4 ski resorts in Russia, where it is better to plan your vacation now

We are on the verge of the moment when the first photos with snow and mountains will start appearing on social media. No, no, we’re not kidding. The winter season, as always, will start suddenly, and we will not be ready for it again. To avoid this, you should already think about where to go and, most importantly, book your accommodation.

Head of snowboarding school X-camp Russia

It is better to think about booking hotels and tours now. The earlier you book, the more options you will have. Good places are in high demand, it’s no secret. There will come a moment when it will be difficult to get to any ski resort even for a lot of money.

Krasnaya Polyana

In the first place, naturally, the “Russian Courchevel”. Krasnaya Polyana is located 40 minutes away from Sochi International Airport by car, and it is not so difficult to get there. The whole winter cluster was maximally equipped in the run-up to the Winter Olympics – 2014, and after the Games did not stop in development. There are several large resorts here at once: Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor and Gazprom, which have their own unique opportunities, skiing areas and entertainment.

How to get here: different methods are possible. The easiest and most common is by airplane. You can also go by train, first to Sochi itself, and then change to an electric train to Krasnaya Polyana. For those who like the spirit of adventure – you can get to Krasnaya Polyana by car.

Season: from mid-December to mid-April.

Trails: Rosa Khutor has 66trails of any complexity, including areas for backcountry skiing. Gazprom” complex offers 43 pistes of varying difficulty. “Krasnaya Polyana” has fewer pistes, only 35, but this does not mean that they are somehow inferior to their neighbors.

Ski pass: since recently Krasnaya Polyana resorts have a system of a single ski pass, prices start from 1800 rubles.

Vladimir: In my opinion, Polyana is better than European resorts, or at least it can compare with them. It is definitely the best resort in Russia. Pistes, parks, freeride skiing, service and hangouts – everything is beautiful. It is better to book trips for the New Year five months in advance, and for the rest of the time – two months in advance. But it is expensive and crowded there, unlike other resorts.

Sheregesh

Over the past few years, the popularity of this ski resort has grown several times. The complex in the Kemerovo region is loved by all fans of winter sports because the season there begins very early. In Sheregesh there is a lot of dry and lush snow (which prevents it from sticking to skis and boards), and the relief is simply amazing.

How to get there: first you have to fly to Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk or Novosibirsk. From there take a bus or a cab to Sheregesh.

Season: from the middle of November till the end of May.

Trails: 16 pistes are divided into four levels of difficulty (easy, medium, difficult and very difficult), and their height difference is 630 meters. At the top the slopes are a bit more difficult, but closer to the bottom they become more gentle. The resort has 21 cable cars.

Ski-pass: from 800 rubles.

Vladimir: This is a good option, and if you take tickets on promotion, it will be the most budget-friendly in general. At the beginning of the winter season it is a meeting place for the whole skiing crowd, as the snow falls very early. From the bonuses of modern realities – from there it is convenient to work remotely with Moscow. You ride in the morning and work in the afternoon. There is plenty of housing, but it sometimes runs out too.

Elbrus

The resort is located in Elbrus district of Kabardino-Balkaria in the village of Terskol, 190 km from Mineralnye Vody airport and 120 km from Nalchik airport. In the list of ski resorts in Russia, Elbrus is on a good account. Here is a good condition of snow, a developed network of slopes, and you will not leave indifferent local color. But, besides skiing itself, you will find a lot of hiking routes, which you will be obliged to visit, otherwise what is the point of flying to Elbrus. Now the region is developing very actively.

How to get there: you can reach the resort from Central Russia by plane or train. For example, you can fly to the airport of Mineralnye Vody, and then take a cab to the Azau glade. Also cities of the North Caucasus regions are connected with Elbrus by a network of bus routes.

Season: from the end of November to the middle of May.

Pistes: there are four main slopes available for skiing, starting from Garabashi station and ending at Azau glade. Despite the fact that there are not so many slopes, you will not be bored on them. In addition to the slopes, on Elbrus there is an opportunity to go to the neighboring Cheget, where you can also ride. One of the unique features of Elbrus is its old pendulum ropeway, which was built in 1969. It still takes everyone to the top.

Ski pass: from 1500 rubles.

Vladimir: This is the highest resort in Europe, which also has the longest skiing season. Prices are quite democratic, and there is an option to negotiate with locals. Try to book accommodation only on personal recommendations of acquaintances, as the service is lame in some places.

Arkhyz

A resort, which, as it seems to us, not many people have heard and know about yet. “Arkhyz” is located in Karachay-Cherkessia, on the eastern border of the Western Caucasus between Abishira-Akhuba and Gabulu ridges.

Only three hours separate this world lost among mountains from the international airport Mineralnye Vody. In winter the resort is able to please its guests with wide slopes, crisp snowy velvet, the smell of pine forests and aromas of herbal tea. And in summer the resort will be your ticket to turquoise glacial lakes, an ocean of rhododendrons, mountain trails and waterfalls with drinking water.

So far, the resort’s highest point is 2840 meters on the North Slope. But the ongoing construction of a new gondola will give the opportunity to climb to the height of 3014 m in the future and see the other side of the Abishira-Ahuba ridge.

How to get there: The resort itself is located in Zelenchuksky district of Karachaevo-Cherkessia – 210 km away from Mineralnye Vody International Airport. Ways to get to the place are similar to those with Elbrus. By the way, both these resorts are close to each other.

Season: from December to April.

Pistes: 16 ski slopes descend towards each other from two slopes – Southern and Northern. Two tourist villages have been built in the valley – “Romantic” and “Lunnaya Polyana”. There are eight ropeways: four gondola and four chairlifts.

Ski pass: from 5950 rubles.

Vladimir: Not much is known about this resort yet. The place is new, you know, such a “Glade on minimums”. There is still not much accommodation, and you need to book it very far in advance. But the prices are more affordable than the “big brother”.

Prepare for the upcoming season is necessary not only for you, but also for your equipment. You can read about how to do it properly below.