Sochi Krasnaya Polyana has been known to tourists for a very long time, but summer vacationers began to actively visit it only in the last couple of years. This is all due to the fact that the village initially developed as a winter resort, although nature itself laid the makings of a year-round resort in it. Therefore, as soon as various services were organized here in the off-season - hotels, modern transport interchanges and restaurants that do not close for the summer - crowds of vacationers flocked here, wondering what to see in Krasnaya Polyana in the summer. And I must say, many active tourists are satisfied with their choice, because in Polyana you can relax both in society and from society
This tourist spot, hidden among the stately mountains, is one of the most popular and cozy resorts. Now it seduces its guests not only with a winter fairy tale, but also with a unique summer vacation. The mild climate and unique mountain landscape of the resort are perfect for both active hiking and leisure activities.
If you don’t know what to see in Krasnaya Polyana in the summer and where to even start your trip to these beautiful places, don’t despair! The easiest way to start getting your bearings here is to simply know that Polyana has three main resort areas: Gazprom, Rosa Khutor and Gorki Gorod. As winter visitors - skiers and snowboarders - say, “three zones of gurneys.” They all have their own unique flavor and it takes 1-2 days to explore each of them.
In cool weather, be sure to bring a sweater or windbreaker.
A relatively inexpensive form of entertainment in Krasnaya Polyana is renting bicycles, velomobiles, Segways, scooters and even trains. These environmentally friendly vehicles will be a pleasure to ride with the breeze for young couples and large families.
At Rosa Khutor, in addition to all of the above, you can follow the “Path of Health” and, if you have any strength left, visit the cultural and ethnographic center “My Russia”. The path goes straight to it.
Located on the left bank of the Mzymta River, the ethnopark is divided into several sectors. The Caucasus is represented by typical medieval towers - they served a defensive function and at the same time served as housing. The Russian north is represented by wooden buildings, made without a single nail, exclusively with an ax - medieval architects never used saws, because wood processed with an ax lasts longer. It’s not for nothing that they say “Cut down the hut.” The Kazan Kremlin with its elegant towers is very beautiful. Siberia in the ethnogrod is represented by forts - small wooden defensive fortifications built since the times of ancient Rus'. One of the most attractive parts of the “My Russia” center is dedicated to Buryatia. At the beginning of the 17th century, Buddhism from Mongolia spread to the territory of Transbaikalia, where the Buryat population lived. Empress Elizabeth I even adopted a decree according to which she recognized the existence of the Lamai faith and Buddhism was officially recognized as one of the state religions in the Russian Empire. The ethnopark may seem a bit kitschy to some, but it’s worth visiting at least once.
For children, the Rosa Khutor resort offers the PandaPark ropes course, but let’s be honest, cheerful adults, intoxicated by the fresh air of the mountain peaks, often climb it with pleasure. By the way, in Krasnaya Polyana, especially at the upper levels, it is extremely rare to meet someone clearly drunk, either alcohol quickly dissipates in the mountains, or the atmosphere is so conducive to healthy pastime that few people drink more than a glass of wine, and Freshly squeezed fruit juices and light cocktails go great. Especially on Rosa Beach.
Yes, yes, here in the mountains there is a beach! Of course, this is not a sea, but a rather large artificial lake into which a mountain waterfall flows (a channel was specially formed for this purpose), and then leaves through the pool into the Mzymta River. True, the water is still a little greenish, but despite this and the fact that quite a lot of people swim, the artificial lake does not bloom and does not smell of anything. The beach has a comfortable wooden deck, equipped with sun loungers, and there is a separate small pool for children. Entrance to the beach for the whole day + sunbed and towel - 500 rubles. But there is an alternative: you can sit right on the sand with your towel absolutely free.
In the summer, the Gazprom ski resort offers tourists various walks in the mountains, with a mandatory cable car ride, horseback riding and mountain biking. Experienced tourists can decide on an organized hike with tents for several days to get, for example, to the Tsarskoe spring, located near the Achipse River.
Shopping and entertainment center "Galaktika" at the Gazprom resort
Summer entertainment at Gazprom includes the Galaktika shopping and entertainment center, located not far from the lower cable car station. Guests here will find: a small water park, an outdoor swimming pool with mountain views, an ice skating rink, a nightclub, a cinema, bowling alley, billiards, a children's club and, of course, shops. Of course, all this can be found in any other district of Sochi, but there is no longer a cinema like the one at Gazprom in Sochi in the summer.
Despite the fact that the cinema most often shows new releases of Western cinema, our domestic masterpieces are also not forgotten - portraits of the heroes Nikulin, Vitsin and Morgunov decorate the doors to the auditoriums.
The Zvezdny cinema in the Galaktika shopping center is almost always empty in the summer. In this case, the session will take place even if you bought only two tickets. And believe me, watching a good movie, hiding from the midday heat in the coolness of the cinema hall, is an excellent solution, especially when you consider that “Zvezdny” has good sound and a screen, as well as comfortable chairs that are simply in perfect condition, unlike those , which are, say, in the popular Sochi cinema "Luxor".
After the movie, you can stretch your legs a little by taking a short walk along the bridge along the noisy river.
Bridge near the Galaktika shopping center
You can also take cute photos with a scientist cat, a mermaid, or even A. S. Pushkin himself
The scientist cat walks in a chain in a circle opposite the main entrance to the Galaktika shopping center
Sculpture of Pushkin and one of his fairy-tale characters - the mermaid.
At the “” resort, be sure to take a walk along the walking path, where there are gazebos where you can stop to relax and have a snack with the “snacks” you took with you, read and think about philosophical quotes placed at different points along the route and in the most unexpected places. Or you can visit the huge spa at the Rixos hotel with panoramic views directly from the large indoor pool. “Gorki Gorod” also has a rope course for children and adults, and in the first place, for those tired of nature, there is a cinema, albeit not as comfortable as in the “Galaktika” Center, but still allowing you not to miss the latest releases of Russian film distribution...
In general, whatever one may say, you can always find something to see in Krasnaya Polyana in the summer. Perhaps there is not such an abundance of restaurants here as on the central embankment of Sochi, but nowhere can you hear the cacophony of purely tavern music. In these places there is a place to take a quiet walk, there is something to do, there is an opportunity to breathe deeply in the magnificent clean mountain air, and there will be something to remember later.
