Winter holidays in the mountains: TOP-9 ski resorts
“Better than mountains can only be mountains, which have not yet been,” the famous song says. Indeed, people who are fascinated by the mountains are looking for their own unique routes - they build new ones and visit the already known ones. In the New Year, when you can rest for a long time, allow yourself new impressions. You can go to the Russian north - the beautiful and harsh Kola Peninsula, the Khibiny mountain range or go to ski Turkey, where the winter is snowy and mild - the resort of Palandoken is not severe at all, is -5 degrees for a Russian person - it's frost? Or maybe you will fly to Rosa Khutor - one of the best Russian resorts? The choice is yours!
Ski rest routes:
1. Rosa Khutor and Sorochany: ski holidays in Russia
2. Northern pleasures: a holiday in Murmansk Great Woodyavr
8. The American Dream: A Winter Vacation in Aspen
9. Ski Bulgaria: rest in Bansko
Rosa Khutor and Sorochany: ski holidays in Russia
Rosa Khutor is the largest modern ski complex in Russia, during the Winter Olympics in 2014, this facility hosted competitions of the strongest in freestyle, snowboarding, large slalom and other disciplines. Rosa Khutor has 77 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty; 18 lifts operate; skating is possible 180 days a year - a system of artificial snowmaking. To diversify the rest, you can go down from the mountains to the sea - walk along the beautiful embankment, visit the famous Botanical Garden and other attractions of Sochi.
Round-the-line resort "Sorochany" offers a comfortable and relatively budget holiday on the slopes of the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge in the suburbs. Due to the relatively low slopes, skiing is available to beginner skiers and is ideal for children. From Sorochan you can easily reach the ancient Russian city of Dmitrov, it is known for its architecture and cathedrals: Peshnosh monastery, Medvedeva deserts, estates of Gorka and Olgino.
How to get there: to get to the resort of Rosa Khutor - get to Sochi (by plane back and forth for about 5 thousand rubles, the flight time is 2 hours). 15 minutes.
To Sorochan from Moscow is only 78 kilometers, overcome them by train in 2 hours (ticket costs 264 rubles), but then you will need to change to bus No42 (trip will take 30 minutes), from Moscow you will get by bus in 3 hours (ticket for 244 rubles), a taxi will cost about 4000 rubles, on the road you will spend 3 hours.
Where to stay: in Rosa Khutor, the range of housing prices is large: you can find apartments in which the night costs 1700 rubles, but the main prices begin after 2500 rubles.
In Sorochany there is a cottage village - double rooms (with a sauna and options with a kitchen) and quadruple rooms. The cost of living is about 2000 rubles per day. Budget housing options can be found in the village of Kurkovo near the ski complex, a night per person in the private sector will cost 500 - 600 rubles.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: Rosa Khutor: a week in the “five” for two from December 27 will cost an average of 130 000 rubles, only accommodation, on the same dates, the “two” will offer a stay for 16000 for two in a room in a three-room room. Prices in the resort restaurants are high, the average check for lunch will be 2000 - 3000 rubles, but there is an opportunity to have a snack in the classic ski canteens, so, lunch on the Rose Plateau will cost 400-800 rubles per one. On the slope you can eat for 300 - 500 rubles in budget institutions. In Sorochany, the average check per person is 500 - 800 rubles per meal.
Duration: any number of days.
What to take with you: take sunglasses, ski masks for the face, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes, a hat, gloves, a set of thermal underwear. Ski equipment can be purchased for rent on the slopes, the prices for daily ski and snowboard rental in Rosa Khutor - 1500 rubles, shoes - 500-1000 rubles, in Sorochan prices are about the same. If you plan a festive New Year's dinner - you will have to find a place in the suitcase for a suit, dress and a pair of shoes.
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Northern pleasures: a holiday in Murmansk Great Woodyavr
Because of the beautiful and cinematic landscapes, the Kola Peninsula is called “Polar Hollywood”. Big Woodyavr is the highest mountain resort in the North-West of Russia in the city of Kirovsk, Murmansk region, equipped with modern lifts. The Greater Woodyavre tracks will be of interest to snowboarders, fans of cross-country and mountain skiing. From Greater Woodyavr, excursion snowmobile tours are held - training for 1-2 days, the price is from 8000 rubles; tourist for 1-2 days, the price is from 9000 rubles; extreme from 1 to 4 days, the cost is from 12500 rubles. Bear in mind that the region has a polar night from December 15 to 28, when light twilight lasts a maximum of 4 hours a day. The Northern Lights can be seen from August to April, so on your winter trip you are sure to witness it. The Khibiny is a natural landmark of the Kola Peninsula, a large mountain range, its geological age is about 390 million years.
