STAVROPOL, January 25. /TASS/. Winter resorts North Caucasus are familiar to many Russian ski lovers. However, for those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, there is also something to do here. Local sanatoriums and recreation centers in winter offer, for less money than in the high season, to improve your health, breathe clean mountain air, visit the mountaineers and get acquainted with the culture of the peoples of the Caucasus. Read more about holidays in the resorts of the North Caucasus during the off-season in the TASS material.

Lean treatment

The ski resorts of the North Caucasus experience peak attendance in winter. According to the Federal Agency for Tourism, during the New Year holidays, the ski resorts of Karachay-Cherkessia, which is famous for Arkhyz and Dombay, set a record - they hosted 120 thousand people (an increase of 50% compared to last year), Kabardino- About 60 thousand people visited Balkaria with its famous Elbrus during the holidays. On health resorts in winter, on the contrary, the season is considered low - according to the Ministry of Tourism and Health Resorts of the Stavropol Territory, sanatoriums and hotels in the region in New Year holidays were 43.4% full. The region was visited by 143 thousand tourists during the New Year holidays; in general, the Stavropol region receives more than 1.4 million people during the year.

But the low season becomes an advantage for thrifty tourists - during this period, sanatoriums reduce the cost of vouchers. For example, many sanatoriums of the Caucasian Mineral Waters are introducing special promotions until the end of April - beginning of March: on average, a trip can cost 10-30% cheaper. There are offers where the cost of living is almost halved. At the same time, along with saving in winter at local resorts, you can improve your health after long New Year's holidays or trips to foreign sea resorts.

“People really like to come after the New Year holidays,” said the press secretary of the Kislovodsk company “Resort Management” Evelina Valuyskaya, adding that tourists who had previously been on vacation in warm countries also often come. “The difference in climate, time zones. People relax there , but sometimes you need to heal."

Most resorts in the North Caucasus are located in places where the sun often shines even in winter, for example, in Teberda, in Karachay-Cherkessia. “There are a lot of sunny days here, the area is comfortable for people with pulmonary diseases, the air is cleaner in winter, plus a coniferous forest. All these factors have a very beneficial effect. In the North Caucasus, two territories are engaged in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases - Teberda and Kislovodsk, but the saturation of various particles in the air is less than in Kislovodsk,” noted Ali Uzdenov, deputy chief physician of the Teberda sanatorium.

Even an ordinary walk in the resorts of the North Caucasus becomes a therapeutic procedure. Health paths are a way of combining business with pleasure; one of the oldest is located in the Nalchik resort. “This Nalchik brand appeared in 1979 and was then the only one in the North Caucasus. Soon the health path became a favorite vacation spot for many local residents and guests of the city, was called “1000 steps” or “Path of Health,” the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of Kabardino-Balkaria reported, recalling that the length of the path exceeds 2.6 km.

To visit - to every home The winter Caucasus is also suitable for those who want not only to relax, but also to learn something new - winter allows a leisurely acquaintance with the local culture without queues and summer heat. For example, in Kislovodsk, a tourist can try to book a room where the composer Sergei Prokofiev, poets Vladimir Mayakovsky and Sergei Yesenin stayed at different times. He is located in the Narzan sanatorium, and in winter more likely that the room will be free.

“This room is still functioning, people stay there, of course, in modern (for that time - TASS note) interiors, but in the same room. In 2017, there was an event - Mayakovsky’s poems were read from the balcony of this room, as the poet himself once read poetry. The buildings of many sanatoriums are architectural monuments, they are very interesting, there are places to take pictures,” Valuyskaya explained.

Another opportunity is to get acquainted with the traditions and customs of local peoples. It is better to look for national flavor in the guest houses of local residents, who can best tell about the culture of their people. Thus, about 40 guest houses opened in Dagestan in 2017. In Ingushetia, to develop rural tourism, they created the Association of Guest Houses in the mountainous part of the republic; now it unites about 10 houses. Each of them is inhabited by ordinary families who are ready to receive guests.

“There is such a practice that a guest will be received in any house; in general, any resident can take an excursion; there are more than a thousand objects in the mountainous part of the republic. But if before we just walked around the village and asked where we could stay, now we we help,” said Aina Tyufyakova, a representative of the Association from Ingushetia, adding that hospitality is a tradition of the Ingush people, there are even certain rules on how to receive guests.

