Where to relax in Russia in winter? 10 Unusual Northern Routes
Winter is an amazing time of miracles, magic, mystery. Trees in the forest stand in snow-white outfits, lakes and rivers hide under the ice, frost paints amazing patterns on the windows. In the cold, someone wants to hide in a cozy wooden house, sit in front of a fireplace or stove, wrap themselves in a warm blanket and dream. But there are people who want to ride dog and deer sleds, swim in hot springs, bravely conquer the ski slopes. What do you choose?
Winter routes in Russia:
1. Altai fairy tale - rest in winter in the Altai Territory
2. Charm of the North - rest on the winter Baikal
3. The best ski resorts in Russia
4. Winter holidays on hot springs
6. Northern lights and untouched nature on the Kola Peninsula
7. Nuclear icebreaker trips and seal observation in Arkhangelsk
8. Charging with ancient energies in Khakassia
9. Walking on deer with khantas in Yamal
Altai fairy tale - rest in winter in the Altai Territory
Altai is waiting for tourists all year round and offers rest for different tastes and wallets. Winter in the Altai Territory is real: with snow, frost, snowstorms. Tourists go in the winter to plenty of skiing from December to March. The infrastructure of the resorts will please the most demanding client. In the foothills of Altai there is a ski complex "Grace" with a variety of trails. The Artybash complex offers entertainment programs, a variety of rental equipment, animators and skating rinks. Also pay attention to the complexes of Manzherok, Nikolskoe, Altai.
If you are afraid that frost will pinch your cheeks, we advise you to visit water parks. For example, the Aqua Park on Tursib in the Chemal district is a great place for family holidays: pools, slides, hydromassage. Be sure to visit the bison nursery, near the village of Cherga. If in summer animals walk along the spreading fields of the nursery, then it is in winter that they come close to the fence, waiting for food from the huntsman. The spectacle is very colorful.
How to get there: you can come to the Altai Territory by personal car along the Chuisky tract, land at the airport of Barnaul or Biysk or ride a train on the West Siberian railway. The dental nursery is located 169 km from Biysk, it is best to go there by car along the following route: Biysk → Scrots → Maima → Manzherok → Ust-Sema → Kamlak → Zubr nursery SB RAS.
Where to stay: Accommodation in the room of the first category "Gratitude" will cost 2000 rubles, and in apartments - 6500 per day. Climbing on a bougel lift will cost you 50 rubles, for an hourly use of the set of “mountain skis” you will need to pay 300 rubles. An hour's rest in the water park on Tursib will cost 500 rubles for an adult on weekdays, 600 on a weekend, a children's ticket costs 300 and 400 rubles, respectively. Night at the base starts from 4200 for a standard one-room room to apartments of 78 sq.m. for 28 000 rubles a day.
Approximate cost per person: the cost of medical tours will be from 40 thousand rubles per person for 7 days, excursions - from 25 thousand.
Duration: 7 days.
What to take with you: remember that the temperature in some areas of the Altai Territory in winter reaches - 60 degrees, so clothes should be very warm. Under the clothes should definitely wear thermal underwear. If you move around natural places, it is better to always take a thermos with hot tea. Always take your passport with you on the road.
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Charm of the North - rest on the winter Baikal
The famous Lake Baikal is amazing and beautiful at any time of the year. You can take part in winter ice fishing and go to the Baikal Museum, which works without a weekend. New Year in Buryat guests of the region can meet from February 27 to March 6, the cost of the holiday Sagaalgan 2017 will cost 39,000 rubles per person.
As part of the same tour, there will be an excursion to Ivolginsky datsan (35 kilometers from Ulan-Ude), the center of Buddhist spiritual culture in Russia. The architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy" is located on 47 km of the Baikal tract, and is one of the best open-air museums in Russia. “New Year on Baikal” is the name of a wonderful excursion program from December 31 to January 5. You will visit Listvyanka, Irkutsk, Small Sea, Khuzhir and Buryat village.
