Last month, we published an article with an overview of skiing places that have already opened, which aroused great reader interest. In November, we decided to prepare a similar review, and it will include mostly new tracks that were not in the previous review, although there will be a few exceptions. The material does not claim to cover all existing skiing places, but we invite our readers to become co-authors of the material by telling in the comments about the places where you can already enjoy skiing.

Russia

Khanty-Mansiysk (KhMAO-Yugra)
In a good way, the track in Khanty-Mansiysk could have been included in the October review. The circle, made from last year's snow, was opened in mid-October. Skiing on the track is paid.


Syktyvkar (Komi)
Republican ski complex named after Raisa Smetanina, artificial snowmaking of the slopes has begun, according to the Ministry of Sports of the Komi Republic. In total, the TsSPSK has five snow cannons and twenty-two guns. It is no secret that artificial snow allows athletes to start training earlier, which significantly affects the preparation of skiers.

You can start work only at a stable sub-zero temperature. With the first cold weather, the staff of the institution launched the snowmaking system. It is planned that more than 2 kilometers of the track and the stadium of the complex will be covered with artificial snow. In total, 3.5 kilometers of illuminated ski tracks will be available to athletes.

“We will make at least 3.5 kilometers of ski runs. If there is no natural snow cover, then we will carry the snow and extend the route up to 5 kilometers,” commented Nikolai Gordeev, director of the State Autonomous Institution of the Republic of Kazakhstan “TsSPSK”.

Usinsk (Komi)
Since October 27, a 6.5-kilometer ski run has been opened in Usinsk. The route is illuminated in the evening.

Zlatoust (Urenga)
City of Zlatoust Southern Urals- one of the traditional places for rolling in. Snow on the Urenga pass, which is not far from the city, usually falls in late October - early November. About what conditions were at Urenga on November 2, you can understand from the photo below.

Peak of Tyoi (Khakassia)
In the second half of November, the 1st stage of the Continental Cup of Eastern Europe will be held at the Top of Choi. The track in this village is one of the traditional places where the strongest athletes from both Siberia and Far East and the European part of Russia. AT this moment training camp in Tyoi is carried out by the junior team and part of the main Russian national team (E. Sorin's group).



Seminsky Pass (Republic of Altai)
Another place prayed by skiers is currently available for skiing. There is a lot of snow, the track is perfectly prepared, the six-kilometer circle is rolled by a snowcat, - our reader Yevgeny Shiredchenko reports. Photo from November 5, 2018.

Kirovsk (Murmansk region)
Another city that has already been in the October review. Now on the track near Tirvas there is a well-prepared circle of 2.5 km with a relief, snow cannons are working, the circle is growing (the photo is not from this year).

Tomsk
A lot of snow fell in Tomsk, a 10-kilometer circle has been prepared. The ski track under the classics is made on 3 out of 10 kilometers.

Kazakhstan

Shchuchinsk

In Shchuchinsk, skiers always get up in late October - early November, but usually it happens in the forest, on a thin layer of snow on top of the leaves on bad skis, - our reader Dmitry Kolomeets shares information.
But this year the city opened national center skiing, and the preparation of the track has reached a new level. Since November 2, thanks to the work of snow cannons, a 1.3 km ski run made of artificial snow has been opened. By the end of next week, a fis circle of 2.5 km will be prepared. Teams of skiers and biathletes from 6 regions of Kazakhstan conduct their training camps, in the second half of November they will be joined by the youth ski and paralympic teams of the country.

Finland

Levy
Levi does not store snow since last winter, preferring to shoot it with snow guns. The snowmaking system was installed along a wide road 4.5 km long in one direction. At the moment, the site of the resort says about 3 km of prepared slopes. The trail is lit up in the evening.

Saariselka (Inari)
On November 1, the first part of the 2 km track was opened in Saariselkä.