“For example, in the first three days you cannot ask a guest where he is from, why he came, etc. The guest is accommodated in the best room with the best furniture, which, as a rule, family members tried not to enter. If the guest stayed overnight - in the evening the owner of the house came out and guarded the house so that nothing would happen to the guest, otherwise the family would be left with a stigma of shame,” said Tyufyakova.

Holidays without skiing Important feature Caucasian resorts- compact location of regions. Having arrived, for example, in Kabardino-Balkaria, you can easily go on an excursion to neighboring regions - see the ancestral towers North Ossetia, ancient temples of Karachay-Cherkessia, literary places in the Caucasian Mineral Waters.

Also, in any of the republics, a tourist can expand his gastronomic knowledge; some sanatoriums even organize special programs dedicated to national cuisine. “In the Chaika sanatorium, during the New Year holidays, for eight days, vacationers were introduced to the national dishes of the region. Festive dinners with elements awaited them national cuisine. Balkar, Kabardian, Georgian, Russian cuisines alternated,” the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of Kabardino-Balkaria gave an example.

Resorts offer tourists interesting and active holidays in winter even without ski slopes. Thus, in the Kezenoy-Am sports and tourist complex in Chechnya you can go ice skating. “Lake Kezenoy-Am is located at an altitude of about 1900 meters, and there is a skating rink on it. In winter, the lake freezes to 60-70 centimeters; a fence is installed and rescuers are on duty. Now the lake is already frozen, people come to skate, hockey teams are training,” explained the director hotel complex"Kezenoy-Am" Aset Madayeva.

The North Caucasus is a land of incredible impressions, and once you visit it at least once, you will want to come back here again and again. The Caucasus is the luxurious splendor of nature, which has captivated many generations of tourists, glorified in the works of many famous poets and writers.

This is incredibly clean mountain air, clear lakes, stormy mountain rivers, sources of healing mineral waters, the breathtaking peaks of the grandiose Caucasus Range. These are forests untouched by civilization, numerous canyons, caves, waterfalls... The Caucasus today is a whole encyclopedia of nationalities, their rich history and cultural diversity, which you can see for yourself when you go here on vacation.

Those who have at least once vacationed in the Caucasus in the summer already know very well that you can spend your vacation or vacation wonderfully here: swimming in the warm Black Sea, boating down stormy mountain rivers and taking entertaining tourist walks in the mountains. At the same time, winter holidays in the Caucasus is no less interesting and will leave you with the most pleasant impressions if you decide to visit this area in the winter months big company or decide to relax here with your children.

Caucasus in winter: where to go? Winter holidays in the Caucasus

It is impossible to imagine a quality winter holiday in the Caucasus without visiting ski resorts. The most popular of them in North Ossetia are located in the Tseysky and Digorsky gorges.

Here you can have a great time, both on professional slopes and on the slopes for beginners, where experienced instructors will help you ski confidently and master this popular winter sport.

If you have long been attracted to winter holidays in the Caucasus, where to go the question will no longer worry you - every vacationer will find here exactly the entertainment or range of health services that he needs.

There are thermal springs in North Ossetia. The most famous ones are located in the villages of Tamisk and Biragzang. Winter holidays in the Caucasus are filled not only with medical procedures, but also with more active types of recreation - excursions and trips to local attractions and hiking in the mountains. Many people come here just to have the opportunity to breathe clean mountain air and enjoy magnificent views majestic mountains, luxurious waterfalls, virgin forests.

Holidays in the Russian mountains in winter

Before your trip, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with what tours are offered to the Caucasus in winter 2020 and choose the most tempting one among them. If you want to purchase winter tour to the Caucasus, then you should take a closer look at the tourist centers and hotels of the Tseysky Gorge.

Holidays in the Russian mountains in winter are one of the best active holidays in our country, because the North Caucasus gives you an excellent opportunity to choose the slopes to suit your taste.

In both the Tseysky and Digorsky gorges, in addition to mountain skiing, you can always ride snowmobiles, cross-country skis, and also, if desired, go horseback riding. By the way, if you are asking yourself the question: where to go to the Caucasus in winter in order to get high-quality and active recreation in the Russian mountains in winter inexpensively, then we recommend contacting the Otkrytie tourist club.

Such a vacation will be a godsend for those who are tired of the constant flow of information and sometimes need complete solitude and the opportunity to calmly think.

Winter mountain tourism - a wonderful holiday

If you are attracted by a winter mountain hike and you like to admire the surrounding beauty, then you should consider purchasing tours to visit the winter frozen waterfalls in North Ossetia, which amaze with their beauty at any time of the year, but in winter they impress vacationers especially strongly.

