31 to April 1, an angry snowfall began! It was pouring like it usually only happens in March. There were jokes on the Internet about February 58th and so on. Looking ahead, let's say that we closed the 14-15 season at the very end of May!

Snowboard camp. Late March-early April

It's time for the annual snowboard camp in Krasnaya Polyana. Bright sun, great party, right music, nice park with the best Russian shapers and quality relaxation in the mountains. Recently this has become a reality in Krasnaya Polyana. From 2012 to different resorts Various freestyle events were held, and in 2014, Quiksilver New Star Camp just exploded in Gorki Gorod. Starting this year, the camp moved to Rosa Khutor and will be held there for the next few years.

Beginning of May - end of season

This is the time when you can ski in shorts in the morning, and walk along the embankment and sunbathe in the afternoon. There are fewer and fewer people with skis on the mountain, and winter tourists summer ones are coming. On May 3-4, a lot of people will want to take a photo with you, or rather, with your skis or snowboard. Well, yes, you won’t look organic everywhere with skis =)

After the May holidays, everyone is waiting for the snow to melt and the resorts to switch to summer operating mode from the beginning of June. Well, we regularly report from the slopes in any weather.

We hope you now have a rough idea of ​​when it’s best to come to Krasnaya Polyana for a ride. In short, it is better to plan the train from the end of January to the beginning of April, but do not forget about all sorts of vagaries of Mother Nature. And to make it easier to decide on the date of your trip, monitor the condition of the slopes on the main page of RiderHelp.ru

P.S. How to get into the snow in Polyana?

Freeriders often ask us how to do this. How to arrive in the snow and be the first to roll everything out? We’ll try to answer, but without witchcraft and sacrifices we can’t figure it out.

1. The first way, analytical. You can try to monitor the long-term forecast and even buy a paid account on SnowForecast. We wrote how to use the weather forecast in the mountains. The most realistic option is to look at the forecast and buy tickets a few days in advance. Although even such a forecast can be blown away, and this has happened more than once. Even we sometimes watch webcams and the forecast, collect our equipment in the evening, and then we arrive at the mountain, and during the night everything has blown away or, on the contrary, it has piled up so much that the tops are closed and we have to come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

People also practice buying cheap tickets in advance several times a season, which they don’t mind returning or simply losing. Well, you need to monitor the general situation at the resort during the season. Those. see when the snow fell, when the season fully opened, how many trails are constantly operating at the resort, etc.

Another 100% option is to just come for a season or long time. If living conditions allow, then this is the most stable option. But there is a risk that you won’t want to go back. There are risks everywhere =)

2. The second path, metaphysical-karmic. There are people who are constantly lucky and get caught in the snow, and there are those who, no matter how much they study the forecasts, still cannot roll out a fresh piece of snow. Here we advise you to resort to all possible methods: make sacrifices to the snow gods, do not regret the equipment lost in the mountains, and generally be philosophical about the weather. We must drink to the snow and make wishes for a good gurney. You can also join the army of those who beat the snow tambourine on our website. We ourselves honestly believe that this is a point of concentration of efforts and desires of people who all together want snow.

Ideally, of course, you need to combine both paths, move to live in Krasnaya Polyana, and then everything will be fine!

When planning a holiday at a ski resort in the Carpathians, it is important to take into account the length of the season and its features. For example, in the “hottest” weeks of the New Year holidays, prices rise significantly, and then, closer to the beginning of February, they normalize. Based on the situation and your budget, it’s easy to choose the best time for a successful trip.

Winter season - beginning

The ski season begins in early winter - in November. The specific date directly depends on weather variables and is determined according to the situation by the administration of a particular resort. The most popular ski resort Carpathian Bukovel is located in a unique geographical area. It is surrounded by mountains, so a large number of the snow remains lying even at above-zero temperatures. There are also no strong piercing winds here - in a word, a paradise for vacationers.

