There are about a hundred ski resorts in Russia – from very “childish” ones, with two or three gentle slopes, to those that attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the country and even from Europe. How to choose where to go? Together with our partner, Aeroflot airline, we have compiled the top 6 Russian ski resorts, collecting all the necessary information, from road costs to ski pass prices.
By the way, Aeroflot is opening the season of free transportation of skis and snowboards on domestic Russian flights for the period from November 27, 2020 to May 15, 2021.
“Krasnaya Polyana”
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How to get there: Aeroflot flies to Sochi daily. A direct flight lasts 2 hours 40 minutes, a ticket from Moscow and back will cost from 12,000 rubles* (luggage is not included in the price, hand luggage up to 10 kg). From the airport to the resort, it is most convenient to take a transfer from the hotel, but you can get there by public transport, for example, by high-speed “Lastochka” to the final station “Rosa Khutor” (journey 40 minutes, one-way ticket 365 rubles*), and from there either take a taxi or walk about 20 minutes.
Search tickets to Sochi
Season: December – March
Ski pass cost: 2,600 rubles per day*
Site: https://krasnayapolyanaresort.ru/
The resort has been operating since 2014 and is still known to many under the name “Gorki Gorod” (rebranding occurred in 2019). Most of all, “Krasnaya Polyana” is suitable either for beginner skiers and snowboarders, or for already experienced riders – there are not too many trails of medium difficulty level, for them it is better to go to the neighboring “Rosa Khutor” or the Gazprom slope “Laura”. But at Krasnaya Polyana there are a lot of opportunities for freeride: there are as many as 6 official zones.
The resort consists of two levels: below, at an altitude of 540 meters, a whole city with hotels and a large shopping center is built. The famous embankment along the Mzymta River is located right there. At this height the cable car begins, which takes you to the very top, to a height of 940 meters. There is a beautiful view from here. A separate plus is that there are fewer people here than in the more popular Rosa Khutor.
“Rosa Khutor”
Photo: Sergey Lavrentev/Shutterstock.com
How to get there: the route is the same as to “Krasnaya Polyana” – first by plane (from 12,000 rubles* by Aeroflot), then a taxi or Lastochka. Only the resort itself is located closer to the railway station of the same name.
Find tickets to Sochi
Season: December – March
Ski pass cost: 3,150 rubles per day*
Site: https://rosakhutor.com/
We say “skiing in Sochi”, we think “Rosa Khutor”. This is the most popular ski resort not only in the Krasnodar region, but throughout Russia. It’s very comfortable, modern, youthful – and, unfortunately, expensive: prices for ski passes and accommodation in Rosa Khutor can be upsetting.
But everyone will enjoy skating. There are a huge number of wide trails of varying difficulty levels (a total of 102 km of skiing), off-piste areas for freeride and cool snow parks. There is always snow thanks to the latest artificial snowmaking systems. The Southern slope routes, which pass through a coniferous forest, deserve special mention. In good weather, stunning views of the Black Sea and the Caucasus Range open from the top of the slope.
“Dombay”
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How to get there: the nearest airport is located in Mineralnye Vody (200 km to the resort). Aeroflot flies there every day, a ticket from Moscow and back costs from 9,000 rubles*, the journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Then either with three transfers on minibuses and buses, or by taxi (you can find travel companions via the Internet to make it cheaper). Some hotels offer transfer service.
Find tickets to Mineralnye Vody
Season: December – April
Ski pass price: 1,800 rubles per day*
Site: http://www.dombaj.ru/
One of the most popular ski resorts in the Caucasus. The location of Dombai is noteworthy: in a nature reserve near the confluence of two rivers. This means that the beauty around is unreal. The place is still quite wild; landscaping of the resort began relatively recently. However, there are already comfortable hotels, new ski lifts, and modern infrastructure. A special plus is the low prices for such excellent skiing.
And here it really deserves your attention. There are 19 pistes, there are green ones for beginners and black ones for professionals. The total length is 20 km, the ski area is located at an altitude of 1,630 to 3,012 meters. Plus the opportunity to try heli-skiing: taking a helicopter to the top and descending on untouched snow – an expensive pleasure, but definitely worth it.
“Sheregesh”
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How to get there: the closest way to get to the resort is from Novokuznetsk, from which you will have to drive 200 km. An Aeroflot ticket from Moscow and back will cost at least 13,000 rubles* (without luggage, hand luggage 10 kg), 5 hour flight. From the airport to your destination you can take a bus (goes directly to Sheregesh), the ticket costs 370 rubles*, but departures are once a day, at 6:40. So it’s more convenient to take a taxi.
Find tickets to Novokuznetsk
Season: November – May
Ski pass cost: 2,000 rubles per day*
Site: http://gesh.info/
The pride of Western Siberia, one of the most well-equipped resorts in the region, which attracts skiers and snowboarders with a record-long skiing season, and thanks to the unique climate, beautiful powder forms already in November. There is always snow during the season, and the trails are suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers (they can ride on virgin soil in the real Siberian taiga). One of the stages of the Russian Alpine Skiing Championship is even held on two slopes.
Freeriders especially appreciate the resort: all conditions for excellent off-piste skiing are created here. You can jump from cliffs, slide down steep slopes covered with small forests, and if you wish, even order a ride into a remote area on a snowmobile. A separate plus is the absence of avalanche danger.
“Arkhyz”
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How to get there: the nearest airport is in Mineralnye Vody. You can fly here from Moscow by Aeroflot; a ticket for a direct flight (2 hours 30 minutes on the way) will cost at least 9,000 rubles*. Then it’s convenient to go by bus; a ticket costs about 350 rubles*.
Find tickets to Mineralnye Vody
Season: December – March
Ski pass cost: 2,200 rubles per day*
Site: https://arhyz-resort.ru/
A new, but very promising resort. It has been operating since 2013, but has already earned the love of thousands of skiers and snowboarders who compare it to the Alps. “Arkhyz” even received the “Best Young Ski Resort in Russia” award in 2016.
It’s true, what not the Alps? The landscapes are no worse, the climate is excellent, the winter is snowy and sunny. Plus great skating. There are already 14 tracks, mostly blue and red, three green, and only two black so far – but there will probably be more. Not all the trails are illuminated yet, but the daylight hours here are quite long. The most beautiful skiing is on the northern slope, from where you can see the Main Caucasus Range and the valley of the Arkhyz River.
“Elbrus region”
How to get there: The closest way to get from Nalchik is to Terskol, where the resort is located, only 133 km. A ticket for a direct Aeroflot flight from Moscow and back starts from 9,600 rubles*, the journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes. The most convenient way to order a transfer from the airport is that many hotels and the ski resort itself offer it.
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Find tickets to Nalchik
Season: November – May
Ski pass cost: 2,000 rubles per day*
Site: https://prielbrusie-ski.ru/
The highest mountain peak in Europe is Elbrus. Of course, you will ride a little lower, but you will remember the views for a long time. The ski complex includes two slopes – Elbrus and Cheget. The first one is more suitable for beginners and lovers of quiet skiing. In fact, there is one long track descending from an altitude of 3,780 m – quite flat, mainly with blue and green sections, although there are a few red ones. For beginners, it is better to go to the Azau clearing – this is a gentle green track closer to the foot of the mountain.
If you want a thrill, welcome to the slope of Mount Cheget. The local track is considered one of the most difficult in the world. Here are the best opportunities for freeride and backcountry. Skiers love the northern slope with Cheget hillocks – natural formations, skiing on which helps develop balance and improve ski control. The southern slope is more suitable for snowboarders – the descent here is wider.
*Prices valid at time of publication