Traditionally for such a plan of articles, I remind you: this is not a detailed guide to action, with a work schedule and prices. This information is best known to the direct organizers of entertainment, and what is typical is that all this information changes from year to year and from season to season. The main purpose of this article is to give you an idea of what else you can do in Krasnaya Polyana and surrounding resorts in winter. There is plenty to do here, that's for sure.
However, no one is stopping you from going to Sochi or Adler, warming up (there will be no snow there) and seeing more famous sights -.
Winter activities at Gorki Gorod include, first of all, going up the slope using a cable car and going down on skis or snowboards. Therefore, we will not focus on the main winter activities, but will move on to those that athletes usually remember in the second place. Well, or not the athletes themselves, but those who accompanied them on this trip.
Unlike summer holidays, in winter you will no longer have as many opportunities for hiking in the mountains and picnics in nature do not look so attractive. However, Gorki Gorod has enough winter recreation options to keep you from getting bored during your vacation.
Husky center
The Husky Center is a kennel with several more entertainment options for tourists. In addition to the dogs themselves, there are introductory and educational excursions, dog sledding and contact with huskies. Hang out with them, pet them, watch them squabble or run after dog walkers while feeding. The smell is specific, but the atmosphere is quite positive. Located at an altitude of 960 meters, in the Upper City.
Tubing
At an altitude of 960 meters, in the Upper City of the Gorki Gorod resort there is all-season entertainment, which is especially important in winter, and let's be honest - only in winter does going down a hill look like a natural pleasure for our people.
Unlike summer tubing, the descent on cheesecakes here takes place on dense snow, and not on fluffy plastic. And this is a completely different speed and emotions.
Mountain Beach Waterpark
Gorki Gorod is the only resort town where you will find a full-fledged shopping and entertainment center, even by capital standards. Everything would be prosaic if inside the Gorky Gorod Mall, in addition to boutiques and a food court, there was not a whole range of all-season entertainment, the largest of which is a water park with a real sandy beach. Beach games, swimming pools and jacuzzi, Finnish saunas and massages, animators and entertainers are also prepared for you here.
Snowshoeing
Feel free to call it snowshoeing. Now this strange word is gradually coming into use at the resort, combining the purely Russian “snowshoes” and the ing ending from the English language, meaning action. Snowshoeing is perhaps the only option after skiing for hiking on snow-covered mountain slopes. The entertainment is not easy, but it allows you to move in any direction without falling into waist-deep snow.
Skating rink Free Ice
An outdoor ice skating rink was built to the left of the main lift of Gorki Gorod, at an altitude of 540 meters (that is, in a valley near the river). The main purpose of the skating rink is mass skating in a circle. To do this, they set up a rental center here, hired speed skating instructors and figure skaters, and equipped places for changing clothes. You can bring your own skates easily and free of charge, which is much nicer and healthier for your feet.
Esto-Sadok Bridge
A local semi-attraction, in relation to which local newlyweds have a (new) belief that by crossing the bridge and leaving a lock on it with their names, they receive bonuses for a long and happy family life. The key to the castle, as expected, is thrown into the river.
Tammsaare Museum
A small private house on Estonskaya Street has been converted into the Anton Tammsaare Museum. Tammsaare is the most widely read Estonian writer of his time, who spent two years undergoing treatment in Sochi. Inside there are exhibitions telling about the founders of the village, their life and history. Crockery, utensils, examples of home clothes, musical instruments and other authentic hand-made items. Open on weekends.
Pyramid in Esto Sadok
A wooden structure, during the construction of which no nails were used, which, in the conditions of modern development of materials for fastening, has long ceased to be a sensation, to be honest. A thousand years ago - yes, it was nonsense, a genius of construction. And now - plastic ties, glue, drills and milling machines - boring.
The pyramid seems to be an exact copy of the tomb of Cheops, on a scale of 1:29. It was built according to the design of Professor Proskuryakov, although I googled what kind of professor he was and did not find information about where and in what field this person received his scientific title.
Rosa Khutor
The main resort is Estosadka, where in addition to the mountain slopes and funiculars there is also a whole valley with the built-up banks of the Mzymta, where you will find all-season entertainment for yourself and your family.
Only walks around Rosa Valley will not be as long due to the cold and snow, but a whole range of coffee shops and cafes of different levels is always at hand. And don’t forget about the Olympic Village - it’s quite a full-fledged resort town with a lot of active and passive attractions.
The Stash Obstacle Park
A once closed and unknown to the masses park in the forest on the mountainside, where many obstacles were installed from natural materials - stones and logs. Well, and iron, of course. Moreover, during the construction of this place, no major changes were made to the landscape, and all the details of the park are organically integrated into the surrounding nature. The Daphne cable car will help you.
Evening skiing
Evening skiing is like day skiing, only in the evening and on illuminated pistes. As you understand, lighting trails is a costly and quite complicated task in the mountains, but every year there are more such trails, which is good news.
In particular, Rosa Khutor offers evening skiing on the following slopes: Chalet, Juventa, Rosa Blade and Rosa Star. All four slopes are of varying difficulty, from green to red. What is interesting about skating in the evening, what attracts athletes to it? Few people and a flat slope are the minimum.
Evening sledding
More light, adult and children's entertainment on the illuminated B-52 highway, although children under 10 years old are not allowed here. Tickets for sledding are sold on Rosa Plateau at the Berloga ticket office. If when you hear the word “sleigh” you imagine something made of aluminum, with a pop-up back and on a string, then throw it out of your head. The sled will be large, wooden, with round noses - like in the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. You will also be given a helmet for the descent.
Coop Studio - egg in the mountains
An art studio and a cozy coffee shop, built from environmentally friendly materials. The building is made in the shape of an egg, where painting master classes are held. From Tuesday to Sunday you have access to: a library, a cafeteria, tea ceremonies and even literature and poetry evenings. There is also a relaxation area, a childhood attic, handmade accessories, a juice bar with rare varieties of tea (alcohol free zone), yoga and dancing.