How to get there: Moscow shares 1800 kilometers with Murmansk. The flight time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, the cost of tickets from 2800 rubles. The trip by train will take 1 day, 13 hours, the price of tickets is 4600 rubles - seat cards, from 5600 rubles coupe. Murmansk is located 200 kilometers from Big Woodyavr, so it is more convenient to come to the nearest cities of Kirovsk or Apatity. Air ticket to Kirovsk costs from 6 thousand rubles, in flight you will have to spend 2 hours. By train you will get to Kirovsk in 1 day, a ticket to the seat cards can be found for 2900 rubles, in a coupe from 4500 rubles. The plane Moscow - Apatity on the plane costs from 6000 rubles.
Where to stay: from the hotel "Severnaya" in the center of Kirovsk to "Big Woodyavr" about 1 km; a daily free transfer is possible. Prices for a room per day start from 2700 rubles. Recreation center "Forest" on the shore of Lake Imandra seven kilometers from the city of Apatity. Houses are designed for 4-5 people, their price from 6000 rubles per day. It is also possible to stay in a small private hotel (1000 rubles per day) or at a recreation center. Services for renting housing to tourists are common among local residents, for example, an apartment of 32 square meters costs 23 euros per day.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: from January to February, a tour for 5 days costs from 35,000 rubles per person.
Duration: unlimited number of days.
What to take with you: be sure to take a set of replaceable warm clothes and shoes, be sure thermal underwear, hat, sunglasses, ski masks. To shoot the Northern Lights, grab a good camera with a wide-angle lens. Ski equipment can be rented on the slope, for example, a set of alpine skis for 1 hour will cost 500 rubles, you need to deposit 17,000. Take cash with you, because you will not be able to pay with a bank card everywhere.
Ski holidays in Switzerland: Zermatt
Zermatt is a picturesque alpine village located almost on the border with Italy, annually attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Zermatt has repeatedly received the title of the best resort in the Alps. They go to the resort to ski, relax in spa centers and photograph the pyramidal peak Matterhorn – the most famous peak of Europe. In the mountains, you can go on panoramic excursions to Rothhorn, Gornegrat and the Matterhorn itself. From each mountain there is a stunning view. You can relax a little in mountain restaurants. Famous cafes of the resort offer black caviar, freshest oysters and champagne literally next to the trails, but also the town is replete with affordable cuisine: pizza and oven pies, berry fruit and homemade beer.
Interestingly, in Zermatt, the use of cars is prohibited, you can only move on electric cars.
How to get there: air tickets Moscow - Bern cost from 8000 rubles, flight time is 3 hours, 50 minutes. Flight Moscow - Geneva will cost the same, the duration of the flight is similar. To Zermatt from other cities of Switzerland can be reached by train, save when buying tickets via the Internet 2-3 days before departure, from Geneva to Zermatt and the train goes 3 hours, 50 minutes. Switzerland with Russia is currently not connected by rail, if you want to go to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Paris, Berlin, and then from there to get to Zermatt.
Where to stay: inexpensive hotels and hostels Zermatt ask from 3 to 5 thousand rubles per night, 12-18 thousand rubles will have to pay for a double room of hotels of a higher category, the most luxurious accommodation options will cost from 32 000 rubles per night.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: 5 days in Zermatt on Christmas (flight + accommodation) cost from 50 000 per person, a tour in January for 7 days will cost 49 000 rubles per person. Two weeks from the end of December will cost 71,000 per guest.
Duration: from 5-14 days.
What to take with you: a visa is required to travel to Switzerland, its cost is from 2500 rubles, the registration period is from 7 days. The monetary unit of the country is the Swiss franc (CHF), in 1 franc 100 centimes. 1 CHF = 59.37 RUB (1 USD = 0.98 CHF, 1 EUR = 1.15 CHF). At ATMs, the transaction fee can reach 15%. It is convenient to bring euros to Switzerland or exchange rubles for francs in Russia. Take sunglasses, ski face masks, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes.
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Lake Louise Resort in Canada
Lake Louise (Lake Louise) is one of the most picturesque resorts in Canada, it is located in the Buff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta. The reserve is known and popular all over the world, tourists go there to swim in the hot springs, and admire the alpine landscapes, mountain rivers, dense coniferous forests, majestic peaks, grandiose waterfalls and beautiful lakes. Lake Louise got its name from the beautiful reservoir, which was previously called Emerald, and later got its name in honor of beautiful Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Governor of Canada. The ski complex is located on four peaks, the total length of the slopes is 113 kilometers, the highest point is 2367 meters. An adult ski pass for one day will cost $99, for a child - $38, for elderly people and teenagers - $77.