How to get there: Irkutsk can be reached by plane or train. The cost of a ticket from Moscow will be at least 10 000 rubles, but the journey time is only 5 hours. By train from Moscow to Irkutsk you can get in 74 hours and at least 6000 rubles.
Where to stay: hotel accommodation will cost an average of 2000-2500 rubles per person for a double room. You can also choose one of the warm houses of recreation centers on Baikal. Accommodation in a room per person will be from 1000 to 4500 rubles, depending on the size of the house and its location.
Approximate cost per person: in winter you can buy a tour and have a wonderful rest with the whole family, couple or with a group of friends! For example, a five-day trip “The Charm of Olkhon” will cost one tourist 19,000 rubles, Lake Baikal will be 150 meters from the tourist base. For 24 000 rubles within five days you can take part in the program "Winter holidays on Lake Baikal". The cost of the tour includes a transfer from the airport or station of Irkutsk, includes breakfast and lunch.
Duration: 5-7 days.
What to take with you: if you plan a sightseeing holiday, then prepare for a long stay in the cold air at a temperature of -20 degrees on average. Be sure to purchase warm fur and wool items, several pairs of wool socks, sweaters, unblown and waterproof outerwear.
The best ski resorts in Russia
Rosa Khutor is the leader among ski resorts in Russia. Unique climate, accommodation options for any choice, transport accessibility (shuttles, express trains, buses), near the sea. 20 lifts, the cost of the ski pass depends on the season (5,600 - 11,100 rubles for 5 days). Equipment - 1400 rubles for beginners, 1800 rubles - professionals. The set for snowboarding is 1400 rubles for amateurs and 1800 for experienced skiers. Dombay in Karachay-Cherkessia offers 12 slopes for skiers with different levels of training.
Sheregesh in the Kemerovo region offers a ski pass from 800 rubles, children up to 7 years free. Accommodation is possible in hotels (from 500 p / day), cottages (from 1500 p / day), apartments (from 1,500 p / day). You can get to Sheregesh by plane (Novokuznetsk airport) or by train (Tashtagol station). Sorochany is its own Switzerland in the suburbs. The resort is equipped with 10 trails and an artificial snowmaking system. The cost of living at the resort from 1900 rubles per day in the nearest village of Kurovo from 600 rubles. The all-season resort "Igora" is located a few kilometers from St. Petersburg: 9 trails and 2 slopes for training. You can spend the night in cottages (17,000 / day) or a hotel.
How to get there: a plane ticket to Dombai costs from 6000. To Sochi from Moscow you can fly for 2000 rubles. From Moscow to the suburbs can be reached by personal car, train or passing bus, the cost of the railway ticket will not be more than 300 rubles, as well as the bus. In the New Year, prices will traditionally rise.
Where to stay: you can stay in a hotel room right in the resort of Rosa Khutor, living an adult will cost 2-5 thousand rubles. Double room in Dombai per day will cost from 2,500 rubles.
Approximate cost per person: the cost of a ski tour on average ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 rubles per adult.
Duration: 5-7 days.
What to take with you: it is best to worry in advance about purchasing a ski suit, but it can also be rented at the resort itself, while you should definitely wear thermal underwear under clothes and go in waterproof shoes.
Winter holidays on hot springs
Swimming in winter in hot springs is a rest for the soul and body, a pleasant spa procedure - moisturizes and softens the skin and a therapeutic agent - an immunomodulating and non-healing effect. Where to go? Thermal springs of the Krasnodar Territory and Adygea are the recreation center "Aqua-Thermo" a few kilometers from Maikop. Thermal water from a silicon-sodium source, 37-39 degrees.
Tyumen sources are more accessible to tourists of the Urals, Siberia, the Volga region. The recreation center "Upper Bor" offers discounts for accommodation and food. The water is bromine, sodium chloride. The sources of Belokurikha (Altai) are known since the XIX century, the thermal waters are rich in radon, nitrogen, fluoride, silicic acid.