Virtuality Park at Rosa Khutor
Modern entertainment for all ages. Games using virtual reality devices, various labyrinths, plus children's play areas and a laser shooting range. Children over three years old can be given to the animators for a signature, and while they are there assembling soft houses, running in a maze or jumping on a trampoline, relax in a cafe nearby.
Art studio Tsvetniye Gory
Art and handicraft classes for adults and children. You can make your own hoodie, you can create a postcard, or an oil painting like Repin’s. Here no one will point out your shortcomings or uneven lines - creativity has no boundaries and frames, so both experienced craftsmen and novice amateurs feel comfortable in the art studio. Lectures on art are held here every week.
Mountain Brewery Endemic
A small attraction, it is better to plan a visit to it without driving, otherwise the whole meaning will be lost. Local mountain brewery making craft beer using local ingredients. Watching is interesting, but trying is three times more interesting.
Aviary complex of the Caucasus Nature Reserve
All-season, proper entertainment for a family holiday. This is not exactly a zoo, but rather a rehabilitation zone for animals found on the territory of the reserve. Therefore, the strange (at first) choice of pets is easily explained by the fact that they came here not for the entertainment of tourists, but randomly and under not the most cheerful circumstances. However, you can see almost all representatives of the local fauna here.
FLACON 1170
A fashionable establishment whose main purpose is to host events such as festivals, parties, symposiums and other mass gatherings of people united by common interests. They proudly call themselves an art space, but overall it’s a really good place where you can eat delicious food, listen to good music and chat with interesting people.
Tubing
A popular entertainment at the resorts of Krasnaya Polyana. Tubing in the Mountain Olympic Village starts from the Olympic rings, near the beginning of the stairs to the cable cars. The place, by the way, is all-season - in summer the descent is organized along a special chute, and in winter it is more fun - along the mountainside with trampled snow. And it ends near the Grusha restaurant.
Indoor ice skating rink
Ice skating rink for public skating. A place where the weather is always good and the temperature is suitable. A great option for foggy days or when there's nothing else to do. The main thing is to guess the time of filling the skating rink, and this needs to be clarified on site or on the skating rink’s website.
Evening sledding
Fun for adults and children on the illuminated section of the B-52 highway, which is closed especially for lugers. You will ascend by the Reserved Forest funicular, and the descent awaits you for a long time, from a height of 1600 to 1170 meters. Children under 10 years old are not allowed here; rental of sleds and helmets is located in Berloga. By the way, you can’t bring your own sled here.
Husky center
The husky center of Rosa Khutor (and husky centers are as popular a topic in Polyana as tubing) is located at an altitude of 1100 meters, next to Lake Verkhny. Here you will be invited to interact with the dogs, take a few photos, drink hot tea and ride a dog sled around the lake (the length of the track is about one kilometer).
Karting track
On the sixth floor of the P4 parking lot there is a 250-meter long indoor track. Good, smooth concrete surface, telemetry throughout, bar, soft corner and children's play area. Six karts can be rolled out at the go-kart track at the same time, which automatically makes the attraction an excellent family vacation or entertainment for a small group.
Concert Hall Rosa Hall
Here you will need to look at the Rose Hall website to keep up with the local repertoire and list of events. This is a fairly spacious building with a cinema and concert hall, a conference hall and seven small rooms for smaller events.
Gazprom and Laura
The most compact ski resort in comparison with its neighbors. This is if we talk about that part of it that is located at the very bottom, near the Mzymta River. The main winter entertainment at Gazprom is the mountains and Galaxy, a large entertainment center with a water park inside.
RC Galaktika
The main all-season entertainment for Laura and Gazprom. Inside the Galaktika RC building there are: a water park, an ice skating rink, a food court, a night club, a bowling alley, a cinema with three cinema halls, a billiard room and a children's play area. There are also restaurants and bars, and where without them are shops and boutiques.
Cross-country skiing
Short trails for cross-country skiing, including several descents to tone and shake up athletes. They are laid across the territory with picturesque views of the mountain peaks. By the way, this is the only ski and biathlon complex in the area; you won’t be able to cross-country ski anywhere else. Only alpine skiing and only downhill skiing.
Snowshoeing
An alternative to summer trekking, but the walking distance is significantly reduced due to the characteristics of the equipment; walking on snowshoes is quite difficult and they do not completely save you from falling into the snow, so you can expect pleasant physical activity and untrodden snowdrifts around natural attractions.
Husky center
On the territory of the Laura stadium there is another husky center, where visitors can ride dogs, pet them, take pictures with them, and then spend a long time cleaning their jackets from dog hair. But the entertainment is definitely worth bringing children here, and adults will not be indifferent to the strict blue-eyed dogs with pretzel tails. In addition, there is a lounge area for relaxing and picnics in the fresh air.
Tubing
A two-hundred-meter long track for riding on inflatable cheesecakes, with turns, embankments and holes - but everything is very decent and safe. The speed of descent here in winter is much more interesting than in summer, due to the snow cover, which allows the cheesecakes to accelerate faster and easier. Entertainment for both adults and children, and all-season.
Deer farm
A picturesque, pretty place in a fir forest, where pens for deer have been set up. There are adult animals and a few calves, and the program includes the standard feeding, photo session and sleigh rides. You can ride alone or in a group of up to 4 people - in this case, two adult reindeer are harnessed to the team, which in total can pull up to 600 kg.
Igloo hotel
An ethno-park and entertainment complex, which includes a snowy children's playground, a miniature park with wild animals and magical monsters, as well as an interesting hotel complex of igloos. If you don't know, an igloo is a snowy, cone-shaped home of the northern inhabitants. The walls of the houses are up to 2 meters thick and, according to the organizers, are soundproof.
People come from all over Russia and from other parts of our planet to relax on the Black Sea coast in Sochi. More and more vacationers prefer active tourism.
Agree, it’s stupid to lie on the beach all day long and swim in the sea, when there is so much beauty around, given by nature, so much purity of the mountain air and so many sights that it would be a shame not to see.