How to get there: you can fly from Moscow to Toronto with a transfer in New York (you need a transit American visa). The flight time is 15 hours, the cost of a one-way ticket is 24,500 rubles. From Toronto to Lake Louise another 3000 kilometers, the plane to Calgary flies 4 hours, the ticket costs from 22 thousand rubles. From Calgary to Banff National Park another 110 kilometers by car on highway 1. From Moscow to Vancouver you can fly for 26,000 rubles, travel time 21 hours, transfer in Los Angeles. From Vancouver to Calgary 970 kilometers, the ride by car will take about 10 hours, by plane - 2 hours. In Vancouver, renting a car for 7 days will cost from 13800 rubles, in Calgary for 1000 rubles more expensive.
Where to stay: the representative hotel Chateau Lake Louise in the ski resort costs from 14 thousand rubles per night. Within 18-20 kilometers from the resort you can spend the night comfortably for 3000 rubles. In the city that gave the name to the park, in Banff (60 kilometers from the resort) you can find offers to spend the night in the hostel for 1750 rubles + free breakfast. On average, a room in the Banff hotel will cost 4000 rubles.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: a week trip to Lake Louise will cost 60-75 thousand rubles per person (the price includes the price of tickets to Canada for two from Moscow, the road to the resort, hotel accommodation, three meals a day, ski equipment and ski passes).
Duration: 7 days.
What to take with you: you need a visa and medical policy for the entire duration of the trip. The cost of a visa is 4600 rubles + an additional service fee is paid - 1800 rubles. The minimum period for obtaining a visa is two weeks. The monetary unit of the country is the Canadian dollar (CAD), at 1 dollar 100 cents. Course: 1 CAD = 46.4 RUB (1 USD = 1.25 CAD, 1 EUR = 1.47 CAD). It is desirable to change money in banks, there are no commission fees, do not take requests for exchange "hand to hand" - this is fraud.
The best French ski resort Chamonix
A ski resort with history, very popular and in demand today, located on the border of two countries, France and Switzerland, is Chamonix! Here in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held. Almost a hundred years have passed since then, and this resort did not disappoint outdoor enthusiasts. On the contrary, Chamonix decently maintains its high status, and attracts guests from all over the world with infrastructure that meets all modern safety requirements, tracks for all categories of skiers and a wide selection of lifts. The Chamonix ski resort near the western slopes of the famous Mont Blanc offers a flexible system of season tickets and discounts. For example, a weekly subscription Mont Blanc Anlimited will cost about 18,000 rubles, the price includes skiing on all slopes, an open-air skating rink, a swimming pool and a museum. Budget option "Chamony Le Pass", which operates in three skiing zones and costs about 15000 rubles per week. If desired, in Chamonix you can go to the Alpine Museum, ride on a unique high-altitude tram.
How to get there: flight Moscow-Geneva (flight time 3 hours, 40 minutes, round trip ticket costs from 14 thousand rubles). From Geneva to Chamonix, the distance by bus / car is about 90 kilometers (ticket costs from 1,300 rubles), by train - a distance of 70 kilometers, but you will have to get with transfers in Belgard-sur-Valserine and Saint-Gervais, the price is almost 2000 rubles. Individual transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix will cost 12 600 rubles for the company 3-4 people.
Where to stay: the most economical option is a hostel with a room for six people (from 2000 to 3000 rubles per night). Another budget option - yurts for several people, the price from 8 to 12 thousand rubles. Hotels cost from 7 to 21 thousand rubles a day.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: a trip from Moscow to Chamonix for 6 days costs 48200 rubles, for 8 days 54,000, for 12 days 105,000 rubles (the price is indicated for one person, flight and hotel accommodation).
Duration: from 6 to 12 days.
What to take with you: the currency of the country - Euro (EUR), 1 euro 100 euro cents. Rate: 1 EUR = 68.27 RUB, it is better to take a pre-exchanged cash. A profitable choice for shopping in France is Mastercard and a bank account in euros, the most wasteful is the “ruble” Visa. At the ski resort take sunglasses, ski masks for the face, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes, a set of thermal underwear. If you plan a festive Christmas or New Year's dinner - you will have to find a place in the suitcase for a dress and a pair of shoes.