Rovaniemi (Ounasvaara)

Here the Russian national cross-country skiing team conducts its first training camp on the snow - all groups except for Yuri Borodavko, who will also come here with his athletes after the competitions in Muonio on November 12th. Here, on November 15, the qualifying starts of the Russian team for the 1st stage of the World Cup in Ruka will take place. On the site ounasvaara.fi, they report that 9 km of skiing is ready.

Ruka (Kuusamo)

We wrote about the Hand in the previous review, but still we cannot ignore latest news from the track of the 1st stage of the World Cup. The FIS website reports that a homologated 2.5 km circle has been prepared at the resort.

Italy

Livigno

The track in Livigno is being prepared according to the same technologies as in Finland, and now in Tyumen. Snow is stored up from last winter and then scattered along the track. This year the opening of the ski track took place on October 13. Recall that Livigno is located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level. The length of the track after heavy snowfalls that hit the resort is 22 km! From November 25, a pilot will be held in Livigno - there is only one free place left.

November 7, 2018, 18:50

For some, winter is the time for family holidays, hot tea and TV. But our readers are waiting for winter like manna from heaven. They already have skis and snowboards ready to conquer the next slope with the beginning of the season. Wind, snow, adrenaline and breathtaking landscapes - this is what you dream about all year round. And to help you choose the mountain ski resort for December, we have prepared this useful article.

The article is called "Ski resorts in December", but in fact this selection is suitable for every month up to April. Glory to snow cannons - throughout the season, skiers can safely go to the resorts of Europe and Russia without worrying about the quality of snow: it will be, no matter what the weather forecasters say.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

The northern part of the Eastern Alps annually attracts tens of thousands of tourists. cozy town Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located at an altitude of 940 m above sea level, a short distance from the highest peak Germany - Zugspitze (2966 m). From here, the Austrian province of Tyrol is within easy reach, so you can visit Austria at the same time.

Where to ride

There are two main skiing regions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: the glacial Zugspitze (2966 m) and the Garmisch classic, which is divided into several sections: Eckbauer (1238 m) with wide and gentle slopes (designed for beginners), Wank (1780 m), Hausberg ( 1350 m), Alpshitz (2050 m) for experienced skiers.

The total length of the trails is 120 km, the longest of them is 5 km. Ski area - from 720 m to 2830 m. There are two half-pipes and two fan parks at your service. The length of trails for cross-country skiing is 150 km. The total length of the trails for beginners is 12 km, the average level of difficulty is 18 km, the difficult trails are 10 km. There are FIS certified tracks and artificial snow. Fans of hiking will have time to work up 120 km of winter routes. Additional activities - paragliding, ice skating, curling, squash.

Constantly working 6 ski schools for adults and one for children, a snowboard school.

46 lifts operate during the season, the ski pass covers the entire resort (cost - 240 euros per week).

Where to rest

On the territory of Garmisch-Partenkirchen there are enough restaurants. You can visit museums, theaters, casinos, bowling clubs, sports centers. Fans of "record places" are advised to climb the top of the Zugspitze to get to the highest mountain exhibition hall in the world.

How to get there

The nearest airports are in Munich (90 km) and Memmingen (125 km). The city has its own railway station, so you can take a direct train from Munich (travel time - 1 hour) or from Memmingen with a transfer in Munich (travel time - 2.5 hours). The first train leaves from München Hauptbahnhof station at 5:30 am.

There are direct buses from Munich every two hours, the travel time is 1 hour 15 minutes. There are direct flights from Memmingen, and with transfers, the travel time is 2-3.5 hours. You can also get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by car if you drive along the A95 highway.

Innsbruck, Austria

If you want to ride on the Olympic slopes, we recommend a trip to Innsbruck. Here you will find the infrastructure that has remained from the last Olympic Games: tracks (Pacherkofel), springboard, stadium, bobsleigh (Eagles). And Innsbruck is not only a world-class ski resort, but also a beautiful city.