And now a ticket has already been bought at the railway station and the high-speed “Swallow” rushes among the picturesque Caucasian landscapes along a state-of-the-art road, taking tourists to Rosa Khutor. You can't help but visit here.
And take advantage of good advice right away.– do not buy excursions where a quick guide will run with you through two or three of the most famous places, rattle off his story with numbers, names of rivers and villages, give you half an hour to take photographs and take you back. You need to arrive at Rosa Khutor early in the morning and wander around here until late in the evening.
Believe me, there is where to go and what to see. The beauty begins here as soon as you step off the train onto the platform.
Train Station
This is where the mountain branch of the Sochi railway junction ends. The final stop at Rosa Khutor is located very close to the ski resort of the same name.
The modern and attractive railway station complex was built for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
There is:
- the spacious and bright two-story station is designed in the style of an Alpine chalet;
- luxurious waiting rooms with exquisite design and free Wi-Fi;
- cozy restaurants and cafes;
- reliable and safe turnstile system;
- shopping malls with Olympic and naval souvenirs.
All this is provided for a huge number of vacationers. After all, there are days when the turnstile system works at full capacity (and its access system is 8,000 people per hour).
When leaving the station, do not rush to the free shuttle that will take you to Rosa Khutor. Here, the walk to the center is only about a kilometer. Take a look around. Mountain ranges, with no clearing visible from the dense forests, surrounded this small place.
If the weather is not too clear, then cotton clouds hide the mountain peaks and it seems that they are about to descend to the ground. It seems that you have almost reached the clouds. Be sure to shoot, photograph, capture this beauty, you may never see this again.
My head starts to feel a little dizzy. Don't be alarmed - this is from the clean mountain air. In megalopolises and industrial cities, our brain gets used to the lack of oxygen, but here there is an excess of it, so we start to get a little dizzy from the unaccustomed state.
Alpika-service
Very close to the railway station there is a landing station for the cable car owned by Gazprom.
To ride the cable car, you just need to purchase a ticket and sit in comfortable, modern cabins that are protected from wind, snow and rain. First you will climb to an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level to the shelter "Fir Glade".
Experienced people ski, ski, and snowboard here during the season. There is a comfortable area for relaxation, with wooden benches and stump tables (from felled trees). Somehow it has already become a tradition to sit down at such stump tables and drink aromatic tea from thermoses, taken with you for a walk.
After drinking tea, resting a bit and warming up, you can continue further - go to the next height Psekhako.
At the Psekhako shelter there is a completely flat training track for children, as well as long slopes for extreme sports enthusiasts. From here you can contemplate the Olympic venues - long cross-country skiing and biathlon trails.
You can go down along another branch, admiring the picturesque views of the mountain ranges and the neat cottages of the Olympic village, where athletes from all over the world lived during the Winter Games.
Once downstairs, take a leisurely stroll along the embankment of the Mzymta River.
A mountain river flows noisily next to you, and on both sides of the river there are such beautiful and modern hotels, apartments, restaurants and boutiques that you feel as if you are walking through a small European city.
The architecture of the buildings is so reminiscent of Switzerland, the embankment is so clean and cozy that listening to people passing by, you can hear: “Guys, I’ve traveled a lot around Europe. Yes, compared to Rosa Khutor, she is relaxing. It’s cooler here!”
On the one hand, a walk along the embankment turns out to be incredibly useful - well, what can bring greater benefits to the body than walking, breathing clean mountain air and every second receiving a surge of positive emotions from the beauty seen around.
On the other hand, it is very rich. After all, you can look into boutiques and choose souvenirs and gifts for your family. What’s not here...
You will be offered:
- taste and select Caucasian wines;
- grape chacha;
- cognacs;
- various cheeses;
- mountain chestnut honey;
- armfuls of bay leaves and aromatic teas;
- sets of Caucasian seasonings and spices - you’re simply lost in choice.
There are a lot of funny Olympic mascots, beautiful paintings of the nature of this region, crafts from folk craftsmen - in general, there are enough souvenirs for all your relatives, friends, work colleagues and even neighbors.
Walk back and forth along the Romanov Bridge, connecting Mzymtu Square and Rozu Square. There are also Mishkin, Barsov and Peshkov bridges. It’s so cool to stand on a bridge and watch the mountain river seethe beneath you, trying to break out of its banks.
Rose Square and cable car to Rose Peak
It is also called the Town Hall Square, since this is where this city building is located. It captivates tourists with its European splendor and luxury.
If you are lucky, you can get to some festival, forum or other entertainment event that is usually held on Rosa Square.
From Rosa Square you can take another exciting trip to the mountains. There is a cable car station here, buy a ticket and go up to the clouds.
As you rise, you will see the whole of Rosa Khutor, which will spread out in front of you, in full view. Make a stop at Rose Plateau, where you can walk and listen to folklore. And then be sure to climb Rose Peak, perhaps you have never been higher and never will be.
Walking around Rosa Square, you will definitely see a sign that leads to the path of health. You can walk along it even if you are wearing flip-flops or flip-flops.
Follow the indicated arrow, along the way you will see a small lake, in the summer there are many sun loungers around. A little further behind the lake there is a small observation deck, there are benches where you can sit and relax before heading on the health path. Here you will see a green stand, which indicates that the walking route begins.
This path begins along a mountain stream, which noisily flows into the Mzymta River, along small steps. There are three routes - along the small (310 m), medium (1630 m) and large ring (1970 m).
Choose for yourself how much time and energy you have. The medium and large rings have medium difficulty, keep this in mind when choosing. Read the rules at the stand, familiarize yourself with them and try to follow them during your walk, do not leave garbage behind you and do not destroy nature untouched by man as a souvenir.
The path has been trodden by human feet more than once; you won’t be able to get lost. After going up a little and turning over the first hill, a waterfall will appear before your eyes. It is small but very beautiful.
Go down and stand on the observation deck, the view is wonderful. From here begins a more serious climb of 114 steps. Overcome it, and you will be rewarded with the incredible beauty of untouched nature. Ferns grow all around, mountain streams roar vigorously, centuries-old moss-covered trees and boulders stand. Having enjoyed all this greatness, begin your descent back.