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Top class in Sweden's mountains: Ore
Ore is a famous ski resort in Sweden, it includes on equal terms four villages with punctual bus service and five ski areas. You can settle in any of the settlements of Duved, Tegefjell, Ore-By and Ore-Bjernen, you can ride everywhere. The ski season can last from mid-November to mid-May. Ore is often compared to the Alps for the quality of services and scenic nature, but Scandinavia certainly wins in cost. A few days a week from December to April you can ride at night at no extra charge. The ski pass is valid for any of the four Ore zones. Children under 7 years old are free to ride if you have a helmet for them. In Ore beautiful waterfalls Tannforsen, interesting cathedrals and churches Duveds Kyrka.
How to get there: direct flight Moscow - Ostersund is available on New Year and Christmas, the rest of the time you have to choose the airport in Stockholm. A flight to Ostersund in December costs about 25 thousand rubles per person in both directions with one transfer. A direct flight to Stockholm will cost 12 thousand rubles back and forth. From Stockholm to Ore 630 kilometers, this distance can be covered by bus or car in 8-9 hours or by plane in 1 hour. The train takes about 10 hours, the ticket costs from 3000 rubles.
Where to stay: Ore hotels are equated to international three-star hotels, they are often called "mountain hotel" and quite regularly offer rooms with bunk beds. The cost of double rooms in Ore starts from 6000 thousand rubles per night, sometimes the price includes free breakfast and dinners.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: a week tour in Ore per person will cost within 60 thousand rubles, the price includes air travel and the road to Ore, hotel accommodation, three meals a day (economical lunch will cost at least 600 rubles, dinner for two with alcohol costs about 4500 rubles, ski pass 1 day - 400 crowns, plus rent ski equipment.
Duration: 7 days.
What to take with you: a visa is required to enter Sweden (registration from 35 euros and an additional consular fee from 21 euros + health insurance). Take with you a set of warm clothes (cap, mittens, shoes, jacket), necessarily fleece thermal underwear and an unblown ski suit. In advance, exchange rubles for Swedish kroner (the rate for the winter of 2018 will be approximately 72-73 rubles per unit). You can also pay with a MasterCard bank card, when paying, the currency is automatically converted.
Turkish ski holiday: Palandoken
Palandoken is a modern ski resort in Turkey, located a few kilometers from Erzurum. On the slopes of this mountain, the national team of Turkey trains, there are gentle slopes for children and beginner skiers, there are routes of increased complexity. The best time to visit is from December to March, the average winter temperatures are not high: about -5, -7 degrees. The resort employs instructors who speak Russian. A pleasant feature of the resort of Palandoken - the cost of the tour includes flight, accommodation, food, swimming pool and massage. Erzurum can be reached by bus in just 30 minutes, in the city to your attention the most important sights of the ancient city: the majestic fortress - citadel, Ulu Mosque, Chifte minarelle madrasah.
How to get there: from Moscow to Erzurum more than 2000 kilometers, a flight with a transfer to Erzurum is possible (6000 rubles one way, 10 hours on the road). You can fly to Turkish cities, and already from them to get to the resort. For example, a flight from Istanbul will take 2 hours, costs from 3000 rubles, from Ankara a ticket will cost 1500 rubles, in flight you will have to spend a little more than an hour.
The journey by bus from Ankara will take 13 hours, from Istanbul - 19 hours, from Antalya - 20 hours, 40 minutes, the ticket price is approximately the same, from 2 thousand rubles.
Where to stay: Two-star hotels in Palandoken offer rooms from 1000 rubles. “Troika” cost from 3 thousand rubles, “four” from 4000, “five” is for 5, 6, 7 thousand rubles a day. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Erzurum, the prices will be approximately the same.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: a week trip per person in December (flight and accommodation) at the four-star hotel will cost from 65,000 rubles, FB+ meals, equipment rental: 20 dollars per day, training in a ski school: 60 dollars for 1 hour. Two weeks will cost 120,000 rubles per person.
Duration: 7-14 days.
What to take with you: the currency of the country is the Turkish Lira (TRY), in 1 lira 100 kurushi. Course: 1 TRY = 15.65 RUB (1 USD = 3.73 TRY, 1 EUR = 4.38 TRY). We advise you not to change all the money at the same time, because the exchange rates in Turkey fluctuate. Take with you sunglasses or a mask, a set of warm clothes (cap, mittens, shoes, jacket), fleece thermal underwear and an unblown ski suit. Perhaps your trip will take you to the sea, so bring lighter clothes and bathing accessories.