By the way, even in a winter with little snow, a holiday at a ski resort in the Carpathians will be flawless, since modern technologies are used here - they spray the snow cover from special snow cannons. Just for this purpose, back in 2013, the resort management built an artificial lake with 440 m3 of water, which, when frozen, can produce up to 880 m3 of snow. Such innovations make it possible to run all ski slopes, regardless of the vagaries of nature.

The height of the ski season

The main ski season in the Carpathians lasts from December to February, when visitors can do any kind of skiing. winter sports and relax to the fullest. There is also entertainment for young guests: slides, amusement parks, tubing. A wonderful skating rink has been built in Bukovel, so skiing and snowboarding can be combined with ice skating.

If in November the weather is still unstable, then in December it is usually quite cold and snowy and the skiers are actively joined by snowboarders, for whom it is precisely at this time of year that the snow acquires a suitable texture. In January the peak season begins - prices at ski resorts in
The Carpathians are rising. Many people come on vacation to spend holidays with the whole family in nature. The infrastructure works at full capacity, many festivals, holidays and entertainment events are held.

They depend on many factors - not only the time of year, but also the level of housing. If the goal is to save money, you can stay not in the Bukovel complex, but nearby in Tatarov - at the Koruna Hotel. The living conditions are no worse, but they are much more budget-friendly, and getting to the resort is very close. If you decide to spend your holidays in the Carpathians, we advise you to book accommodation in advance, since in recent weeks it is unlikely that you will be able to find free rooms. In addition, early booking is another opportunity to save money.

February is no different from December and January. There are still a lot of vacationers here, it’s worth good weather, a lot of snow. Arsenal winter activities fully used: snowmobiles, tubing, snowbikes, zorbs, rollers, skis, sleighs, sleds. Everyone will find entertainment to suit their taste.

March and the beginning of the “velvet season”

The ski season in Bukovel continues until the end of April - this is the last chance to ski and sled. In order not to be late, it is better to plan your vacation for March - this is by local standards " the Velvet season" Some people manage to ski and snowboard in shorts - what a pleasure for everyone!

To summarize, we can say that the ski season in the Carpathians lasts from November to April, since May holidays nature is already coming to life and new opportunities for recreation are opening up: rafting, fishing, cycling, motorbiking, horseback riding. But we'll talk about this another time. Come to the Carpathians - it will be great!

When does the ski season start in Dombay? What months are best to go if you are an amateur? hiking? We tell you what the weather is like in each season and when is the best time to go on vacation.

Winter: ski season in Dombay

Spring in Dombay

In March, skiing is still active, and, according to tourists, this is one of the most favorable months for skiers: warm and powdery. In general, the snow begins to melt at the end of April, and at this time the ski season in Dombay ends. Real spring in Dombay comes in May, although at the beginning of this month you can sometimes even go skiing if there has been a particularly snowy, prolonged winter.

The average daily temperature in March is +2...+3°С, in April +8...+9°С, in May +12...+15°С. May is the rainiest and most changeable month of the year (up to 12 days), and if you decide to visit Dombay at this time, it is better to bring a raincoat.

(Photo © Artem Mishchenko / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)

Summer: Hiking and Mountaineering Season

Since Dombay is predominantly a winter resort, summer is the low season. There are quite a few people, mainly those who come for mountaineering and trekking, so prices become quite affordable. However, due to the low tourist flow, some infrastructure facilities (cafes, restaurants, hotels, cable cars) are “resting”.

Summer is the hiking season in Dombay. At this time there is room to explore the surrounding mountains, hiking possible on any route. At the beginning of summer, there may still be snow in many places (at altitude and in the shade), so July, August and September are more popular among mountain hikers, when it is comfortable to sleep in a tent at night.

In Dombay, summer is usually sunny and dry, although sometimes the weather can be changeable. In June, the average daytime temperature is +18...+19°C, in July and August about +21...+22°C. However, when going to the mountains, remember that the closer you get to the top, the colder it gets, but at the same time use sunscreen and cover exposed areas of your body - you can get seriously sunburned.