Where to ride

In Innsbruck you can ski in two regions: Innsbruck-Nordkette and Innsbruck Olympiaworld Skipass. In the first, the total length of the tracks is 14 km, of which 1 km is for beginners, 8 km is for intermediate level and 5 km is difficult. The ski area with a glacier is 850-3210 m. There are 2 chair lifts and 2 gondolas on the territory.

But in Innsbruck Olympiaworld Skipass there is where to roam. The total length of the trails is no less than 270 km, the longest of them is 10 km. Here real paradise for beginners - 85 km of "basic" trails. But even more experienced citizens have a place to prove themselves: 155 km of medium-difficulty trails and 30 km of advanced ones are waiting for their conquerors. And that's not counting 200km of cross-country trails, three halfpipes, four snowboard parks, several backcountry areas and 20km of hiking trails.

Where to rest

In addition to numerous restaurants and cafes, you can visit local attractions: the Golden Roof, the Olympic Games Museum, the Helbling House and the Stadtturm, imperial palace Hofburg.

How to get there

The fastest option is a plane to Innsbruck, the airport is 4 km from the city center. You can also come to Innsbruck from Austria (Salzburg - 172 km) and from Germany (Munich - 138 km). Travel time from Salzburg - 1 hour 50 minutes by train and almost 4 hours by bus (including transfers); from Munich - from 1 h 45 min to 3 h by train and 4 h 30 min by bus.

If you are traveling by car, the journey will take a little over two hours. To drive on Austrian roads, you must have a vignette (sticker or electronic) - proof of payment of the toll. The cost of a vignette for a week is 8 euros.

Alta Valtellina, Italy

The Alta Valtellina highland area is a real "conglomerate" of ski centers, which includes Livigno, Santa Caterina, Valdidentro, Bormio and the Stelvio Glacier. Only in this part of Italy you can ski and soak in the thermal springs all year round. You can ski here from 3450 m, although the highest points reach 4000 m.

Where to ride

We are sure you will find a suitable site for yourself on 220 km of slopes. Moreover, in addition to the standard routes, you can choose to ski through the forest and virgin lands. Most of the trails are designed for people with experience, although beginners will also like it. Snow cannons are on most of the tracks, so you definitely won’t be left without snow. The maximum length of the route is 6 km.

On the territory of Alta Valtellina there are 31 lifts with a total length of 220 km: 2 "cars", 1 gondola, 7 chairlifts and 21 ski lifts.

The ski pass costs 252 euros, and with the six-day Alta Valtellina Lift Pass you can also visit the Swiss region of Engandin.

Also in Alta Valtellina is one of the best and oldest ski schools in Italy. In addition to it, there are 6 others that teach both adults and children from 4 years old and older.

Where to rest

Countless cafes, restaurants, thermal springs and SPA-resorts will not let you get bored. And if you want to diversify your leisure time, visit medieval castle Castello di Frontone.

How to get there

The fastest way to get from Milan is by shuttle buses that depart from the bus station every 2 hours. Approximate travel time is 4 hours 30 minutes. Most often, skiers book a transfer, especially if they are traveling with children or bringing their own equipment.

Gulmarg, India

to the largest ski resort India needs to go at least for the sake of scenery. Here you have the eight-thousander Nanda Parbat (8126 m) as part of the Himalayas, and the highest in the world cable car, and the Taj Mahal, which is within easy reach ... And after skiing, you can go to Goa. Not rest, but a fairy tale.

Where to ride

Gulmarg is perfect for beginners as everyone necessary equipment and clothing can be rented at minimal rates. Instructor services are also one of the cheapest (compared to similar ski resorts in Europe).

The ski area is suitable for both amateurs and pros, it is located at an altitude of 2650-3980 m. There are tracks for downhill and cross-country skiing, but there are quite a few of them. But for lovers of freeride, this is a real expanse.

Do you love sleds? 5 km toboggan run at your disposal! In Gulmarg there are freeride, backcountry, ski tour schools. Here you can also go snowmobiling and dog sledding.