Frozen water turns into ice pillars that look more like giant candles. Generally for amateurs active rest perfect in the mountains combined tours. Typically they include a visit major cities and a short mountain hike in winter, if winter appeals to you mountain tourism in the Caucasus.

A wellness holiday in the Caucasus is the best option for winter family vacation in Russia. Holidays in the Caucasus in winter with children will satisfy you with its excellent organization - most hotels in the ski resorts of North Ossetia have special family-type rooms; special entertainment is offered for children under the supervision of experienced accompanying persons.

In the Caucasus, you can choose the most stunning holiday in the mountains in winter in Russia, the prices of which will completely satisfy you with their affordability and affordability.

• Flight from Moscow: ≈ 3 hours
• Average temperature in January: 3°C
• Ski resorts: Bakuriani, Gudauri and Hatsvali
• Visa: not required (up to 90 days)

Georgia is suitable for family holidays for several reasons. Firstly, affordable prices for housing, food, and transport. Secondly, the temperature is mostly above zero, which means there will be no acclimatization. Third, if someone in the family doesn’t speak English, it’s not a big deal here—almost everyone knows Russian.

Ski resorts of Georgia back in Soviet timesfamous for their snow cover, pistes and stunning views. Now added to this is modern infrastructure, a variety of accommodation options and entertainment for the whole family, from snowmobiling to spa treatments.

If you have time left in Tbilisi, take the children to the Mtatsminda amusement park, which is located on the mountain of the same name. Three cable cars take you to the top - a great opportunity to look at the city from above, and even little travelers will love this adventure.

Sochi, Russia

• Flight from Moscow:≈ 2.5 hours
• Average temperature in January: 7°C
• Ski resorts: Krasnaya Polyana, Esto-Sadok, Rosa Khutor
• Visa: not needed

One of the main Russian resorts - Sochi - after the Olympics turned into a ski mecca. Many trails of various difficulty levels, restaurants on observation platforms with breathtaking views, comfortable transport connection and most importantly - an amazing combination of forest, sea and mountains.

If you want variety, go down to the city, the palm trees are green, the waves are roaring and the weather is quite spring-like. Children will certainly enjoy the local Disneyland Sochi Park - dozens of themed attractions and performances. Sochi is also known as a balneological, that is, health resort. You can swim in hot springs and go for a massage in the Matsesta area.

Helsinki and Lapland, Finland

• Flight from Moscow: ≈ 2 hours
• Average temperature in January: -4.6 °C
• Ski resorts: Levi, Pyhä-Luosto, Ylläs
• Visa: Schengen

People go to Lapland not only to visit the residence of the Finnish Father Frost (by the way, here he is called Jolupukki), but also to relax at one of the ski resorts and see the northern lights. Entertainment includes not only skiing and snowboarding: you can go dog sledding and reindeer sledding, go winter fishing, go snowshoeing, and where would you be without a Finnish sauna - just the thing to warm your bones after a whole day in the cold.

If you are planning to spend time in Helsinki, you will find fairs, festive illuminations and a huge ice skating rink in the city center. For those with a sweet tooth, there is a large selection of Finnish desserts with cloudberries, blueberries and cranberries. Also check out the Eureka Science Center - don't worry, it's not a boring museum with long-winded signs, but plenty of interactive exhibits that kids will definitely enjoy. You can climb into a bear's den, ride a bicycle on a tightrope, and even conduct chemical experiments. The museum's planetarium features breathtaking 3D shows that even adults will not remain indifferent to.

Andorra la Vella, Andorra

• Flight from Moscow: to Paris≈ 4 hours to Barcelona≈ 4.5 hours
• Average temperature in January: 5 °C
• Ski resorts: Pas de la Casa - Grau Roig, Soldeu - El Tarter, Pal - Arinsal and Ordino - Arcalis
• Visa: Spanish or French Schengen or open Schengen visa

Andorra is often described as the quietest and most... beautiful place For have a relaxing holiday, but you will have to get there in two trips: there is no airport in the country, so you need to fly to Paris or Barcelona, ​​and from there go by train or car.

Andorra - country- ski resort, and even if you are just going to start skiing or teach your children to ski, you will like it here. There are schools and instructors for beginners and kids, difficult trails for those who like to ride recklessly, snow parks for practicing tricks, and snowmobiles for racing through the snowy desert.