Autumn in Dombay

Autumn, namely October, is the most beautiful time: the monotony of green is diluted with bright autumn colors, and snow can already be found on the slope of Mussa-Achitara. However, the weather is turning a little worse, and we recommend that you carefully study the forecast before your trip. We were lucky, and the sun shone for us almost the entire time of our holiday in Dombay in early October.

The average daily temperature in September is +16°C, in October it is already +10°C, and in November it is about +4°C. It may even snow a little at the end of October, which is the end of the hiking season. November is considered a low season: the first tourists appear only at the end of the month if there is a lot of snow.

Hiking in September and October is good, as there are very few tourists and you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains alone. It is quite warm in the valley, sometimes even hot (however, it is cool in the morning and evening), and at an altitude of 2500 meters or more it is better to have a windproof jacket, hat/cap, gloves and a scarf. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen: even in October, your face can easily turn red.

Skiing in November is cheaper and more convenient than in high season. Many stations open only in December, but those located on a glacier or at high altitude are ready to welcome you as early as early November. November is the low season, which means that prices for hotels and ski passes will be lower, and there will be no queues at all at the ski lifts and reception points. If you can't wait to get on your skis without waiting New Year holidays, then we have prepared a list best resorts Europe with early snow.

1. Tignes in France

The Tignes ski resort lies in the highlands, near the Grand Motte glacier, surrounded by mountains 3030-3600 meters high. Thanks to the glacier and high altitude, snow falls in Tignes as early as October. On the steep and wide slopes there are 20 kilometers of slopes, of which two are blue (suitable even for beginners), two are red and one is black. The resort has schools for adults and children, where children are introduced to snowboarding from the age of 2.5 years. There is a snowpark with one of the largest and fastest half-pipes in the world and freeride tracks. In addition to bars, clubs and restaurants, in Tignes you can dive under the ice of the lake and jump from badges.

The season opened on September 29
Ski pass price for 1 day: 33 euros for adults, 27 euros for children until November 23, from November 24 to December 21 - 45 euros for adults and 36 euros for children.
Resort website: tignes.net

2. Solden in Austria

Sölden is located in the Tyrolean Ötztal valley, where 40 kilometers of excellent pistes run between the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. The slopes in Sölden are long, with a difference in altitude, most of them are of simple and medium difficulty. Experienced skiers prefer the Gaislachkogl high-speed piste. For snowboarders there is a separate park with jumps, rails, fun boxes and a half-pipe. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering, the resort offers hiking, snowmobile rental, sledding and bowling alleys. For entertainment, there is a cinema, swimming pools with a sauna, skating rinks, clubs, restaurants and bars.

Season opening: November 15
Ski pass price for 1 day: 53 euros for adults, 30 euros for children.
Resort website: soelden.com

3. Zermatt in Switzerland

Photo: Dong liu / Shutterstock.com

Zermatt surrounded mountain peaks Dufour (4,654 m) and Matterhorn (4,478 m) are among the ten best Alpine resorts. The ski area is divided into 3 ski sectors with 200 kilometers of slopes of all difficulty levels; Each sector has its own lift system. Most slopes are red and black, with sudden changes height. Except ski slopes Zermatt has trails for moguls, cross-country skiing and sledding. On the Théodule glacier there is Gravity Park Zermatt - the largest snow park in Europe, with rails, kickers and a two-hundred-meter super-pipe. After skiing, you can go to swimming pools with saunas and steam baths, tennis courts, discos and restaurants.

The season opened on October 27
Ski pass price for 1 day: 75 euros for adults, 38 euros for children.
Resort website: zermatt.ch

4. Val Thorens in France

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, is located at an altitude of 2300-3300 meters. Of the 150 kilometers of trails, 77 kilometers are blue, 59 kilometers are red and 14 kilometers are black. In Val Thorens there is a unique 500-meter Fun Slope track with obstacles - tunnels, bridges and spirals, a snow park with jumps and a quarter pipe, trails for night skiing and cross-country skiing. The resort is very popular among freeride lovers due to its huge virgin fields in the area of ​​the Thorens and Boucher glaciers. Val Thorens has a lot of entertainment: aqua clubs with swimming pools and Jacuzzis, tennis courts, golf and basketball courts, restaurants and discos.