Cultural and ethnographic center "My Russia"
Going down and heading towards Rosa Square, you will see cultural and ethnographic center called “My Russia”. Be sure to stop by, even if it seems like you have no strength left. Here is all of Russia in miniature - 11 colorful houses, which are made in the architectural national style of various regions of our big country.
In this center you plunge into the Middle Ages. The majestic Kazan Kremlin with a small well nearby, Kuban with its thatched roof houses, the Russian north is represented in the form of log houses.
The stunning Moscow Kremlin and the Urals with its menacing big polar bear, slightly gloomy Siberia and bright Buryatia, gorgeous Suzdal and the Caucasus. It is especially beautiful here in the evening when the night lights are turned on.
This center was created before the 2014 Olympics to show foreigners the full power and greatness of the Russian state. But it wouldn’t hurt for us to get acquainted with the history, culture, and color of the peoples inhabiting such a huge country.
Indoor skating rink "Rosa Khutor"
There is an indoor ice skating rink in the center of Rosa Khutor. It is quite large and can easily host competitions in such popular winter sports in Russia as hockey or figure skating.
Those who have not yet mastered skiing and snowboarding can have fun here; the skating rink is open all year round. Just imagine how great it is - you came to the sea, every day under the scorching southern sun, and here you are completely immersed in winter, ice and cold.
You can easily rent skates or hockey equipment. If you made a lot of new friends on vacation, then organize a hockey team together, play and leave in your memory unforgettable impressions of excitement, fun and friendship.
Social and entertainment center "Galaktika"
Of course, after visiting Rosa Khutor, you can’t help but look into the Galaktika public entertainment center.
There is absolutely everything for those who want entertainment:
- cinemas;
- a grand indoor water park with many water attractions, swimming pools and Jacuzzis;
- bowling;
- a huge ice arena, which, if necessary, can be transformed into a concert hall.
Here you can have a great time with friends or alone. You can sit comfortably on the roof and drink coffee or have lunch while contemplating the beauty of the mountain ranges.
And what about the outdoor pool with mountain views? It seems that you can swim in it endlessly.
Panda Park
This is the highest ropes course in Russia. Here you can have a wonderful time with the whole family, plunge into Indiana Jones-style adventures with your kids, test your strength and nerves, take part in team competitions and show the will to win.
In real mountains, on trees, there are rope crossing routes, the height above sea level is 1350 m. The routes have different complexity and length. Bridges and rifts, steps and snakes, barrels and pendulums, parallel bars and climbing walls - this place will take your breath away.
And what about the 240 m long “Eagle Flight” attraction, which connects the two banks of the Mzymta mountain river? There is no more picturesque zip line in Russia yet.
The park has been tested for safety, there is special equipment, and experienced instructors will always come to the rescue.
Horseback riding and cycling routes
To make your trip faster, you can rent a bicycle. When going up the mountains by cable car, you won’t have to part with it; there are cabins specially equipped for lifting bicycles.
You can reach fascinating places that cannot be reached by car or bicycle by horseback. From communicating with this animal, all positive emotions received will double. The instructor will guide you along individual, sometimes unexplored routes.
Rafting
If your adrenaline is pumping, go rafting down the Mzymta mountain river on boats or catamarans.
Challenge nature and yourself, because from Circassian the word “mzymta” is translated as “mad river”. The rafting is not long, but not easy either, but how can it compare with the noise of a mountain river and cool spray. Such emotions remain in memory for a lifetime.
How much will such a fairy tale cost?
Well, now, probably, the most important thing for many is how much such a fairy tale will cost.
If you stopped, then you can easily leave the bus station by bus number 105. For those who rent accommodation in the city center, you can go to the Platanovaya Alley stop and take the bus here. New comfortable public transport costs 225 rubles, old – 112 rubles.
Those who live will get to Rosa Khutor along the same route. You can get there on the high-speed train “Lastochka” for 112 rubles. You will spend 1.5 hours.
To climb to the top of Rosa Peak by cable car, you will have to buy a ticket for 950 rubles, the same price as a one-time ascent and descent.
You can buy unlimited for 1,150 rubles and ride all day to your heart’s content. The cost of lifts at the Gazprom GTZ will cost from 650 to 1000 rubles, depending on the lift height.
If you are going to the water park of the Galaxy center, then a stay from 10 am to 11 pm will cost you 1,200 rubles per adult and 900 rubles per child, you will be able to ride the rides countless times, swim in the pools and take a jacuzzi.
There are plenty of options for lunch. The most popular McDonald's is located on Rose Square, prices here are the same as throughout Russia. Cozy restaurants and cafes will be happy to welcome you and feed you. Service at the highest level, amazing aroma of Caucasian cuisine and all this from 500 rubles per person, depending on what dishes you want to try.
Leave and definitely come back
You can talk about Rosa Khutor endlessly. You need to visit here. Do you remember when you were a child there was a program called “Visiting a Fairy Tale”? So after this trip you are left with the impression that you have been there. The small, seemingly toy town will take you back to the time when absolutely all of us were happy. Yes, here there is a feeling of complete human happiness.
And if your magical journey has come to an end, do not be upset, because now you will definitely return here again and again.
Many tourists are accustomed to going to the sea in summer and to the mountains in winter. But avid extreme sports enthusiasts, athletes and active travelers try not to spend their entire vacation lounging on the beach and splashing around in the sea, but go for a few days to conquer the next mountain peaks in order to stay in shape even on vacation.
Today this type of active summer recreation is very popular. Here is our good partner, a famous athlete and blogger, Rais Gabitov shares his impressions of his holiday in the mountains of Sochi. Read more about how everything works there on his blog. :
rais.livejournal.com/797503.html
And in our review, read about what to do and what to see in Krasnaya Polyana in the summer, especially if you are vacationing with children.
Photo by Raisa Gabitova
Experts for Rais and his family booking service website they chose a very cozy and cute one with the self-explanatory name “Paradise-Ski-House”, located at the address: Krasnodar Territory, Krasnaya Polyana, Defenders of the Caucasus Street, 45. In this hotel you can rent a nice junior suite with breakfast (home cooking - “tasty, like grandma’s”) for two for 2800 rubles, respectively, per person for 1400 rubles/day. This junior suite can still accommodate two children, especially since extra beds are provided free of charge for children under 6 years of age. The hotel also has economy rooms, which are cheaper.