Also at the resorts you can go ziplining and tubing (inflatable rings for descending from the mountains), and after a busy day go to thermal centers - many spa complexes offer family programs and treatments for children. Some pools are designed so that you can swim and admire the mountains through panoramic windows.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Flight from Moscow:≈ 3.5 hours
• Average temperature in January: 1 °C
• Ski resorts: Bled, Borovets, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Maribor Pohorje
• Visa: Schengen

Little Slovenia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in Europe, strewn with forests and alpine resorts. Nature and winter views Sports are the main reasons for spending the January holidays here.

If you're vacationing in Kranski Gora, don't miss the snow sculpture park: children will be delighted with the three-meter-tall statues from folklore scenes. The best place to enjoy nature and go snowboarding or skiing is in Triglav National Park - here you can see mountain lakes and take family photos against the backdrop of the Alps, and come for ice skating to Lake Bohinj - the largest in the country.

In Ljubljana, climb Castle Hill and look at the city from above, stroll through Tivoli Park, walk through the halls of Ljubljana Castle. If the children want to go wild, take them to the Aqualuna thermal water park - let them splash around as much as they want, because swimming in thermal water only benefits the growing body (blood circulation improves and the immune system is strengthened).

Whatever vacation option you choose, it will definitely be the best, because you will spend time with your family. Plan your trip now and book your hotel while prices are still low. It's so nice to start the new year with great trip and arrange magical holidays for yourself and your loved ones.

Good afternoon, dear readers. It’s the beginning of October, and the time for vacations for most Russians is behind us. To be fair, it is worth noting that the holidays of many of our compatriots this year were not entirely successful.

The reason for this was massive problems among tour operators, many of which suspended their activities. This circumstance, as well as the tense political situation around Russia, led to a sharp decrease (according to some sources, up to 30%) of outbound tourism.

As they say, if there was no happiness, then misfortune would help. Rosstat recently reported that the country is experiencing a surge in domestic tourism. For obvious reasons, Russians began to relax more “at home” than abroad.

Holidays in the Caucasus Since the times of the USSR, it has been shrouded in a veil of mysteries and stereotypes. The entire territory of the North Caucasus is strewn with recreational, natural and historical centers: medical health resorts of Stavropol, ski resorts of Sochi and Kabardino-Balkaria, the famous Dombay, the coast of the Black and Caspian seas, ancient monuments architecture and modern skyscrapers of Grozny...

You can continue for a long time. For example, a lot of people come just to breathe clean mountain air. I have a friend who makes a special visit every three years just to eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables.

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more often from people that they would love to visit the Caucasus, but it’s “a little scary.” Various arguments are given: there are strict traditions and morals, people wear burqas, there are a lot of nationalities, wild views among young people, rampant crime, religious fanatics...

Are these 10 points a must-have when planning your holiday in the Caucasus?

I won’t pull the cat’s famous organs, let’s get straight to the point. I admit, I'm already a little tired of answering in social networks to the same questions about planning a vacation in the Caucasus: how to dress, what to take with you, what kind of food there is, how Russian girls are treated, do you need to learn local languages, what is customary to give to Caucasians, how to talk to them correctly? And a million more similar questions.

In this article I decided to reveal 10 important aspects that must be taken into account if you are planning to spend a long-awaited vacation in one of the corners of the mountainous region. In general, I am writing this article for myself, so that I can give it to those who ask me the above questions. Although, each of you will find something useful here for yourself or write your opinion in the comments and complement me.

• Familiarize yourself with the traditions and customs of local residents in advance.

It is very important to do this, even in order not to get into trouble like Shurik in the film “Prisoner of the Caucasus”:

Dozens of peoples live in the Caucasus, each of them has its own traditions. Having studied a little of their history and culture, you will immediately gain an undeniable advantage over an unprepared person and will be able to win over the local population.

And there is no need to say that there is no time for this or there is little information. The Internet is simply filled with comprehensive materials about traditions. Don’t be lazy, read and learn the basics, so that later it will be easier for you to talk with those who will receive you.

• Try to choose more modest clothes.

“The only thing better than mountains are mountains that you have never been to before,” says a famous song. Indeed, people who are passionate about mountains are looking for their own, unique routes - creating new ones and visiting already known ones. IN New Year When you can rest for a long time, allow yourself new experiences. 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 Palandoken resort is not harsh at all, is -5 degrees for a Russian person really cold? Or maybe you'll fly to Rosa Khutor - one of the best Russian resorts? The choice is yours!

