The famous Sochi ski resort. Sochi: an overview of the best ski resorts. The history of ski resorts in Sochi
Sochi is beautiful at any time of the year, and the winter months are no exception. For vacationers in winter there are many advantages associated with independent visits to popular places and attractions. Even if you come in Sochi for 1 or 2 days, you will spend them in winter tropical beauty. Spreading palm trees and flowering shrubs adorn the city during these quiet months from tourists. Fragrant Magonia and the beautiful Mimosa bloom only in late winter. Large, fluffy flower-balls brightly decorate the city in sunny colors and create a cheerful summer mood.
Weather
Winter in Sochi is sunny and warm, in comparison with other regions of Russia. Center air temperature in december exceeds + 12 ° С, in january + 8 ° С, in february + 7 ° C. Snow falls very rarely and not every year. Lays 1-2 days and melts. There are no more than ten cloudy days during the winter month. The rest of the time the bright southern sun shines. In December, at the height of the day, air temperature can reach + 25 ° C. On the territory of the sanatoriums in the winter months sun loungers are installed, in which vacationers are happy to sunbathe. Water in the Black Sea in winter is + 10 ° C. And some brave tourists dare to swim.
In Sochi in winter - photo
Sea and coast
In winter, the sea often changes, sometimes raging, breaking its waves against the shore with force, then calm and gentle. Walking along the seashore will bring pleasure to the contemplation of this marine giant with its dark waters. And sea air will saturate the body with important trace elements.
Winter Sea Sochi
Advice for those who decide to swim in the winter sea. Take a light run warm up the body. Take a quick dip and rub your body after bathing with a soft towel. It would be great to have a cup of hot herbal tea. This will warm the body from the inside. After such a procedure, you will feel rejuvenated for several years, and your body will appear vigor and lightness.
What to see in Sochi in winter
In winter, the outflow of tourists is clearly felt. The streets are becoming freer, almost no one is on the beach. The fuss in the markets and in the shops disappears. Public transport is half empty, taxi in excess. A great opportunity to get acquainted with the city and see Sochi sights without fuss and crush.
Where to go near Sochi
Traveling along the foothills of the Sochi region in winter can also be done in the winter months, if you arrived here for 2 or more days. A picnic in the equipped areas with the preparation of barbecue will add relaxation to the home atmosphere and comfort. Eagle mountains and monument to Prometheus great place for such an event. Admiring the mountain beauties will be remembered for a long time by beautiful subjects and vivid photographs.
For lovers of conquering the mountain peaks, we can advise you to climb Mount Akhun. In winter, this is easier and safer. The mountain offers a bewitching view of the sea and mountain open spaces.
Tower on Mount Akhun
Stalin's dacha near Matsesta will interest admirers of the “great leader of the people”. The building attracts the attention of true connoisseurs and researchers of architecture of the last century.
Treatment in Sochi
The famous Sochi resorts and sanatoriums have long gained world fame. Many are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Unique climate In combination with high-level treatment, it favorably affects the healing of the body, and getting rid of many diseases. All sanatoriums operate year-round.
Famous matsesta hydrogen sulfide baths contribute to the recovery from many diseases of the skin and musculoskeletal system. Radon sources contain water that is unique in composition and has a beneficial effect on the human body.
Sochi is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Russia. Pure mountain air in combination with sea air, has an unprecedented effect on maintaining health, and gives an excellent charge of vigor for a long time.
Cultural activities
With the arrival of cool weather in Sochi, festivals, holidays and competitions are organized, which are visited with interest by residents and visitors of the city.
In December, an international sochi Film Festival. Famous cinema meters come from all over the world. At this time, you can see famous actors and popular artists in popular places and just on the street. The city is filled with the atmosphere of the great art of cinema.
International music festival of arts of Yuri Bashmetannually takes place in mid-February. A holiday with the participation of famous artists is the pinnacle of cultural events in winter Sochi. During the festival, you can hear young and upcoming talents, and who knows, perhaps many of them will become world celebrities. And now they are taking their first steps in art, precisely in the framework of the Sochi festival.