How to get there: The resorts can be reached from Barnaul, Gorno-Altaisk, Biysk. Known and popular Semyachik and Karym springs of Kamchatka. Flights Moscow - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from 22 000 rubles. You can get to Tyumen by bus or train, the cost of the ticket will depend on the distance of the road.
Where to stay: stay in the Krasnodar Territory and Adegea will cost 200 rubles per hour / person, rent a cabin of 300 rubles. Bezlimit - 500 rubles per hour / person, rental of a cabin 1000 r. Double house - 3,500 rubles a day. Children are free, pensioners are discounted. The minimum cost of living in the Urals and Siberia is a double room on weekdays 3400 rubles, on weekends 6000 rubles. Just entering the pool for a family of three will cost 1,400 rubles on weekdays and 1,800 on weekends. Prices in sanatoriums and holiday homes start from 2000 rubles per day.
Approximate cost per person: rest on hot springs in the New Year holidays can be from 23 000 for 7 days. Often tours are offered from nearby cities, so the fare is already included in the tour.
Duration: 7 days.
What to take with you: on the trip take documents confirming your rights to benefits, swimsuit, towel, bath accessories and home clothes. Remember that in winter the average temperature in Tyumen is kept at an average mark of -20 degrees.
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Dog Sledding in Buryatia
The Republic of Buryatia is located in the Siberian Federal District. The climate of the region is sharply continental with cold winters, but there is relatively little snow. In winter in Buryatia you can have a great rest. For example, to go on ice trips along Baikal, you can have fun skating and snowmobiles. Those who wish can spend time on exciting ice fishing or do ice climbing on a group of picturesque waterfalls on the mountain river Kyngarga. You can book an individual tour or go with a tourist group.
A very popular entertainment for adults and children in recent years has become dog sled riding. In addition to skating, tourists have the opportunity to communicate and take pictures with cute thoroughbred husky, Samoyed or Malamute. Such rest is a cure for stress and depression.
How to get there: you can get to Ulan-Ude by plane to the international airport "Baikal" in the capital of Ulan-Ude, a plane ticket from 30 000 rubles from Moscow or by train: a seat card will cost 4000 rubles, a coupe from 10 000.
Where to stay: it is most comfortable to stay in one of the hotels in Ulan-Ude, and from there already travel around the republic. You can accommodate from 500 rubles per place and up to 6000 rubles per room per person.
Approximate cost per person: The cost of an excursion to Arshan from Irkutsk will cost 16,300 rubles per person. The range of prices for dog sleds is large: a trip of up to 10 minutes will cost 2000 rubles per person, and a tour of one day on sleds with lunch at the stake will cost 10,000 per person. At the same time, tours for 5-7 days per person from Moscow will cost 6-10 thousand rubles per person with flight and accommodation.
Duration: 5-7 days.
What to take with you: for a trip, you need to dress warmly, so that clothes do not interfere with movement. Mandatory comfortable mittens and a hat that will not fly at high speed, comfortable to ride in a balaclava.
Northern lights and untouched nature on the Kola Peninsula
Some places in Russia get special chic in winter than in summer. One of these is the Kola Peninsula. Located in the North of Russia in the Murmansk region and washed by the Barents and White seas. Contrary to the opinion that any life stops behind the Arctic Circle due to severe temperatures, the climate on the peninsula is quite mild, the average temperature in winter on the Kola Peninsula is minus 8 degrees Celsius. But the lack of civilization is true. For those who are used to rest with minimal comfort, equipped ski complexes work in the Khibiny. Although mostly nature here is primitive and virgin. We recommend going to the Kola Peninsula to observe nature and beautiful auroras.
In addition to the auroras, there is a lot of entertainment and educational excursions. On New Year and Christmas it is interesting to stay in the houses of small villages and celebrate holidays with locals according to ancient traditions. The most persistent can go on a tour on snowmobiles to Khibiny for a few days. You can also ride in the mountains on SUVs, ride northern dogs and deer and get acquainted with the amazing local cuisine.