Ski holiday routes:

Northern pleasures: relaxation in Murmansk Bolshoy Vudyavr

The Kola Peninsula is called “Polar Hollywood” because of its beautiful and cinematic landscapes. Bolshoy Vudyavr is the highest mountain resort in the North-West of Russia in the city of Kirovsk Murmansk region, equipped with modern lifts. The trails of Bolshoy Vudyavr will be of interest to snowboarders, cross-country and alpine skiing enthusiasts. Excursion snowmobile tours are conducted from Bolshoi Vudyavr - training tours for 1-2 days, price from 8,000 rubles; tourist for 1-2 days, price from 9000 rubles; extreme from 1 to 4 days, cost from 12,500 rubles. Keep 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 in your winter travel you will definitely witness it. The Khibiny Mountains are in themselves a natural landmark of the Kola Peninsula, a large mountain range, its geological age is about 390 million years.

How to get there: Moscow is separated from Murmansk by 1800 kilometers. Flight time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, tickets cost from 2800 rubles. The train trip will take 1 day, 13 hours, ticket prices are 4,600 rubles for a reserved seat, from 5,600 rubles for a compartment. Murmansk is located 200 kilometers from Bolshoi Vudyavr, so it is more convenient to come to the nearest cities of Kirovsk or Apatity. An air ticket to Kirovsk costs from 6 thousand rubles, the flight will take 2 hours. By train you can get to Kirovsk in 1 day; a ticket for a reserved seat can be found for 2900 rubles, for a compartment from 4500 rubles. Airplane Moscow - Apatity by plane costs from 6,000 rubles.

Where to stay: from the Severnaya Hotel in the center of Kirovsk to Bolshoy Vudyavr is about 1 km; Free daily transfer available. Room prices per night start from 2,700 rubles. Recreation center "Lesnaya" on the shore of Lake Imandra, seven kilometers from the city of Apatity. The houses are designed for 4-5 people, their price starts from 6,000 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 out housing to tourists are common among local residents, for example, an apartment of 32 sq.m. costs 23 euros per day.

From January to February, a 5-day tour costs from 35,000 rubles per person.

Duration: unlimited number of days.

What to take with you: Be sure to take with you a set of changeable warm clothes and shoes, thermal underwear, a hat, sunglasses, and ski masks. To photograph the northern lights, bring a good camera with a wide-angle lens. Ski equipment can be rented on the slope, for example, a set of skis for 1 hour will cost 500 rubles, you need to put 17,000 as a deposit. Take cash with you, because you won’t 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 most best resort in the Alps. People go to the resort to ride alpine skiing, relax in spa centers and photograph the pyramidal peak of the Matterhorn - the most famous peak in Europe. In the mountains you can go on panoramic excursions to Rothorn, Gornegrat and the Matterhorn itself. Each mountain offers a breathtaking view. You can relax a bit in mountain restaurants. The resort's famous cafes offer black caviar, the freshest oysters and champagne literally next to the slopes, but the town is also replete with affordable cuisine: pizza and pies from the oven, berry fruit drinks and homemade beer.

Interestingly, the use of cars is prohibited in Zermatt; you can only travel in electric vehicles.

How to get there: Air tickets Moscow - Bern cost from 8,000 rubles, flight time is 3 hours, 50 minutes. The flight Moscow - Geneva will cost the same, the flight duration will be similar. You can get to Zermatt from other cities in Switzerland by train, you can save money by purchasing tickets online 2-3 days before departure, from Geneva to Zermatt and the train takes 3 hours, 50 minutes. Switzerland and Russia are currently not connected by rail; if you wish, you can go to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Paris, Berlin, and then get from there to Zermatt.

Where to stay: inexpensive hotels and hostels in Zermatt ask from 3 to 5 thousand rubles per night, 12-18 thousand rubles will have to be paid for a double room in hotels of a higher category, the most luxurious accommodation options will cost from 32,000 rubles per night.

Approximate tour cost per person: 5 days in Zermatt at Christmas (flight + accommodation) cost from 50,000 per person, a 7-day tour in January 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: To travel to Switzerland you need a visa, its cost is from 2500 rubles, the processing time is from 7 days. The country's currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), there are 100 centimes in 1 franc. 1 CHF = 59.37 RUB (1 USD = 0.98 CHF, 1 EUR = 1.15 CHF). At ATMs, transaction fees can reach 15%. It is convenient to bring euros to Switzerland or exchange rubles for francs back in Russia. Bring sunglasses, ski face masks, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes.