Where to relax with children
Adler has an international airport. Tourists arriving in Sochi by air begin their acquaintance with the resort with Adler. Adler, unlike Sochi, is located on a flat terrain. Adjacent to Abkhazia, provides additional travel and sightseeing opportunities in a neighboring country.
After the 2014 Olympics, Adler was replenished with many entertainment and sports facilities. Many modern hotels have been built, a modern beach with imported golden sand is equipped. Famous Olympic Park This is the calling card of modern Adler.
Visiting the territory of the Park with a child, you can admire the original architectural solutions and techniques. Iceberg Ice Palace, Puck ice arena, Ice Cube curling arena are modern and very original buildings. They will be the perfect backdrop for your photos. Here is a real Russian Disneyland - Sochi Park, from a vacation in which your children will be delighted. Visit Formula 1 tracks will please fans of speed sports and young fans of cars.
You can go on an excursion to the Formula 1 track in Sochi, Riviera Park
It is one of the largest in Russia. More than 200 species of fish live in 30 aquariums, with a total area of \u200b\u200bmore than 6 thousand square meters. The tunnel with a glass dome will allow you to admire the huge sharks and flocks of colored fish swimming by. A zone with freshwater inhabitants of tropical rivers and lakes has been created in the Oceanarium. A tropical forest and a small waterfall resembles the jungle of the Amazon.
During the hot summer days, it is so difficult to take time to visit the famous and so beautiful places of the southernmost point of Russia. In the winter months, this is easier and more enjoyable. Arriving in Sochi in winter, you will travel to a city of unique nature and great cultural events.
Ski resorts are always located in mountainous areas with areas equipped for skiing, snowboarding, slides and other extreme sports. Sochi's modern ski slopes also have restaurants, mountain houses and even entire hotels on its territory.
Now skiing is popular for family trips and trips with friends, especially during the holidays and New Year holidays. Sochi is a ski resort that has long been called a national health resort, because there are also medical sanatoriums there.
TOP skiing in Sochi
"Rosa Khutor"
The most popular Sochi ski resort. It was he who hosted the Olympics, where Russia took a lot of gold in 2014 and since then the territory has only expanded, new cable cars and routes are appearing. The highest point is 2320 m. It is located near Krasnaya Polyana. In 2018, 14 cable cars and 15 ski slopes were opened for skiers of different training. No big lines.
Ski resorts Sochi
Accommodation - apartments or hotels from 3 to 5 stars. From entertainment there is almost everything: restaurants of different cuisines, entertainment for children and even a beauty salon. A ski pass starts at 1000 rubles per person per day, it includes unlimited skiing on cable cars during the day, ski slopes of different levels in Sochi.
Getting there is not very difficult. From the airport, the transport to Rosa Khutor stopped walking, this must be taken into account immediately. There are trains "Swallow", but they do not go often. A taxi will cost up to 2,000 rubles. There are regular buses from Sochi and Adler. It can be reached by car. There are signs on the tracks leading to the Rose. The most popular tourist destinations in winter are skiing, Sochi.
Gazprom
This is the oldest and well-maintained ski run. Located in the valley of the Laura River. There are 14 cable cars and 23 ski slopes. For children there is a children's club "Morozko". For accommodation there are various hotels from 2 to 5 stars. The resort, although the oldest, is constantly being improved and ranks second in terms of high cost after the "Rose". The price of hotels and restaurants, as well as a ski pass, will not be affordable for everyone here. Webcams are installed throughout. But here it’s real to find an inexpensive snack and a cheap hotel. There is a large entertainment center "Galaxy".
You can also get on buses and the "Swallow" train, leaving at the station of course. Or a taxi, buses. Gazprom is located next to Rosa Khutor, therefore, the transport is the same. The highest point is 2556 meters. When buying a tour, you should look at what is included in the tariff. Sometimes it’s better to buy a tour cheaper and save on those things that are definitely not useful.
Map of Krasnaya Polyana
"Mountain Carousel"
A cheaper and more affordable resort, but very fast-paced. There are 13 lifts and 11 runs from green to black. There are inexpensive restaurants with great food. There are not many people, there are practically no queues. The resort is also located in Krasnaya Polyana, near the village of Krasnaya Polyana, in the village of Esto-Sadok. Having risen on the lift, you can visit a cafe or restaurant at a very high altitude in the mountains. Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi is a high-level ski resort, but there are no ski resorts in the village of Krasnaya Polyana.