Where to rest

Hotels 2 * -4 * are located in close proximity to 4 ski lifts. There are also restaurants, shops with local goods and souvenirs, jewelry. Excursions to Delhi and Srinagar are organized.

How to get there

From Delhi with domestic airlines you will need to travel to the capital of Kashmir, Srinagar. And from there, either by bus (2-3 hours, cost - 2 euros), or by taxi (1 hour 20 minutes, 23 euros) to get to Gulmarg.

Arkhyz, Russia

If you want to go to a ski resort, but have not yet received a Schengen visa, welcome to Arkhyz. Here you are welcome at any time of the year. Magical landscapes of the Main Caucasian ridge, Fresh air and drive, spilled in the very atmosphere - that's what you need for a quality holiday.

Where to ride

There are only 9 tracks in Arkhyz with a total length of 15 km. Here you can go skiing and snowboarding. The altitude mark of the start is 1771 m. The tracks are relatively small: for beginners - 1.68 km, for the intermediate level - 9.165 km, for the pros - 4.478 km (red and black). There is a possibility of evening skiing. From morning to evening you can use the services of a ski instructor, equipment rental, contact a ski workshop.

The cost of a ski pass is 6900 rubles per week.

There are 4 lifts on the territory: 2 chairlifts, 1 gondola, 1 belt.

Where to rest

In Arkhyz, delicious food is served and concerts and themed holidays are constantly held.

How to get there

The nearest airport is Mineralnye Vody (210 km), the railway station is Cherkessk (120 km). from Cherkessk and Mineralnye Vody you can get to the village "Romantic" on regular bus(travel time - up to 3 hours).

Zakopane, Poland

A trip to the "winter capital" of Poland is suitable for both beginner skiers and professionals. Especially if you are a fan of ski jumping, because on January 18, 2019, the World Cup in this sport starts in Zakopane.

Where to ride

You will definitely be impressed by 80 km of pistes. Gubalovka, Kasprowy Verkh (piste category FIS), Butorovy Verkh, Polyana Shimoshkova, Kotelnitsa, Kozinets, Antaluvka, Harenda, Nosal are ready to accept athletes of any stripe. More than 10 km of trails for beginners, 48 ​​km of "blue" and almost 20 km of trails for extreme sports. You won't be bored!

The elevation difference in Zakopane is 830-2012 m, and the longest run is 1 km. Almost all tracks are equipped with artificial snow systems and lights for night skiing. More than 60 lifts operate during the season.

There are also some minor downsides. Due to the fact that all ski areas are in different places, you will have to get to the hotel or guesthouse by transport (minibus, bus or taxi). There is no single ski pass, so you need to buy a day pass or tickets with a limited number of runs.

Where to rest

If you love sightseeing, head to the Spisza and Pienin area, explore the border knight's castles, and at the same time take a dip in the Antołówka thermal pool.

How to get there

With railway station Numerous trains depart from Warsaw to Zakopane. Travel time - 2-3 hours, cost 5-16 euros. If you decide to go by bus, leave from the Warszawa Dworzec Autobusowy bus station, and in 7 hours you will be in Zakopane.

Vitosha, Bulgaria

AT national park"Aleko" at an altitude of 1800 m hides the Vitosha ski resort. It is located only 10 km from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, therefore it is of particular interest to both tourists and residents of the city.

Where to ride

The ski area in Vitosha is 1650-2290 m. Despite the prevailing base routes (more than 15 km), there are also quite serious “black +” routes. The longest track stretches for 5.2 km. lovers active rest 11 km of trails for cross-country skiing, paragliding, trekking and snowmobiling await.

The oldest ski school in Bulgaria is at your service, where you and your children (from 6 years old) will be taught the necessary skills. The ski pass is valid throughout the resort and costs about 75 euros per week.

Where to rest

Given the location of the resort, you can always go to Sofia for an excursion or arrange a gastro tour for yourself.