How to get there: from Moscow and St. Petersburg in winter you can fly directly to Apatitov (Khibiny), if you prefer a ski holiday, or to Murmansk, the cost of one ticket per adult will be from 4000 rubles, and the flight time will be 2.5 hours. The cost of a train ticket is similar to an air ticket, but travel time will be at least 30 hours. Murmansk can also be reached by car on the M18 highway, Apatity is at a distance of 156 km.
Where to stay: if you plan a sightseeing holiday, then it is better to stay in one of the hotels in Murmansk, the cost of living will be from 1500 rubles per person per day. Excursions in the area are offered here from 3000 rubles.
Approximate cost per person: a 6-day tour to the peninsula with accommodation and excursions will cost an average of 15,000 rubles per person.
Duration: 6 days.
What to take with you: it is better to dress very warmly, stock up on wool hoods, socks, not blown and waterproof outerwear, under which to wear thermal underwear. Do not forget to bring a thermos with you, so that on long trips you do not remain without hot tea.
Nuclear icebreaker trips and seal observation in Arkhangelsk
Winter vacation in Arkhangelsk and the region is primarily popular today eco-tourism. Snow and ice are the main objects of various entertainments. These are snowmobile trips to forests and villages, ice sculpture festivals and trips on nuclear icebreakers to the northern territories. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite activities on the local rivers. In January in Kargopol you can visit the annual festival of bell art "Crystal ringings".
In addition to extreme trips on icebreakers, winter holidays in the Arkhangelsk region are also educational and cultural tourism. During the tours, you can get acquainted with the life of local peoples, touch their traditions and live a little in traditional dwellings - plagues. You can also study the history of Russia’s development of the Arctic, learn about who and how the discoveries were made.
Every year, in late February and early March, entire colonies of seals are thrown onto the ice of the White Sea to produce offspring. The fur of newborn seals cast green, for which they are called greens, and after a few days becomes white, for which they are called whites. You can see the wonder of nature by helicopter, but it is worth it.
How to get there: the cost of a ticket from Moscow to Arkhangelsk will be from 3000 rubles per person for 2 hours of flight. The price of a train ticket starts from 2000 rubles for 20 hours.
Where to stay: it is best to stay not in a hotel, but at one of the recreation centers, which offer cozy rooms, snowmobile rental, skis and skates. The cost of living in the room will cost at least 1500 rubles per person per day. If you are planning a sightseeing holiday, it is better to stay in the hotels of Arkhangelsk, where the cost of living will also be at least 1500 rubles per day per person.
Approximate cost per person: tours in the region will cost at least 10,000 rubles for three days.
Duration: 3-5 days.
What to take with you: since the weather in winter in Arkhangelsk reaches -10 degrees, with a strong wind, all -20 can be felt, stock up on warm, not blown clothes and thermal underwear.
Charging with ancient energies in Khakassia
Like Egypt, Russia has its own Valley of Kings. In Khakassia, in the south of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, monuments of Tagar culture that existed before our era have been preserved. The earth mounds served as a burial place. The largest mound - Salbyksky is located 60 km from Abakan, locals believe that the place is sacred, with special energy. Many talk about the state of peace and tranquility, as well as the miraculous power of the mound.
Also in Khakassia there are such types of winter recreation as mountain skiing, sledging, winter fishing and hunting in the harsh taiga. Tourists can get acquainted with the rich nature and amazing local culture. Locals can tell legends about local areas for hours.
How to get there: you can get to Abakan from Moscow or St. Petersburg by train, the ticket price will be at least 6000 rubles per person, and the travel time is 74 hours. You can fly by plane in 4.5 hours and at least 10,000 rubles.
Where to stay: you can stay, as in Abakan itself, in one of the hotels or apartments. The cost of living in the hotel will be from 2000 rubles per person per day, and apartments will cost 1700 rubles per day for the entire room.