On a note! In the near future, according to the Gorky Goroda project, it is planned to expand and increase institutions: new expensive restaurants, a water park.
You can get on the train "Swallow", leaving at the station "Mountain Carousel", before reaching the final. Regular buses run from Sochi, Adler and Airport. Taxi up to 1500 rubles. Some Sochi residents and Adler make a good living from this. The highest point of the resort is the Black Pyramid, height - 2375 meters.
Alpika Service
The resort was built a long time ago, it is considered the most athletic. It often hosts competitions and marathons in skiing. It is where the women's biathlon for skiers and the biathlon among men with Dmitry Guberniev are held. It is located 8 km from the village of Esto-Sadok. It is skiing from December to May, the highest point is 2150 m. Several large hotel complexes and small hotels are located on the territory. At an altitude of 2100 meters there is a real bathhouse with large panoramic windows. “Alpika” is famous for the strong difference in the heights of the slopes, which starts from 500 meters. Track length reaches several kilometers.
Attention! Alpika is also a Gazprom resort, but still these are different resorts, and you should not confuse them.
Alpika includes 15 ski slopes and 5 cable cars. From Adler, buses and minibuses regularly go there, from Sochi - only buses. You can find a bus from Sochi airport (Adler), but it rarely runs.
"Gorki Gorod"
Scheme of slopes "Gorki Goroda"
It starts from the resort village of Esto-Sadok and covers most of the mountains and entertainment of Krasnaya Polyana. People come here in winter and summer. In Gorki Gorod there are apartments that are rented for a month or daily. This is convenient if you plan a long vacation. The highest point is 2360 meters. Here, in addition to the usual tracks that stop working after 5-7 pm, autonomous tracks with lighting and artificial snowing work. There you can rent equipment and ride under the night sky. An option for those who do not have the opportunity to ride during the day or just want a nightly romance with the moon and a minimum of people.
Attention! If you plan a trip with a big company and big bags, it is better to book a transfer. Take the Lastochka train or bus to the Esto-Sadok station.
There are many other ski slopes of the Krasnodar Territory, which also must be visited. For example, Lagonaki. There is a sanatorium, several cafes and a hotel complex. Trails continue to develop, new cable cars appear. Lagonaki is located in Adygea, there is a favorable climate and the temperature in the mountains rarely drops below −15 degrees.
The second little-known, but worthy resort is Dombay. It is located in Karachay-Cherkessia, not far from the Krasnodar Territory. The highest point is 4068 meters. On the territory of Dombay there are baths, saunas and pools at different heights, cable cars and tracks. All year round, Dombai accepts skiers and climbers, as well as just tourists who come on sightseeing tours.
You can buy tours to the ski resorts of Sochi on the official websites. True, the demand for them is high and it is best to book them for a couple of months in advance. Therefore, the question of where to ski in the city of Sochi depends on the wallet of the tourist and his preferences. The site describes the differences between the tours and the prices for each. A manager works online, who can write or call on any questions.
In a broad sense, the ski resort in Sochi is called Krasnaya Polyana, although there are no ski complexes in the village of Krasnaya Polyana, they start from the village of Esto-Sadok, next to which Gazprom and Gornaya Karusel are located, and end with Alpika and extreme resort "Rosa Khutor".
In general, much has already been done for the development of skiing for the Olympics, which is natural, but even now the complexes continue to rapidly develop and compete with each other, so every year you see something new: new cable cars are being built, new slopes, hotels, entertainment.
Guns are now everywhere, because relying on mother nature is not always possible. The official season lasts as long as possible from December to April and even May, but in fact we just ride in February and March.
Where to ski in Sochi
In every visit, we try to go over all the places to see and experience all the innovations. Actually, only 3 complexes where there are mountain slopes in Sochi are now working.