Photo by Raisa Gabitova
Everything at the Paradise-Ski-Domik hotel is very clean and tidy, even in the courtyard there is a perfectly trimmed lawn. Several rooms have large balconies with views of the mountain landscape. The hotel is considered a family hotel, and guests with children are welcome here. By the way, for children in the yard they built a small, at first glance, toy house, inside of which everything is like in a real adult house! There is also an inflatable children's pool in the courtyard. And the “family hearth” is guarded by a big, kind dog.
What to do in the summer in the mountains of Sochi
Photo by Raisa Gabitova
There are a lot of mountain slopes and cable cars on Krasnaya Polyana. Therefore, if you are here in the summer, climb the highest peak - Rose Peak. From Rosa Dolina there is a cable car to Rosa Plateau and higher to Rosa Peak. There are trains and taxis running here from Krasnaya Polyana. The height of the Valley is about 560 meters above sea level. And don’t let the cost of climbing to Rosa Peak (1,450 rubles) scare you, because the view from the top is worth it!
Children in Krasnaya Polyana will also not be bored in the summer, because various children's sports camps and language schools are constantly organized here. That’s why you often see children in the mountains in the summer.
The most common activities in the summer are various hiking trips in the mountains, to lakes and waterfalls, horseback riding, biking, quad biking, and rafting along mountain rivers. For example, you can walk to the Stone Pillars and admire the bright colors and smells of flowering plants along the way.
Photo by Raisa Gabitova
The peak of the Stone Pillar is, without a doubt, the most accessible mountain in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana. From the top a majestic all-round panorama of the Western Caucasus mountains opens up, and if you are lucky and there is no haze, you can even see the Black Sea rising up on the horizon.
Despite the harsh view from Krasnaya Polyana, absolutely anyone, even a less athletic person, can climb the Stone Pillar. The reason for this accessibility is that just one kilometer from the top is the upper station of the Rosa Khutor cable car. From the cable car station to the top there is an excellent trail (in fact, a dirt road), marked with signs. The second part of the climb can be done on a separate chairlift, leading almost directly to the top. So it's impossible to get lost.
Photo by Raisa Gabitova
Descending from the mountains to the Alpika-service station, you will find yourself in an area called Rose Valley. This is the lower part of the Rosa Khutor resort, located at an altitude of 560 meters above sea level. The first one you will meet on your way is the monument to A.S. Pushkin, erected in 2009. In the Valley, you can try rides in the Amusement Park and take pictures with the symbols of the Sochi Olympics. It is impossible to get lost in Rose Valley, because all the buildings are located along the embankment of the Mzymta River. You can move around the resort by bicycle, velomobile, segway, scooter and even train. Moreover, renting such transport is a relatively budget-friendly entertainment at the resort.
On Rosa Khutor you can walk along the embankment of the Mzymta River, walk along the “Path of Health” and visit the cultural and ethnographic center “My Russia”, the path leads directly to it.
Located on the left bank of the Mzymta River, the ethnopark is divided into several sectors. The Caucasus is represented by typical medieval towers - they served a defensive function and at the same time served as housing. The Russian north is represented by wooden buildings, made without a single nail, exclusively with an ax - medieval architects never used saws, because wood processed with an ax lasts longer. No wonder they say “Cut down the hut.” The Kazan Kremlin with its elegant towers is very beautiful. Siberia in the ethno-town is represented by forts - small wooden defensive fortifications built since the times of ancient Rus'. One of the most attractive parts of the “My Russia” center is dedicated to Buryatia. At the beginning of the 17th century, Buddhism from Mongolia spread to the territory of Transbaikalia, where the Buryat population lived. Empress Elizabeth I even adopted a decree by which she recognized the existence of the Lamai faith, and Buddhism was officially recognized as one of the state religions in the Russian Empire. The ethnopark may seem a bit kitschy to some, but it’s worth visiting at least once.
For children, the Rosa Khutor resort offers the PandaPark ropes course. Here in the mountains there is Rosa Beach! Of course, this is not a sea, but a rather large artificial lake into which a mountain waterfall flows (a channel has been specially formed for this purpose) and then leaves through the pool into the Mzymta River. True, the water is still a little greenish, but despite this and the fact that quite a lot of people swim, the artificial lake does not bloom and does not smell of anything. The beach has a comfortable wooden deck, equipped with sun loungers, and there is a separate small pool for children. Entrance to the beach for the whole day + sunbed and towel - 500 rubles. But there is an alternative: you can sit right on the sand with your towel absolutely free.
You can also take cute photos with a scientist cat, a mermaid, or even A.S. Pushkin himself.
At the Gorki Gorod resort, be sure to take a walk through the Relic Forest, where along the walking trail there are gazebos where you can stop to rest and have a snack with the “snacks” you took with you, read and ponder philosophical quotes placed at different points along the route and in the most unexpected places. “Gorki Gorod” also has a rope course for children and adults, and on the first stage, for those tired of nature, there is a cinema, which allows you not to miss the latest releases in Russian film distribution.
In general, you can always find something to see in Krasnaya Polyana in the summer. Perhaps there is not such an abundance of restaurants here as on the central embankment of Sochi, but you can’t hear the cacophony of tavern music. In these places there is a place to take a quiet walk, there is something to do, there is an opportunity to breathe deeply in the clean mountain air, and there will be something to remember later.
A resort place in the highlands of the Caucasus Range of the Adler district of the city of Sochi - Krasnaya Polyana - is known to almost everyone. This territory, created as a ski resort area, has today become all-season place of rest. In winter, all ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana are filled with skiers, snowboarders and lovers of other various winter sports. There will be no exception winter 2019-20.
In the summer, numerous tourists come here on excursions to explore the famous Olympic venues and local attractions.
Features of winter holidays in Krasnaya Polyana
The uniqueness of the Krasnopolyansk winter resort lies in its very suitable snow conditions. slopes for ski slopes, in a wonderful mountain climate and comfortable weather, because the temperature here does not drop below -7-10 degrees, and winds are extremely rare.