How to get there

From the center of Sofia, take trams No. 9 and No. 12 to the Khladilnik stop, then transfer to buses to Vitosha. Another option is bus number 98 or 122 to the village of Simeonovo, and from there take a gondola to the top (gondolas operate only on weekends).

And we wish you a successful, eventful and safe rest. We hope that you have already decided where you will go this year. If not, wait for our selection of ski resorts in January and February.

Skiing in November is cheaper and more convenient than in the high season. Many stations open only in December, but those located on the glacier or on high altitude ready to welcome you in 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 for lifts and reception points at all. If you can't wait to get on your skis without waiting New Year holidays, then we have prepared a list the best resorts Europe with early snow.

1. Tignes in France

The ski resort of Tignes lies on the highlands, at the Grand Motte Glacier, surrounded by mountains 3030-3600 meters high. Thanks to the glacier and the high altitude, snow falls in Tignes as early as October. There are 20 kilometers of slopes on steep and wide 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 kids are put on a snowboard from 2.5 years old. There is a snow park 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 the budge.

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

2. Solden in Austria

Sölden is located in Tyrol's 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 heights, most of them are of easy and medium difficulty. Experienced skiers prefer the fast track Gaislachkogl. For snowboarders, there is a separate park with jumps, rails, fan boxes and a half-pipe. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering, the resort offers hiking, snowmobile rental, sledding and a bowling alley. From 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 by mountain peaks Dufour (4,654 m) and Matterhorn (4,478 m) are in the top ten Alpine resorts. The skiing area is divided into 3 ski sectors with 200 kilometers of slopes of all difficulty levels; Each sector has its own lift system. Most of the slopes are red and black, with sharp elevation changes. Except ski slopes in Zermatt there are trails for mogul, flat skiing and tobogganing. On the Theodule glacier is Gravity Park Zermatt - the largest snowpark 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 slopes, 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 with freeride enthusiasts due to its huge virgin fields in the region of the Thorens and Boucher glaciers. Val Thorens has a lot of entertainment: aqua clubs with 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 walks free bus. There are 5 black pistes in the resort, 39 red ones, 39 blue ones, 12 green ones. Many pistes are well lit and open for night skiing. On green trails it is allowed to ride on flat and skiing. All tracks are open for snowboarders, and there is also a fun park and snowcross. Also in Ore you can skydive, fly a 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 (Cervinia) in Italy

Cervinia - mountain resort on the southern slope beautiful mountain Matterhorn (4478 m) with 146 kilometers of pistes and 23 lifts. Altitude difference - 1438 meters (2050-3488 m). Most of the tracks are red and blue. For experienced skiers there are several black slopes, the most difficult of which is Bardoney. The blue slopes of Cervinia attract many tourists due to the fact that they cover almost all the slopes, this allows beginners to ride all over the resort. For freestylers and snowboarders there is the Indian Park with rails and kickers, for go-cart enthusiasts there is the On Ice karting track with two ice tracks. Cervinia is famous for its excellent restaurants, bars, nightclubs, bowling and a swimming pool.

Many Russian citizens believed that for bright winter impressions one should go to the Alps. But the 2014 Olympics reminded outdoor enthusiasts that there are places in our country that deserve attention. There are more than 200 ski centers in Russia. Their service is provided by entire villages and cities. Our article will tell you where they are, as well as introduce you to the features and attractions of the largest of them.

Where to go to the ski resort

There are really many of them in our country. They are located not only in Sochi, but also in the Caucasus, the Urals and even in the center of the country. We will talk about the three most interesting locations.

Rosa Khutor is the youngest and most modern complex in Russia

It is located in the south of the country, in the village of Estosadok in the city of Sochi. Foreigners call it Russian Switzerland. Modernization here began before the Olympics and continues to this day. Tourists claim that the local level of service is not inferior to the best European resorts. The mountain space is equipped not only for winter leisure, but also for summer holidays. There are three ways to get here:

1. By private car. Keep in mind that you will have to drive along the “serpentine”, so analyze in advance whether your driving skills will allow you to get here without unpleasant incidents.
2. By bus from the main Sochi airport. You need #105. During the day he goes often, and you do not have to wait long. In two hours you will arrive at your destination.
3. By train from Sochi. Railway transport with the cozy name "Swallow" will take you to the station of the first tier.