Alpika Service, the very first resort in Krasnaya Polyana, is currently under reconstruction. Expansion, construction is underway there, so while everything is closed, we are waiting for something grand. While they are selling Gazprom ski passes and delivering their cable car to the Gazprom tracks. In general, everything seems to be going to unite with Rosa.
Gazprom (we also call it Laura by the name of the river and the ski and biathlon complex) we still consider the best, he could compete with many European resorts, and, as always, he loses on modern routes, on the ski lifts, and on the infrastructure only by service . The site of the complex http://polyanaski.ru/
There is artificial lighting and snowing of the tracks, so with snow there everything is usually normal, although the resort is located quite low.
The complex is open from 9 to 17 hours. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on Friday, weekends and holidays. There are 14 cable cars: gondolas, chairlifts and drag lines. Special bursts were not seen here.
Now 15 tracks of varying difficulty, but will still open. There are beautiful, gentle slopes for beginners, there are excellent "black", but they are open only with a confident snow cover.
It is very good to study on the "green" Gazprom routes, all our budding friends and especially the children got up on skis there. In general, everything is focused on family vacations: wide slopes, non-skiing activities such as snow tubing, go-karting, a large entertainment center "Galaxy" (cinema, ice rink, mini-water park, club, etc.). Prices, I note, are not low, especially for restaurants, etc.
"Mountain carousel"
The most beautiful places here, although the resort itself is not so hyped and fashionable, and the infrastructure is not as rich as in the "Rose" and "Gazprom". But this is a more calm, democratic place. But, most likely, everything will change soon, the development here is proceeding at a rapid pace, because Mountain Carousel is included in the grandiose Gorky-City project: modern hotels, shopping centers, a water park, etc.
Recently in the "Carousel" did evening skating, and before the tracks worked only until 17 o’clock. There are guns too. There are still few routes, only 25 km from the “green” ones (training ones are very good), to the “black ones”. The freeride complex is very popular, i.e. off-piste skiing, which, by the way, is prohibited. Only 13 lifts, gondola and chairlifts.
The atmosphere here is, so far, quite democratic, you can easily find an inexpensive and tasty snack, for example, what else to look for at Gazprom and Rose.
"Rosa Khutor"
The most fashionable resort where you can ski, mostly youth, quite modern and developing. True, here too they came across a rude service, but it is clear that the level is growing. Rosa, in fact, has already gone beyond the scope of the ski complex, it exists on its own, without geographic reference to any locality, and as it were, it has become such a locality, because there is absolutely all infrastructure, including children's family entertainment, and you can easily spend there up to a week without going anywhere at all.
There are guns, so everything is in order with snow, there was no lighting, but we had already done evening skating. 18 lifts of all types: gondola, chairlift, drag, conveyor, small queues occur on them.
The ski area here is huge, about 30 tracks from green to red and black, but some are closed. Here is the Olympia ski lift, the most spectacular in Polyana, which passes over the abyss, and the highest skiing point is 2320 m.
View from Olympia
Infrastructure "Roses": shops, fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants of any cuisine, hairdressers, ice rink, karaoke. Accommodation: from apartments to luxurious Radisson. Everything is expensive.
In summer, trails are used for mountain biking, hiking and horse riding.
How to get there
Previously, the “Swallow” was the most convenient way, but now their routes have been greatly reduced, now nothing goes from the airport, you have to look for options.
If we go to Rosa or Gazprom, we leave at the Rosa Khutor station, i.e. final, and if in the “Carousel" - you can still go to Esto-Sadka and get to the complex by carousel free bus.
Train Schedule
As an option - a taxi from Address will cost 1200-1500 rubles, or buses (from the center of Sochi, Adler and the airport).
Accommodation
In general, an expensive resort is probably the most expensive in Russia, and ski resorts are traditionally even more expensive than beach ones. Although there are not only 5-star hotels, 2-3 * accommodation, apartments, and even the private sector are enough, but the prices are all the same, let’s say, the quality of service does not always correspond.
The cheapest accommodation option is the Adler private sector, but you have to regularly go to the mountains, so this is only suitable for the option with a car.