Lake Louise Resort in Canada

Lake Louise (Lake Louise) is one of the most picturesque resorts Canada, it is located in the territory national park Buff in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta. The reserve is known and popular all over the world; tourists go there to swim in hot springs and admire the alpine landscapes, mountain streams, dense coniferous forests, majestic peaks, grandiose waterfalls and beautiful lakes. The Lake Louise ski resort takes its name from the beautiful body of water, which was previously called Emerald, and later received its name in honor of the beautiful Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Governor of Canada. Ski resort located on four peaks, the total length of the tracks is 113 kilometers, highest point 2367 meters. An adult ski pass for one day will cost 99 dollars, for a child - 38, for seniors and teenagers - 77 dollars.

How to get there: You can fly from Moscow to Toronto with a transfer in New York (you need an American transit visa). The flight time is 15 hours, the cost of a one-way ticket is 24,500 rubles. From Toronto to Lake Louise there are another 3,000 kilometers, the plane to Calgary takes 4 hours, the ticket costs from 22 thousand rubles. From Calgary to Banff National Park it is another 110 kilometers by car on Highway 1. You can fly from Moscow to Vancouver for 26,000 rubles, travel time 21 hours, transfer in Los Angeles. From Vancouver to Calgary it is 970 kilometers, the journey by car will take about 10 hours, by plane - 2 hours. In Vancouver, renting a car for 7 days will cost from 13,800 rubles, in Calgary it is 1,000 rubles more expensive.

Where to stay: the representative hotel Chateau Lake Louise at the ski resort costs from 14 thousand rubles per night. Within 18-20 kilometers from the resort, you can spend the night comfortably for 3,000 rubles. In the city that gave the park its name, in Banff (60 kilometers from the resort), you can find offers to spend the night in a hostel for 1,750 rubles + free breakfast. On average, a hotel room in Banff will cost 4,000 rubles.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week-long 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, travel to the resort, hotel accommodation, three meals a day, rental of ski equipment and a ski pass).

Duration: 7 days.

What to take with you: A visa and medical insurance are required for the entire duration of the trip. The cost of a visa is 4,600 rubles + an additional service fee of 1,800 rubles is paid. The minimum period for obtaining a visa is two weeks. The country's currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), there are 100 cents in 1 dollar. Rate: 1 CAD = 46.4 RUB (1 USD = 1.25 CAD, 1 EUR = 1.47 CAD). It is advisable to change money in banks, there are no commission fees, do not accept exchange requests “hand to hand” - this is fraud.

The best French ski resort Chamonix

A ski resort with history, very popular and in demand today, is located on the border of two countries, France and Switzerland - this is Chamonix! The first Winter Olympic Games were held here in 1924. Almost a hundred years have passed since those times, and this resort has not disappointed lovers of outdoor activities. On the contrary, Chamonix worthily maintains its high status and attracts guests from all over the world with an infrastructure that meets all modern safety requirements, pistes for all categories of skiers and a wide selection of ski lifts. The Chamonix ski resort on the western slopes of the famous Mont Blanc offers a flexible system of passes and discounts. For example, a weekly Mont Blanc Unlimited subscription will cost approximately 18,000 rubles, the price includes skiing on all slopes, an ice skating rink open air, swimming pool and museum. The budget option will be “Chamonix Le Pass”, which operates in three ski areas and costs about 15,000 rubles for a week. If you wish, in Chamonix you can go to the Alpine Museum and take a ride on a unique alpine tram.

How to get there: flight Moscow-Geneva (flight time 3 hours, 40 minutes, round-trip air 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 - the distance is 70 kilometers, but you will have to get there with transfers in Bellegarde-sur-Valserines and Saint-Gervais, the price is almost 2,000 rubles. Private transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix will cost 12,600 rubles for a company of 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 is yurts for several people, the price is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles. Hotels cost from 7 to 21 thousand rubles per day.

Approximate tour cost per person: a trip from Moscow to Chamonix for 6 days costs 48,200 rubles, for 8 days 54,000, for 12 days 105,000 rubles (price is per person, flight and hotel accommodation).

Duration: from 6 to 12 days.

What to take with you: The country's currency is the Euro (EUR), 1 euro equals 100 eurocents. Exchange rate: 1 EUR = 68.27 RUB, it is better to take cash that has been exchanged in advance. A profitable choice for shopping in France is a Mastercard and a bank account in euros, the most wasteful is a “ruble” Visa. To the ski resort, take sunglasses, ski face masks, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes, and a set of thermal underwear. If you are planning a formal Christmas or New Year's dinner, you will have to find room in your suitcase for a dress and a pair of shoes.