The American Dream: A Winter Vacation in Aspen
Aspen - the famous city - a very popular ski resort in Colorado (United States of America). A single huge complex includes four zones, which together form 200 kilometers of trails, a common ski pass and a bus, with free travel. Separate zones are Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Aspen Snowmass. An hour's drive from Aspen - and you're in Glenwood Springs at a year-round balneological resort with the world's largest hot spring pool. In the same parts, be sure to visit the protected White River or the Maroon reservoir. Young skiers will be interested in Tube Town (Snowamass), there for about 2000 rubles you can use tubing as much as you want. There is also a paintball center (the cost of shooting is about 5000 rubles). In Battermilk, it is worth visiting the whole family fort in the Western style.
How to get there: Aspen will have to get with transfers, there are two options. You can fly to New York, a direct flight from Moscow costs 24 000 rubles, on the road you will spend 9 hours, 55 minutes. Domestic flight New York - Aspen for 23 thousand rubles, duration of 6 hours, also with a transfer in Denver. The trip by car or bus will take two days. From Denver bus goes 6 hours, the ticket costs from 2000 rubles. The second option - you can fly a direct flight to Los Angeles, the cost of a ticket from 27 000 rubles. From the City of Angels to Aspen by bus you will get almost a day, a ticket from 6000 rubles, by plane - 4 hours of flight for 16300.
Where to stay: in Aspen a huge selection of hotels: luxury 5 * for 24700 (night for two) to more modest "two" - 3000 rubles and "threes" - 7000 rubles. Most hotels in Aspen Mountain, and in order to spend the night in Highlands or Buttermilk, you need to book a room in advance.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: a week in Aspen in winter will cost about 90-100 thousand rubles per person (the price includes the price of tickets to the United States from Moscow and back, the road to the resort, hotel accommodation, three meals a day, rent ski equipment).
Duration: unlimited number of days.
From September 1, 2017, interviews for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States are conducted only at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, so make sure you prepare the necessary documents in advance. In America, it is equally convenient to use cash (the monetary unit of the country is the US dollar (USD), at 1 dollar 100 cents. Course: 1 USD = 58.46 RUB) and credit cards. Commission in ATMs - 1-2% of the amount. Take with you sunglasses or a ski mask, a set of warm clothes (cap, mittens, shoes, jacket), thermal underwear and an unsweetened ski suit will be useful.
Ski Bulgaria: rest in Bansko
In southwestern Bulgaria, Bansko is located - a resort city at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the height above sea level is 925 meters, the snow cover lasts from November to May. The price of a ski pass for one day for adults is about 2000 rubles, 6 days - 12,000, 13 days - 25,000 rubles, for young skiers and students discounts are provided. The exact date of the foundation of the city is not known, but scientists believe that Bansko existed during the Roman Empire. One way or another, the architecture of Bansko XVII-XIX centuries (Old Town) is interesting, on narrow streets there are houses made of stone and wood. Interesting Church of the Holy Trinity, built during the Ottoman yoke. In the center of Bansko, an open-air skating rink operates in winter, many hotels have their own mini water parks with swimming pools and thermal baths. There is no public transport in Bansko, it is convenient to travel around the city by taxi (prices from 300 to 400 rubles).
How to get there: air tickets from Moscow to Sofia will cost in December from 5 to 11 thousand rubles in one direction, in January and February - from 6 to 8 thousand rubles. The flight time is 2 hours, 55 minutes. From Sofia to Bansko 155 kilometers (2 hours on the road), they can be overcome by train (ticket about 10 euros), bus (ticket about 8 euros) or taxi (about 100 euros). Renting a car for a week will cost about 5000 rubles. For driving a car under the influence provides a fine of 35000 rubles.
Where to stay: in Bansko there is a huge choice of housing, prices are quite reasonable. You can settle in the "five" - a night will cost from 3000 rubles, there are options even cheaper - in the Old Town you can spend the night from 800 rubles to 2000 tons. If you want to cook yourself, choose rooms with your own kitchen. There is a category of spa hotels with a variety of wellness procedures for the whole family.
The approximate cost of the tour per person: 7 nights in the double room of the “four” will cost about 31,000 rubles per person, meals are “all inclusive”. Two weeks will cost 60,000 rubles. Accommodation only with breakfast - the price for 7 days - 20 200 per person, 10 days - 42 000 rubles.
Duration: from 7-10 days.
What to take with you: when visiting Bulgaria, Russian citizens must provide a visa cost of 3100 rubles) and insurance. The monetary unit of the country is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), in 1 leva 100 stotinki. Course: 1 BGN = 35.07 RUB (1 USD = 1.67 BGN, 1 EUR = 1.96 BGN). For a comfortable rest on the ski slopes, stock up on warm and comfortable clothes: hats, mittens, shoes, windshield jackets and pants. For the festive meeting of the New Year, you can grab a costume for men, for ladies an elegant dress and a pair of favorite shoes.