Sochi ski resorts are located in Krasnaya Polyana, on the slopes of the Caucasus. All of them are located near the sea, as well as from the international airport. It has a pleasant mountain-sea climate and an easy road to the slopes, so the resorts are very convenient for tourists. Many celebrate New Year in one of the ski resorts of Sochi.
Competitions of the 2014 Olympics were held in Krasnaya Polyana. As a result, there are new high-quality slopes and lifts, well-developed infrastructure, a lot of daily housing and hotels, a large set of related entertainment.
Below you see the map of ski resorts relevant for the 2019 and 2020 season.
When the ski season in Sochi begins
Since the climate is mild, the ski season opens in December and lasts until mid-April (sometimes until May). In Krasnaya Polyana it is always warm: in the region of 0 ... + 5 degrees. But the resort has a lot of snow. The height of the snow cover is kept at the level of 2-4 meters, and sometimes reaches 8.
Now we will tell you what ski resorts are in Sochi.
Rosa Khutor
The most popular in Krasnaya Polyana. Suitable for families with children, experienced skiers, and freeriders.
Trails. About 40 tracks of all difficulty levels. The total length of the slopes is more than 100 kilometers. This is where skiers competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics. The slopes allow you to engage in both normal skiing and freestyle. If you have few riding skills, there are instructor services.
Lifts. You can choose among 29 cable cars.
Lift pass. The price for one day is from 1700 to 3100 rubles, depending on the season - for example, prices rise on New Year's holidays.
Leisure. At Rosa Khutor you can not only ski, but also relax in other, most diverse, ways. It has an art studio, spa, yoga and massage center, a kids club, and numerous restaurants. You can also ride on ATVs and snowmobiles, arrange a helicopter flight, go mountain climbing or take a horse ride.
Where to stay. Choose accommodation in Rosa Khutor.
Krasnaya Polyana (formerly Gorky Gorod)
It can hardly be called the largest ski resort in Russia, but in Krasnaya Polyana it is the largest: at the same time it takes up to 10 thousand vacationers. This ski resort was previously known as “Gorky Gorod” and “Mountain Carousel”, and since 2019 has been called “Krasnaya Polyana”.
Trails. There are slopes of different difficulty levels, most of them are quite short. There are 32 tracks in total, and their total length is 30 kilometers.
In general, the resort is suitable for beginners and advanced skiers who like winding and steep slopes. For advanced riders there are so-called circuses - sections between the peaks.
Lifts. On the slopes created 13 cable cars (gondolas, chairlifts, towbars).
How much is a ski pass. In the high season it will cost 2100 rubles a day.
Leisure. Everything is standard, but exciting: spa centers, fitness centers, cinema, water park, bowling, restaurants and cafes.
Where to stay. Choose housing in Krasnaya Polyana.
Gazprom Laura
At first it was a ski resort, and for the Olympics it was supplemented with the Laura ski and biathlon complex.
Trails. There are 23 descents with a total length of approximately 20 kilometers. Compared to Rosa Khutor, everything is more compact here. Basically, the slopes are simple and suitable for beginners. If you like leisurely skiing, here you are. However, 3 tracks were created for experienced skiers - according to reviews, they are very impressive.
Lifts. The ski resort offers 13 cable cars, one of which stretches for 5 kilometers and is one of the longest in the world.
Lift pass. Prices for ski lifts in the high ski season are 2500 rubles per day.
Other ways to relax. After conquering the mountains, you can relax in the pool or spa. The resort has a shopping and entertainment center "Galaxy", where there are not only shops, but also a water park, bowling center, ice rink, billiard club, cinema and restaurants. If you want to relax actively, visit the climbing wall, ride horses or ATVs.
Where to stay. Adler accommodation can be booked at any time.
Gazprom Alpika
This is one of the first ski resorts in Sochi. It was subjected to reconstruction, the beginning of which was in 2010. Recently, this is again one of the places where skiing in Sochi.
Trails. This is a resort for professional skiers and those who have mastered freeride well. It is not suitable for beginners, as there are 5 difficult tracks with a total length of 7.5 kilometers.
Lifts. Equipped with 5 cable cars.
Lift pass. Will cost 2500 rubles per day.
Extra rest. You can arrange a helicopter flight, ride a snowmobile, and also try the water from mineral springs. Of course, cafes and restaurants are also available here.