Top class in the Swedish mountains: Åre

Åre is a famous ski resort in Sweden; it includes on equal terms four villages with punctual bus service and five ski areas. You can stay in any of settlements Duved, Tegefjell, Åre-By and Åre-Bjornen, you can ride everywhere. The ski season can last from mid-November to mid-May. Are is often compared to the Alps in terms of quality of services and picturesque nature, but in terms of cost, Scandinavia certainly wins. Several days a week from December to April you can ride at night at no extra cost. The ski pass is valid in any of the four zones of Åre. Children under 7 years old ride for free if you bring a helmet for them. In Åre, the Tannforsen waterfalls are beautiful, and the cathedrals and churches of Duveds Kyrka are interesting.

How to get there: A direct flight from Moscow to Östersund 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 approximately 25 thousand rubles per person in both directions with one transfer. A direct flight to Stockholm will cost 12 thousand rubles round trip. From Stockholm to Åre 630 kilometers, this distance can be covered by bus or car in 8-9 hours or by plane in 1 hour. The train is coming approximately 10 hours, ticket costs from 3,000 rubles.

Where to stay:Åre hotels are equivalent to international three-star hotels, they are often called "mountain hotels" and offer rooms with bunk beds quite regularly. The cost of double rooms in Ora starts from 6,000 thousand rubles per night, sometimes the price includes free breakfast and dinner.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week-long tour to Åre per person will cost around 60 thousand rubles, the price includes airfare and travel to Åre, hotel accommodation, three meals a day (an economical lunch will cost at least 600 rubles, dinner for two with alcohol costs about 4,500 rubles, discount 1 day pass - 400 CZK, plus ski equipment rental.

Duration: 7 days.

What to take with you: To enter Sweden you need a visa (registration from 35 euros and an additional consular fee from 21 euros + medical insurance). Take with you a set of warm clothes (hat, mittens, boots, jacket), be sure to have fleece thermal underwear and a windproof ski suit. Exchange rubles for Swedish crowns in advance (the exchange rate for winter 2018 will be approximately 72-73 rubles per unit. You can also pay with a MasterCard bank card; upon payment, the currency is automatically converted.

Turkish ski holiday: Palandoken

Palandoken is a modern ski resort in Turkey, located a few kilometers from Erzurum. The Turkish national team trains on the slopes of this mountain, there are gentle slopes for children and beginner skiers, and there are slopes of increased difficulty. Best time for visiting - from December to March, average winter temperatures are not high: approximately -5, -7 degrees. The resort employs instructors who speak Russian. A nice feature of the Palandoken resort is that the tour price includes flights, accommodation, meals, swimming pool and massage. Erzurum can be reached by bus in just 30 minutes, and the city offers the most important attractions ancient city: majestic citadel fortress, Ulu Mosque, Chiefte minarels madrasah.

How to get there: from Moscow to Erzurum is 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 from there you can get to the resort. For example, a flight from Istanbul will take 2 hours, costs from 3,000 rubles, a ticket from Ankara will cost 1,500 rubles, and you will have to spend a little more than an hour on the flight.

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. “threes” cost from 3 thousand rubles, “fours” from 4000, “fives” are available for 5, 6, 7 thousand rubles per day. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Erzurum, prices will be approximately the same.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week-long trip per person in December (flight and accommodation) in a four-star hotel will cost from 65,000 rubles, FB+ meals, equipment rental: $20 per day, training at a ski school: $60 for 1 hour. Two weeks will cost 120,000 rubles per person.

Duration: 7-14 days.

What to take with you: The country's currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), there are 100 kurus in 1 lira. Rate: 1 TRY = 15.65 RUB (1 USD = 3.73 TRY, 1 EUR = 4.38 TRY). We advise you not to change all your money at once, because currency rates in Turkey fluctuate. Bring sunglasses or a mask, a set of warm clothes (hat, mittens, boots, jacket), fleece thermal underwear and a windproof ski suit. Your trip may take you to the sea, so bring lightweight clothing and swimwear.

American Dream: Winter Getaway in Aspen

Aspen - 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 slopes, a common ski pass and a bus with free travel. The separate zones are Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Aspen Snowmass. An hour's drive from Aspen brings you to Glenwood Springs, a year-round spa resort with the world's largest hot springs pool. In the same area, you should definitely visit the protected White River or Maroon Reservoir. Young skiers will be interested in Tube Town (Snowmass), where for about 2,000 rubles you can use tubing as much as you want. A paintball center is also open there (the cost of shooting is about 5,000 rubles). In Buttermilk, the Western-style fort is worth a visit with the whole family.