Approximate cost per person: for travel agencies, the cost of a tour from Abakan can begin from 40 000 rubles per person for 7 days. If you travel on your own, you can meet 25 000-30 000 rubles.
Duration: 7 days.
What to take with you: if you plan excursions to places of power, then prepare for a long stay in an open well-blown area: wear warm clothes that are not blown out and comfortable warm, wet shoes.
Walking on deer with khantas in Yamal
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in winter opens many views for a fascinating holiday. Far from civilization, tundra is full of natural resources. Thanks to this, winter fishing in Yamal becomes desirable for avid fans of catching fish. There are warm houses for fishermen.
If you decide to go here for the New Year holidays, you will find a large-scale festival of ice figures "Polar Rhapsody", which takes place in Salekhard every year and hosts guests and craftsmen from all over the world. Due to the cold climate, the figures do not melt until March. Ski lovers will also be satisfied with the rest in Yamal. The Oktyabrsky ski complex is equipped with everything necessary for skiing, snowboarding and tablets.
Closer to the spring, Yamal celebrates the day of reindeer herder – a holiday of cultural traditions of local peoples and competitions in the art of reindeer herding. At the fairs, you can buy products from animal skins, try national dishes and purchase purses decorated with a national pattern. On excursions, you can visit the camps of deer, learn how to care for them and even ride a reindeer sled.
How to get there: you can fly to Salekhard from Moscow or St. Petersburg in 3 hours for a ticket price of at least 6000 rubles. You can get by train in 75 hours and at least 3500 rubles per person.
Where to stay: the cost of living in Salekhard will be from 2500 rubles per day per person for a hotel room and 2500 rubles per day for apartments.
Approximate cost per person: tour for 4 days can be purchased for 36 000 rubles per person.
Duration: 4 days.
What to take with you: dress warmly, take with you the most insulated shoes.
In Karelia, husky.
Karelia is one of the most beautiful regions of Russia, it is beautiful both in winter and in summer, but it is winter vacation that opens up many different entertainments. Tourists most like it is dog sled riding, because in the center of Russia you will not find this pleasure. You can meet the kindest husky in the nursery, feed them and play with them. And then you can go on a dog sled tour through the forests and fields of Karelia. If you wish, you will even be taught to harness a dog sled and manage it yourself. In Kalevala every year in March, sled races are held, where kayurs (dog riders) come from all over the country.
In addition to riding northern dogs in Karelia, you can travel by snowmobiles, admiring the natural beauty and protected parks. You can go on such a trip for a few hours or for several days. A 2-hour trip on a snow safari will cost 7000 rubles per person. One of the most popular attractions in Karelia is winter fishing. In winter, there are places that were not available in summer, and in early January pecks best, you can safely go to nalima, perch, pike, perch, salmon, trout and other fish.
Lovers of romance will enjoy a balloon trip over Karelia, a flight at high altitude will cost 25,000 rubles for a group of 5 people. In Karelia, a ski holiday is organized, you can go skiing and snowboarding. Fans of active recreation offers to go for a walk in the taiga on snowshoes.
And of course, one of the most exciting wonders of Karelia is the Northern Lights. It is best to observe it in clear winter weather during magnetic storms.
How to get there: you can fly to Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, by plane in 1 hour 40 minutes and 3500 rubles. The train will take you in 12 hours and a minimum of 1500 rubles.
Where to stay: in Petrozavodsk you can find hotels for 300-400 rubles per day per person, the average price of the room is about 2000-3000 rubles.
Approximate cost per person: a three-day excursion tour will cost from 12,000 rubles, for 7 days - from 33,000 rubles per person. The price does not include accommodation, food and travel.
Duration: 3-7 days.
What to take with you: if you plan excursions to places of power, then prepare for a long stay in the open area: wear warm clothes that are not blown out and comfortable, warm, not wet shoes.