Where to stay. You can choose housing in Esto-Sadka - it is very close.
Single ski pass
From the 2019-2020 season, a single ski pass will operate in all four ski resorts of Sochi. With it, you can use any track of any resort.
There are only a few days left until the beginning of winter and it is time to think about which ski resort to choose this year. To do this, you do not need to get a visa and fly abroad: there is good skiing in Russia. We selected 11 excellent resorts, which are no worse than the Alps in quality and more pleasant in price.
Caucasus
Arkhyz
Winner in the nomination “The Best Young Ski Resort in Russia” of the award “Leaders of the sports industry” in 2016. Arkhyz skiers and snowboarders love: more than 500 thousand people have been here for more than three years, and the glory of the “Russian Alps” has entrenched in the resort.
And this love is understandable: here you will find stunning landscapes, an excellent climate for skiing and snowy sunny winters. Arkhyz is located at an altitude of 1400 to 3300 meters above sea level, the highest points are the mountains of Pshish and Sofia. On the territory you will find beautiful unspoiled nature, beautiful glaciers and mountain lakes.
There are 8 tracks in the resort, difficulty levels from green to black. It is worth noting that the resort is constantly evolving and growing, so if you are not ready to go to the Russian Alps this year, still include Arkhyz in your plans for the future.
The downside of Arkhyz is that there are few hotels in the resort so far and rooms are being sold out very quickly. If the prices for the remaining rooms scare you, you can always rent a room with local residents or stay in Arkhyz village (there are fixed-route taxis from it to the resort).
Trail scheme - Arkhyz ski resort
Season: January to March
Number of tracks: 8
The cost of the road from Moscow: round-trip flight from (to Mineralnye Vody) + 350 rubles regular bus from the airport to the village of "Romantic".
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 7 700 rubles for 7 days
Complex website: arhyz-resort.ru
Dombay
Dombay is one of the most popular ski centers in the Caucasus. The resort is located in a very beautiful place: in the reserve near the confluence of several rivers. The beauty here is still wild, they have taken up the development of the resort quite recently, but at a good pace: in recent years comfortable hotels have appeared on Dombay, a new line of lifts has opened, the resort owners have purchased modern equipment and hired a team of good instructors. So a few more years - and no Alps will be needed. In addition, skiing prices are pleasing here.
In Dombay, both beginners and pros will like it. The main slope is Mussa-Achitara, you can go down from it for a dozen different routes with a total length of 20 km. The ski area is located at an altitude of 1630 to 3012 meters. A lot of gentle slopes for those who are not yet too confident in themselves, is adjacent to steep red tracks. For experienced professionals, there are six routes on the “wild tracks”, where you and the instructor will be delivered by helicopter, and after descent they will be picked up. Pleasure is not cheap, but worth it.
Trail scheme - ski resort Dombay
Season: December to April
Number of tracks: 12
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight from (to Mineralnye Vody) + 800 rubles by bus.
Accommodation: from per person per night
Lift pass: 8 920 rubles for 7 days
Complex website: dombaj.ru
"Elbrus region"
This is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Russia. At the same time, there are not only high-quality tracks, but also very reasonable prices, especially in comparison with Europe. In the Elbrus region they go to get up on skis and boards or hone their skills - there is great skiing for everyone. The ski complex includes two slopes - Elbrus and Cheget.
There are officially 11 runs on Elbrus with a total length of 11 kilometers, but in reality this is one large slope of the mountain on which skiers and snowboarders ride at all levels of training. Mostly the tracks are blue: wide and gentle, with short red sections. If you are not yet too confident in your abilities, go to the Azau glade, where an excellent green track has been prepared.
Cheget is a place for extreme people and professionals. There are 15 official tracks, but again this is more likely one slope. The long and steep track is considered one of the most difficult in the world, the slopes run through a pine forest, so it is better for beginners not to meddle here. But the opportunities for freeride and backcountry are the sea. On the northern slope there are Cheget mounds - natural formations, skiing on which helps to develop balance and improve ski control. Snowboarders are recommended to ride on the southern slope of Cheget, where the slopes are wider, but no less steep.