Season opening: November 17
Ski pass price for 1 day: 44 euros for adults and 35 euros for children.
Resort website: valthorens.com

5. Åre in Sweden

Åre is Sweden's largest ski resort, with 100 kilometers of slopes, a vertical drop of 900 meters (374-1274 m) and 40 lifts, many of which are high-speed. The resort consists of four separate villages, between which there is a free bus. There are 5 black pistes at the resort, 39 red pistes, 39 blue pistes, and 12 green pistes. Many pistes are well lit and open for night skiing. On green slopes it is allowed to ride on flat and alpine skiing. All slopes are open to snowboarders, and there is also a fun park and snocross. Also in Åre you can skydive, hang glider, ride a dog sled and fish under the ice of Lake Oreshen.

Season opening: November 24
Ski pass price for 1 day: 45 euros for adults, 35 euros for children.
Resort website: skistar.com

6. Cervinia in Italy

Cervinia is a high-altitude resort on the southern slope of the beautiful Matterhorn mountain (4478 m) with 146 kilometers of pistes and 23 lifts. Height difference - 1438 meters (2050-3488 m). Most of the tracks are red and blue. For experienced skiers there are several black runs, the most difficult of which is Bardonei. Cervinia's blue pistes attract many tourists due to the fact that they cover almost all slopes, allowing beginners to ride throughout the resort. For freestylers and snowboarders there is the Indian Park with rails and kickers, for karting fans there is the On Ice karting track with two ice tracks. Cervinia has excellent restaurants, bars, nightclubs, bowling alleys and a swimming pool.

The page is constantly updated as reliable information becomes available.

From the moment the first snow falls in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana, our editors receive a flurry of questions every day about the opening date of the winter season. And when about a meter of snow piles up at an altitude above 2000m, the question transforms from “when will the slopes open?” in “why don’t they let you go up with your equipment?” Now we will try to answer these two most pressing questions ahead of the ski season.

Every year, in the off-season - spring and autumn, the resort's cable cars are closed for maintenance, at which time specialists carefully check their condition and prepare them for uninterrupted operation during the season. Therefore, even if snow falls very early, until prevention is carried out, ski slopes will not be opened.

To open trails for skiing, it is usually necessary for at least 1 meter of snow to fall, while maintaining sub-zero temperatures. After this, it is already possible to release snow groomers onto the tracks to prepare a substrate that will hide drainage ditches, uneven areas and stones on the track. Once the base is formed, 1-2 more good snowfalls are required before the trails are safe for skiing and can be opened. All this greatly depends on the weather.

Rosa Khutor

Rosa Khutor usually officially opens when a significant portion of the trails are available for skiing and the resort can serve a large number of riders. On December 22, the resort welcomes guests to

GTC Gazprom - Alpika

Gorki City

In recent years, the resort has opened a little earlier than others, thanks to the ski area in the second circus, located at an altitude of 2000-2200 meters. Although this cannot be called a full-fledged discovery (only two tracks with a total length of about 1.5 km are open), it’s very good to ride a little before the season.

The opening date for the third stage of routes is most likely no earlier than December 20, if there is precipitation.
.

GTZ Gazprom - Laura

The exact opening date is not yet known, usually mid to late December. As a rule, it opens a little later than the others, since the maximum altitude there is 1600m. This season will most likely be towards the end of December.

Test opening

In recent years, resorts have often begun to practice so-called “test skiing” - a partial opening of part of the slopes, if the weather permits. Usually on weekends. These days, the price for daily ski passes is reduced (seasonal tickets are not valid, or their owners receive discounts on the purchase of daily “test” tickets). The ski area is limited to slopes where sufficient snow cover has already formed, and those working on this moment cable cars. For example, last season the Rosa Khutor resort opened test skiing on November 25-26. Details about such promotions can always be found either on the page where we keep a detailed chronicle of the winter season in Krasnaya Polyana, or on.