Krasnaya Polyana slopes are very convenient for skiing and snowboarding trails
And modern developed infrastructure Krasnaya Polyana with its hotels, entertainment and shopping centers, numerous attractions and natural attractions allowed this resort to be awarded an honorary №1 in our country. Many even compare a winter trip to Krasnaya Polyana with a trip abroad.
Of course, the palm among ski resorts suggests that prices in Krasnaya Polyana are quite high, but ski holidays have never been cheap anywhere. But even at fairly high prices, one must keep in mind that with a growing flow of vacationers, one must take care of choosing and booking a place in advance.
Typically, the winter ski season, depending on snow cover, begins with mid-late December, although it may start earlier. The best time for winter tourism is considered to be January-February, although it continues in March and April. The largest number of vacationers are in New Year holidays, because celebrating the New Year in this tourist region means charging yourself with positivity for the whole year ahead.
If you come to Krasnaya Polyana for a meeting New Year, you can see many decorated Christmas trees that are installed at almost every hotel. Such an abundance of festive surroundings will increase your mood and sense of expectation of beauty. And the meeting itself will be very fun and full of sparkle, with competitions and round dances, and, of course, with Santa Claus and Snegurochka.
For the most convenient way to get to Krasnaya Polyana from different points of Sochi and Adler, see How to get to Krasnaya Polyana
Which ski resort to choose?
Krasnaya Polyana today is a structure of ski resorts built around two villages - directly Krasnaya Polyana(which gave the resort its general name) and Esto-Sadoka. This resort area became especially famous after many sports competitions were held in Krasnaya Polyana 22 Winter Olympics. But local mountain complexes began to be created here much earlier than 2014.
Ski resortappearedin Krasnaya Polyana at the beginning of the 20th century
Today this resort consists of three main complexes - GC "Gorki Gorod", GLK Gazprom And GC "Rose Khutora". All of them have excellent ski slopes, developed tourist infrastructure and a large number of hotels for comfortable accommodation of vacationers.
Each ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana has professional instructors that will help beginners conquer the slopes. Moreover, all routes are divided according to color scheme to the levelAnd so that beginners and professionals do not interfere with each other's enjoyment. Those who come on vacation with children will be able to safely leave their children on the children's slopes.
If you have arrived with your own equipment, which means you saved significantly on renting it. If you do not have the proper uniform, you will have to rent it. There are also various options here, so there is no need to rush when choosing.
In addition to the usual winter activities, you can visit local museums and learn a lot of interesting things from the historical past of Krasnaya Polyana and Esto-Sadok, immerse yourself in prehistoric research or walk among architectural copies of famous Russian regions in the ethno-museum “My Russia”.
In your free time you can visit the ethno-museum "My Russia"
More details about the structure and sights Krasnopolyansk resorts see - .
Year after year, the number of tourists seeking to spend their winter holidays in Krasnaya Polyana, long called “Russian Switzerland”, is increasing noticeably. And every vacationer planning to spend some time here faces a choice: in which complex he better stop. For some, the priority is an economical accommodation option, for others, on the contrary, increased comfort. Some people want to be in peace and quiet in the evening, while others dream of a fun night life and noisy discos. Some people want to live close to the ski slopes, for others this is not important.
You can live next to the slopes, or you can come to them by cable car
Therefore, when preparing for your trip, you need to clearly understand ski resort structure, location and features of its main complexes and, of course, get acquainted with the range of their services and pricing policy. It must be kept in mind that pricing law of any Krasnopolyansk resort depends on its proximity to the cable car station - the closer, the more expensive. And everything - food and housing.
In a few words, then...
Rosa Khutor Group of Companies
The most elite and the most expensive ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana is Rosa Khutor.
Many people prefer to holiday in Rosa Khutor precisely because of its elite quality
In addition, one must keep in mind that most of its ski slopes created for the 2014 Olympics are quite complex and are aimed at the most advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Scheme of ski and snowboard slopes "Rosa Khutor"
The kilometer of ski slopes in this popular resort is more than 100 km, which start at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level and end at more than 2300 meters. Between all the descents there are lines about 30 lifts. Most of them work only in winter. They start working in winter at 8.30. And professional instructors are ready to teach any beginner how to ride.
The ski slopes of Rosa Khutor are never empty
Those wishing to visit this resort in the winter of 2019-20. can be purchased discounted ski passes with a 15-25% discount in the summer, taking advantage of the Early Booking promotion. To do this, you need to make a purchase in the online store of the resort’s official website.
At this resort, depending on the popularity of the time of visit, there are different rates. So, during the New Year holidays you will have to relax at the “High” tariff, and from April you can use a rather low tariff – “Spring Snow”. There are benefits for students, disabled people and people over 60 years old.
Here you can ride on simple cheesecakes, and it’s quite fun
The Rosa Khutor resort complex provides its clients with a lot of off-piste evening and daytime entertainment. After all, here are Museum of Archeology And Music center "Rosa Hall", where performances by popular performers or music festivals constantly take place. There is also an amazing architectural park "My Russia".
GLK Gazprom
This international-level ski area, which is the property of Gazprom, is located on a gently sloping Psekhako plateau(Laura slope) and on the slopes Aigba mountains(Alpika slope).
Scheme of ski and snowboard slopes of Gazprom GLK
GLK Gazprom, which has in its assortment two slopes and two lift stations “Loire” (15 slopes) and “Alpika” (5 slopes), is considered VIP zone. This is also a rather expensive and fashionable resort, which differs from others in a large number leisure activities. Also, unlike other complexes, on the relatively gentle Gazprom slope “Laura” you can go cross-country skiing, for which you need to purchase a ticket for the “Laura Sightseeing Tour”.
On the Laura slope there is the longest snow tubing descent, equipped for evening skiing with special lighting, has its own lift and its own salon for renting cheesecakes.
The longest snow tubing descent is at the Gazprom resort
And from the highest point of the Alpine slope - "Shelter of the Winds" You can go down on paragliders or paratrikes. The cost of a flight starts from 5,500 rubles and above. You can go dog sledding or snowmobiling.