Scheme of Elbrus and Cheget tracks
Season: from November to May
Number of tracks: 11 on Elbrus, 15 on Cheget
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight to Nalchik from one + taxi from the airport from 3,500 rubles one way
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 8600 rubles for 6 days
Complex website: resort-elbrus.ru
Kola Peninsula
BigWOOD (Big Woodyavr)
A modern ski resort in Khibiny was built relatively recently. BigWOOD is 9 km away, on the southern slope of Mount Aikuayvenchorr (Sleeping Beauty). The level of service and the quality of services are up to par here, prices are not higher than at other good Russian resorts.
"Big Woodyavr" is the highest mountain complex in the North-West of Russia. There are 8 ski slopes of varying difficulty, and 5 of them are suitable for beginners. The quality of the tracks at the European level, several have FIS certificates. In total, more than 45 kilometers of skiing awaits skiers and snowboarders, 18 of which have artificial lighting - an important detail, given that the daylight hours in the north are short.
The total elevation is 550 meters. For beginners, there is a training slope with a belt lift, for professionals there are wide tracks for fan carvings with a slope of up to 40%, a snow park and three virgin corridors. In general, no one will be bored.
Trail diagram - ski resort Big Woodyavr
Season: from November to May, but in favorable weather the snow lies even in August.
Number of tracks: 8
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight from (to Kirovsk) or Moscow-Apatity train from (reserved seat)
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 6000 rubles for 7 days
Complex website: bigwood.ru
Siberia
Sheregesh
Sheregesh is one of the most equipped resorts in Western Siberia. The tracks here are considered the best in the region. The resort is located in the south of the Kemerovo region, in the mountain Shoria massif. This is an amazing place the size of a small European country, almost the entire territory of which is covered by impenetrable taiga. Snow is guaranteed here in season, skiing is interesting, there are tracks for both beginners and professionals - they are waiting for virgin soil in the forest.
Two tracks in Sheregesh are FIS certified, one of the stages of the Russian Alpine Skiing Championship is taking place on them. In total, the resort has six ski areas, in which there are 15 tracks with a total length of about 36 kilometers. The elevation differences here are from 640 meters on gently sloping long tracks to 1270 meters on the slopes for extreme sports.
Sheregesh stands out among the ski resorts for an unusually long season - the climate allows you to ride here from November to May. Moreover, thanks to a unique combination of humidity and temperature, already in November, beautiful snow falls, forming a soft “puffer”, which freeriders love so much.
Scheme of slopes - Sheregesh ski resort
Season: from November to May
Number of tracks: 15
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight from (to Novokuznetsk) + 3 700 rubles by taxi to the resort
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 1200 rubles a day
Complex website: gesh.info 
Ural
"Zavyalikha"
This relatively young, but already quite popular ski resort is located 200 kilometers from Ufa and Chelyabinsk. Skiers and snowboarders love Zavyalikha for its excellent snow, good service and affordable prices.
The national snowboard team is training in Zavyalikha, the Russian Cup competitions are taking place here - all this testifies to the quality of the tracks. They are called here romantically, by the names of gems: Malachite, Agate, Rhodonite, Garnet, Charoite, Dolomite, and in the future they promise to discover Aventurine.
There are ten tracks in the complex: one black, seven red, one for beginners and one for children. The longest runs start at the top of Zavyalikha Mountain and descend to the foot; the vertical drop reaches 860 meters. The total length of the tracks is about 16.5 kilometers. You can ride and off-piste, here it is not prohibited.
Slope scheme - Zavyalikha ski resort
Season: from November to April
Number of tracks: 12
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight from (to Ufa). If you are traveling in a group, you can order a free transfer from the airport at the resort.
Accommodation: from 1 800 rubles per one per night at the Kamenny Tsvetok hotel (located on the territory of the ski resort)
Lift pass: 1,600 rubles / day on weekends, 900 rubles on weekdays
Complex website: zavjalikha.net
Gubakha
This ski center is located in the south of the Northern Urals, in the Perm region. Gubakha is famous for its variety of tracks: there are tracks for downhill, slalom, giant slalom and freeride. Gubakh hosts the Perm Open Alpine Skiing Championship.