The territory is conditionally divided into "Valley" (lowland) and "Plateau" (at an altitude of 1170m). The cable car operates everywhere. There are lifts open and closed types. Some are open all year round, while others are open seasonally. If you stay on the second level, in the Olympic Village, you get an unlimited ski pass free of charge. You can go up and down the funicular whenever you want. In other cases, you will have to lay out a certain amount each time.

One day of full skiing costs about 3,000 thousand rubles. At the beginning and end of the season, the price may decrease. For children there is a system of discounts. Evening ski trips are cheaper: 1,250 rubles each. The total cost depends on the time at which you decide to visit these places, as well as on the number of days. If we take the amount for five days, then in different periods it can vary from 6,000 to 11,000 thousand rubles per person.

The active holiday season in this ski resort begins in December and ends in May. Its duration is due to the fact that modern equipment responsible for artificial snowmaking has been installed everywhere at Rosa Khutor. Tourists should not be afraid of avalanches, as special equipment prevents the accumulation of snow masses, exploding them at night when guests are sleeping.

For a comfortable stay in the mountains, stock up on comfortable and stylish winter clothing that will allow you to enjoy skiing even in the most frosty weather. The Stayer company offers to purchase adult and children's winter equipment at an affordable price. Our products are not inferior to the promoted European brands in quality, but please customers with an acceptable cost. We are an official partner of the Russian Freestyle Federation and the winner of the "Best Sports Product of the Year" award. In our things you will not get wet or freeze, it will protect you from falls and will delight you with a bright, unusual design. We follow the latest fashion collections and offer the most modern models. Glued zippers and the absence of chemical elements in the composition make our products not only wear-resistant, but also absolutely harmless. In our jackets, parks, down jackets you can conquer the track of any complexity, and in Rosa Khutor there are more than 40 of them.

Some of them are closed for your safety due to bad weather, but with favorable weather conditions they are all functioning. There are those that even a child can conquer, and some are available only to real professionals who have devoted more than one year of their lives to skiing. We are attaching the map of the resort. At Rosa Khutor, the European system for classifying trails is adopted - by color.

1. Green roads are the simplest, they are almost straight, without sharp breaks. They are good for children and women who are not very confident on skis or snowboards.
2. Blue - winding, curly, similar to mountain serpentine, but gentle.
3. Red ones are characterized by the steepness of the slopes.
4. Black - only for experienced athletes.

Last season, the administration solemnly launched a new ski area on the southern side of the ridge, bordering Abkhazia.

The most high point this area - Rosa Peak. Its height is 2320 meters. You can go down from here on your own. There are blue trails from the mountain. The descent will not be difficult, but it will give a lot of impressions. If you don't want to risk it, take the cable car upstairs and enjoy the view of the Alpine meadows.

You can use the services of an instructor, rent any sports equipment, learn to freeride - riding on wild, unequipped terrain, go on a ski tour, most importantly, have enough funds. The service here is European, but the prices are Russian, so calculate the budget in advance. Family tuition is offered at a discount.

Bolshoy Vudyavr is the main ski resort in the north-west of Russia

It is located in the city of Kirovsk, Murmansk region. You can arrive by train to the city of Apatity or fly by plane. From there you will reach your destination in 20 minutes. public transport or taxi. Big Woodyavr is divided into two ski areas:

The first reflects the Russian saying "from one extreme to another". These are either very difficult tracks, highlighted in black, or very simple. Do not look for the golden mean, it simply does not exist.

The second is traditional. Combines all types of tracks.

Both areas are connected by a gondola lift. To look down from the top of the mountain with the name Aikuaivenchorr, which is unusual for the Russian ear, use the chair lift.