Winter paragliding is an expensive and unusual entertainment for Gazprom
There are other winter activities at the Gazprom resort. For example, extreme sports enthusiasts may experience the effects on the body of spending the night in Eskimo igloo, built from ice blocks. They say that it tones well, adds vigor and strength. The cost of one night, of course, is not cheap, but if you really want it, then why not.
There is a lot of entertainment for adults and children in the Gazprom Green Park
The kilometer of the Gazprom tracks is noticeably inferior to the Rosa Khutor and even Gorki Gorod tracks, but their quality, diversity and clear organization The work has made this resort a vacation spot for top officials of our state. The ski slopes of this resort are rather classic and are not suitable for freeride lovers. There are no specialized children's slides here; children ride with adult beginners on the simplest slopes.
Top officials of the state prefer to relax in the Gazprom GLK
You can rent ski equipment in showrooms at hotel complexes. There are also separate premium class salons and more.
The pricing of this complex depends on seasonal tariff, which may be changed by the administration due to various circumstances. For children 7-14 years old child rate. There are preferential categories of citizens - disabled people, their accompanying persons, large families, persons over 65 years old, etc. But you need to learn about all categories separately, because everything flows, everything changes.
We must keep in mind that there are unified ski passes for descents from both Gazprom slopes, and since 2019, a general ski pass has appeared for the Gazprom and Rosa Khutor slopes.
Holidays at the Gazprom resort are pleasant and varied at any time of the year
Descents at Gazprom are carried out both during the day and at evening time. For those who prefer other entertainment for the evening, there is plenty to do. For example, on Gazprom territory there is a large TRC "Galaktika", where you can find a lot of entertainment for the evening, from bowling to the Water Park, from shopping to going to the cinema. In addition, there are also bars, restaurants and spa complexes.
In the Galaktika shopping center you can go shopping or swim in the Aquapark
Those who come to the Gazprom GLK with children will also find here many options for entertaining their children in the form Husky park, Deer farm, Sovarium, Aviary complex etc.
Gorki City
Gorki City consists of two levels – Upper And Nizhny Novgorod. Nizhny Gorki City is cheaper to live in and has more evening entertainment. Since it has practically merged with the village Esto-Sadok, then all the attractions of this village are geographically accessible to clients of Nizhny Gorki Gorod. From Nizhny Gorki Gorod to the slopes, the ascent is carried out by cable car, the station of which is located in the very center of the complex.
Ski and snowboard slopes are located in Upper Gorki City, the skiing season in which is considered the longest - December-May. The kilometer of ski slopes here is more than 30 km. There are trails for beginners, for children and for professional skiers.
In addition, a very large evening ski area has appeared in Verkhniy Gorki Gorod; there is also a snow park where numerous winter competitions are held.
If you plan to ride here in the winter of 2019-2020, then in the summer you can purchase in advance hotel reservation for accommodation and ski passes for the winter skiing period on the official website of the resort. This will give you the opportunity to save up to 30% on your vacation costs.
In the evenings on gambling territory Esto-Sadok (Lower Gorki City) hosts many festivals and show programs, performances by pop stars. In addition, numerous spa complexes and swimming pools for a relaxing holiday, baths and a water park are available.
No other domestic ski resort provides its clients with so much off-piste entertainment.
Where to stay in Krasnaya Polyana in winter
Of course, the main criterion for location at the Krasnaya Polyana resort is proximity to the ski resort you have chosen.
Popular places of accommodation for tourists in all complexes of Krasnaya Polyana are hotels, hotels, guest houses, camp sites, etc. If the main purpose of your winter stay in Krasnaya Polyana is the ski slopes, then it is more convenient to stay closer to them - in Verkhny Gorki Gorod or in the upper part of Rosa Khutor. This will save you from getting up every morning, which involves standing in line, and going down the cable car in the evening. The disadvantages of this placement are quite high price accommodation and food, lack of entertainment complexes and a sufficient number of shops.
If you plan to ski on the snowy slopes part of the day, and devote part of the day to entertainment and reckless walks, then it is better to stay in the lower level of Rosa Khutor and in Nizhny Gorka City. By the way, some hotels in the lower territories provide free access to the ski slopes.
Cheaper accommodation can be found in villages Esko-Sadok and in Krasnaya Polyana, there is a very comfortable stay, there are many shops and there is something to see and where to walk. But getting to the treasured routes will take about an hour one way.
Skiers choosing the most economical options accommodation, they prefer to stay even in Adler and the Imereti Valley, where the cost of living in winter drops significantly. Of course, getting from here to Krasnaya Polyana is not very fast, but transfer from the hotel is possible (this must be clarified in advance). And the climate on the coast is warmer, there are more opportunities for walking, and prices in shops and cafes are much lower.
If you are going to come to the resort with small children, then inquire in advance about the possibility of leaving your child in the children's room at the hotel. This will significantly relieve you of your workload during the holiday period.
What else to do in Krasnaya Polyana in winter
Those who have already mastered all the ski slopes can try themselves freeride or ski tour. You can experience the features heli-skiing, this is when you are lifted to the top of the mountain by helicopter, and back you rush through the virgin snow. There is also the opportunity to go luge or learn snowshoeing.
And also at your service skates and snowboards, tubings and tobogganing, all-terrain vehicles and dog sledding. You never know what else!
Those on winter holidays in Krasnaya Polyana should definitely visit one of its water parks. One of them is in Shopping center "Galaktika" at the Gazprom resort and has an outdoor pool on the roof. The second one is located in Shopping center "Gorki City Mall" on the territory of Nizhny Gorki Gorod and is stylized as a sandy beach.
These same largest shopping and entertainment centers in Krasnopolyansk have cinemas, bowling alleys and billiards. And a walk through the “Galaxy” itself with the design of outer space is a very entertaining event.
Walking around the “cosmic” Galaxy is also interesting entertainment
In the evenings you can visit spa complexes and baths. After a whole day in the open air, taking a steam bath in a hot bathhouse is just the thing. And if the weather suddenly turns out to be bad and you have a free day, then you can go to any museum located near your place of stay or use the services of travel agencies and go on an excursion to Sochi or Abkhazia.