The maximum height difference is 310 meters, the total length of the tracks is more than 20 kilometers. Trails of different difficulty levels do not intersect, so skiing is quite safe. Most of the tracks at the top converge at one point, so you can change the route at any time before the start of the descent. Beginners will not be scared, for them there are quite a lot of long and gentle sections and there is a convenient training route.
The tracks are not fenced with nets, and the administration of the complex has nothing against freeriders - they even have a separate, longest route - almost 2 km of pure pleasure.
Slope scheme - Gubakha ski resort
Season: December to April
Number of tracks: 17
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight from (to Perm) + from 380 rubles bus
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 1200 rubles / day on weekends, 900 rubles on weekdays
Complex website: gubaha.com
Abzakovo
Residents of Magnitogorsk have long been fond of this ski resort - it is only 60 km from the city - and a couple of years ago, after the construction of a modern ski complex, skiers and snowboarders from all over Russia began to come here.
The teams of Russia in biathlon and alpine skiing train at Abzakovo, and also hold the stages of the Russian Cup. The season lasts from November to May, and there is snow in any weather: there are snow cannons on eight of the thirteen tracks. The slopes are mostly gentle and not too complicated: there are no black tracks, 4 red, the rest will suit those who ride not so long ago. During high season, night skiing is organized daily.
If you are tired of skiing, you can transfer to a snowmobile (there is a separate track for them), go ice-skating or go to the Aquarium water park.
Season: from November to May
Number of tracks: 14
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight to Magnitogorsk from one, train from Magnitogorsk to Novoabzakovo station from one one way
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 1400 rubles / day on weekends, 1000 rubles / day on weekdays
Complex website: abzakovo.com
"Bannoe"
If you are bored with skiing in Abzakovo - or you have already been there and want something new - pay attention to the Bannoe ski resort, it is only 25 kilometers away. It is also closer to Magnitogorsk - 40 kilometers. The complex itself is located on the shores of Lake Bannoy, surrounded by stunningly beautiful mountains and forests.
There are fewer routes than in "Abzakovo" - only 4, two red, blue and green. The length of the tracks is 2.5 kilometers, the vertical drop is 450 meters. But excellent conditions were created for skating beginners and a separate park for children. There is a large snow park, halfpipe and tubing for those who are tired of skiing. Fans of night skating are appreciated here, the tracks are beautifully illuminated.
Scheme of tracks - ski resort Bannoe
Season: from November to May
Number of tracks: 4
The cost of the road from Moscow: flight to Magnitogorsk from one
Accommodation: from for 1 person per night
Lift pass: 4000 rubles for 3 days
Complex website: ski-bannoe.ru
Adzhigardak
In the west of the South Urals there is another ski resort, Adzhigardak. It differs from others in a mild, pleasant climate: the temperature in this area rarely drops below -15 C, and there is usually a lot of snow. So here it is usually warmer than in other resorts of the Urals.
The tracks go along the slopes of Mount Ajigarak, today there are ten of them, they are FIS certified. The tracks are mostly blue with black and red sections. For snowboarders, there is a separate area with rails and training jumps.
Since the eighties, the resort has an Olympic reserve for children and youth, and competitions and starts are held on the slopes all winter.
The resort is actively developing: modern hotels are being built, and a couple of years ago new lifts were launched, which opened access to the northern slope, where four more routes were opened. This season, a lift to the top of the mountain has also been launched, where a new large area for freeriding is open.
Trail scheme - ski resort Adzhigardak
Far East
"Mountain air"
On Sakhalin there is one of the most dynamically developing ski resorts in Russia - Mountain Air. It is located right in the capital of the island, in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
By 2020, they promise a paradise for skiers and snowboarders: three new hills will be mastered, nine cable cars will be built, and the length of the tracks will increase to 85 kilometers. This is the future, but it’s not bad in the present either: today in the Mountain Air there are 14 tracks of different difficulty levels: five black, seven red and two green. The longest track is 4.4 kilometers. The difference in height is also impressive - 495 meters.
And we also have