The northern regions guarantee you a long season of outdoor activities. At the ski resorts of Russia, it begins in November and ends only by June.

There are 45 tracks in Woodyavr. The longest of them is 2.5 km. The height difference reaches 550 m. 18 routes are illuminated, so when the polar night comes, the resort does not stop working. Tourists visiting it at this time can see the northern lights.

The abundance of snow makes it possible to ride everywhere. If you want to "rip off the powder" by laying the track yourself, rent a snowmobile and go to any place you like. Remember to take precautions, as avalanches often come down here. Before you go alone to the mountains, stock up on special equipment, a walkie-talkie and find out the contact details of the rescuers.

If you want thrills, head to Mount Kukisvumchorr. It is not included in the Woodyavra zone and is located 25 km from the main locality. There tourists can try a real freeride. You can also visit the "Kolasportland" or "city slope" complex, located directly in the city.

The resort has a snow park. If you have never skied, go to the training slope. The instructor conducts classes away from other tourists. We recommend booking a place a day in advance, since there are many people who want it, and there are few working hours, only 6 hours. For those who want to feel like professionals, ski center offers individual training on a sports slalom track. The price of one lesson is 1500 per hour. If it's too expensive, ask to try out the markup. It costs only 200 rubles.

Prices for skiing at Woodyavr are two times cheaper than at Rosa Khutor. Children under 5 and pensioners over 5 are free. A standard ski pass will cost one and a half thousand rubles per day for one adult and 1000 for a children's ticket and an option for the elderly. A subscription will cost less than one-time skating.

Resort "Arkhyz" in Karachay-Cherkessia

The road will be long

1. Buy a plane ticket to Mineralnye Vody.
2. Take a taxi or take a bus that will take you to the transport hub in the village of Arkhyz.
3. Transfer to the bus to the end point.

When you arrive at your destination, you will see a small ski resort. There are only nine slopes, but there are all colors and they are long, almost 14 km each. The area is well equipped. There are artificial snowmakers, snow groomers, there are three lifts, but the administration plans global modernization.

Perhaps professional athletes will be bored here. There are only three forest trails and they are short. But for beginners who want to master skiing, this is a great option. In 2016, Arkhyz was recognized as the best young resort in Russia.

These places are the most high mountain. It is called Abishira-Akhuba. Its peak reaches 3170 m. However, athletes are not allowed to climb the peak itself, it is not equipped enough for descent. The border of the ski area runs at around 2200 meters.

But the season here is the shortest, only three months, from January to March. The ideal time for skiing is February. Professional skiers claim that it is in the last month of winter that Arkhyz has the best snow.

If "Rosa Khutor" is the most expensive option, and "Vudyavr" is the most budgetary, then in Arkhyz the cost of skiing is average. The price on weekdays and weekends differs by 300 rubles. The average value is 1,600 for the day and 900 for the evening.

Now you know how many major ski resorts there are in Russia, where they are located and how to get to them. Choose an option that suits your pocket and enjoy an active winter holiday in your native country, and Stayer will help you choose a stylish youth look that will make you feel comfortable and warm in any weather.

December in Russia is associated with New Year's Eve chores, the preparation of gifts, the purchase of products for the festive table. But even in this pre-holiday bustle, you should not forget about the rest. And if it so happened that the vacation fell on December, there is no need to lose heart. You can organize a fascinating, eventful vacation without leaving the country. We will tell you more about where to go in December in Russia.

Where can you relax in December in Russia?

The choice of destination for a winter holiday in Russia depends on your goal:

But first things first.

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Winter sightseeing holidays in Russia

© By Ludvig14 - Own work / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0

In any season St. Petersburg and Kazan ready to receive tourists, lift the veil of secrets of their history, satiate with the magnificence of architecture.

In winter St. Petersburg it is worth taking a walk along Palace Square to admire the beauty St. Isaac's Cathedral and Church of the Savior on Blood marvel at the beauty Winter Palace , walk along Strelka Vasilyevsky Island and look into Leyour garden which does not lose its charm even in winter. Must visit Hermitage, Russian Museum, Kunstkamera.