How to get there: You will have to get to Aspen with transfers, there are two options. You can fly to New York, a direct flight from Moscow costs 24,000 rubles, and you will spend 9 hours, 55 minutes on the road. Domestic flight New York - Aspen for 23 thousand rubles, duration 6 hours, also with a transfer in Denver. The trip by car or bus will take two days. The bus takes 6 hours from Denver, the ticket costs from 2000 rubles. The second option is to take a direct flight to Los Angeles, the ticket price starts from 27,000 rubles. You can get from the City of Angels to Aspen by bus in almost a day, a ticket starts from 6,000 rubles, by plane - a 4-hour flight for 16,300.

Where to stay: Aspen has a huge selection of hotels: luxurious 5* for 24,700 (a night for two) to more modest “kopeck piece” - 3000 rubles and “three ruble” - 7000 rubles. The largest number of hotels is in Aspen Mountain, and in order to stay overnight in Highlands or Buttermilk, you need to book a room in advance.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week in Aspen in winter will cost approximately 90-100 thousand rubles per person (the price includes the price of tickets to the USA from Moscow and back, travel to the resort, hotel accommodation, three meals a day, rental of ski equipment).

Duration: unlimited number of days.

What to take with you: As of September 1, 2017, interviews for obtaining a non-immigrant visa to the United States are conducted only at the US Embassy in Moscow, so take care to prepare the necessary documents in advance. In America, it is equally convenient to use cash (the country's monetary unit is the US dollar (USD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Rate: 1 USD = 58.46 RUB) and credit cards. Commission at ATMs is 1-2% of the amount. Take with you sunglasses or a ski mask, a set of warm clothes (hat, mittens, boots, jacket), thermal underwear and a windproof ski suit will come in handy.

Ski Bulgaria: holidays in Bansko

In Southwestern Bulgaria, Bansko is located - a resort town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, altitude 925 meters above sea level, snow cover lasts from November to May. The price of a ski pass for one day for adults is about 2,000 rubles, 6 days - 12,000, 13 days - 25,000 rubles, discounts are provided for young skiers and students. The exact date of the founding of the city is not known, but scientists believe that Bansko already existed during the Roman Empire. One way or another, the architecture of Bansko from the 17th to 19th centuries is interesting ( Old city), on the narrow streets there are houses made of stone and wood. The Church of the Holy Trinity, built during the Ottoman yoke, is interesting. In the center of Bansko there is an open-air skating rink in winter; many hotels have their own mini water parks with swimming pools and thermal baths. Public transport not in Bansko, it’s convenient to get around the city by taxi (prices from 300 to 400 rubles).

How to get there: Air tickets from Moscow to Sofia will cost from 5 to 11 thousand rubles one way in December, and from 6 to 8 thousand rubles in January and February. Flight time is 2 hours, 55 minutes. From Sofia to Bansko there are 155 kilometers (2 hours on the road), they can be covered by train (ticket about 10 euros), bus (ticket about 8 euros) or taxi (about 100 euros). Renting a car for a week will cost approximately 5,000 rubles. For driving while intoxicated, a fine of 35,000 rubles is imposed.

Where to stay: Bansko has a huge selection of housing, prices are quite reasonable. You can stay in the “five” - a night will cost from 3,000 rubles, there are even cheaper options - you can spend the night in the Old Town from 800 rubles to 2,000 rubles. If you want to cook yourself, choose rooms with your own kitchen. There is a category of spa hotels with a variety of wellness treatments for the whole family.

Approximate tour cost per person: 7 nights in a double room “four” will cost approximately 31,000 rubles per person, all-inclusive meals. Two weeks will cost 60,000 rubles. Accommodation only with breakfast - 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 3,100 rubles) and insurance. The country's monetary unit is the Bulgarian lev (BGN), 1 lev contains 100 stotinki. Rate: 1 BGN = 35.07 RUB (1 USD = 1.67 BGN, 1 EUR = 1.96 BGN). For comfortable rest on ski slopes Stock up on warm and comfortable clothing: hats, mittens, shoes, windproof jackets and trousers. For the New Year's celebration, you can bring a suit - for men, for ladies, an elegant dress and a pair of your favorite shoes.