The advantages of a trip to St. Petersburg in winter are lack of queues at museums and a decline in housing prices. Of the minuses - unpredictable Petersburg weather.

The weather in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan - Kazan is more favorable to "winter" tourists. Typical for middle lane winter will please you with the absence of winds and freezing rains, snowdrifts and frosty, but not dank temperatures, comfortable for short walks around the city. And there is something to see in Kazan:

• Kazan Kremlin- the undisputed leader among city attractions.
• Kul Sharif Mosque- the main Muslim shrine of the Republic.
• Tower Syuyumbike- a "falling" building on the territory of the Kremlin, its spire is 2 meters away from the center.
• Blagoveshchensky cathedral- a unique Orthodox church of the 16th century.
• Hermitage-Kazan- huge exhibition complex with exhibitions on various topics.
• The building of the Circus looks like a UFO plate and the building of the registry office is in the shape of a “cauldron” bowl.
• Bauman pedestrian street with many art objects, souvenir shops and shops.

Tired of walking, visit one of the restaurants in the city center, where you will realize that gastronomic tourism is possible in Russia. Tatar National cuisine- this is a real culinary art, one chak-chak is worth something.

Ski resorts in Russia in December

© Sergei Kazantsev - Own work / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0

If you think that excursions are for grandmothers and schoolchildren, and you need a real explosion of emotions and extreme sports, pay attention to Russian ski resorts: Krasnaya Polyana , Dombay.

The obvious choice for skiing even with children is Krasnaya Polyana, a mountainous region near Sochi that has become a place of pilgrimage for thousands of extreme tourists from all over the world since the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The ski complex Krasnaya Polyana is equipped according to European standards, slopes of varying complexity function here, lifts work. On the territory of the complex there are baths, restaurants and cafes.

Combine a measured rest with a trip to the Gorka ski resort. The territory of the resort is small, only two simple tracks, a ski lift and an outdoor skating rink, suitable for holidays with children. Such a rich holiday in Karelia will appeal to both adults and kids.

Universal rest in winter Crimea

©Prosto_DEN / pixabay.com / CC BY 2.0

For a snack, I left the most versatile option for a winter holiday in Russia - travel across the Crimean peninsula.

Prices for holidays in the Crimea in the winter are significantly served for everything, starting with hotel stays and ending with the cost of excursions, souvenirs and food.

December on the west coast peninsula temperature afternoon can reach the mark +8°С, at night up to +3°С, on the east coast a little cooler up to +7°С during the day and +1°С at night. The sun rarely peeks out, more often overcast, rain is possible. However, it is in the winter in the Crimea that you can fully get enough of all types of recreation, except for the beach.

In winter you will be open full access to Mount Ai-Petri, which is lined with tourists in the summer. Ideal option for winter extreme tourism are trips to Angarsk pass and Chatyrdag plateau.

In the low season, life stops in small coastal villages, cafes and restaurants do not work, most shops are closed. And here big cities- Yalta , Alushta , Sevastopol is ready to offer a rich excursion program:

• work museums(Vorontsovsky, Yusupovsky, Livadia) and palaces(Massandrovsky, Dyulber, Khansky, Swallow's Nest).
• open karst caves : Marble, Skelskaya, Red.
• are functioning local wineries, in each of which you can taste products.

In addition to excursions in winter Crimea is good for the purposes of health tourism. In the sanatoriums of Yalta and Miskhor, they treat the respiratory organs, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems. The health resorts of Evpatoria and Sudak specialize in the problems of urology and gynecology, the endocrine system, and the respiratory system.

Of course, I have not told about all the places where you can go in winter in Russia. However, all of the above proves that rich, exciting and inexpensive winter holidays possible without traveling to hot countries. The main thing is to take plenty of warm clothes and a good mood with you.