Where to ski in Russia this winter: resorts, costs and smart booking tips

Russia’s new ski season is around the corner. It officially kicks off in December, though some spots see snow earlier. The appetite for mountain getaways is still strong: people keep booking ahead despite higher prices.

Where to go: popular resorts across the country

In the European part of Russia, most travelers head to Krasnaya Polyana — to the resorts Rosa Khutor, Krasnaya Polyana and Gazprom. The area offers solid infrastructure, convenient runs and plenty of off-slope options. This season, Rosa Khutor has upgraded several pistes and improved access to the gondolas, making time on the mountain smoother.

Those watching the budget look to Arkhyz, Dombay, Priyelbrusye or Kukisvumchorr in Kirovsk.

Siberia and Altai bring a rich choice as well. In Sheregesh, the season opened first — on November 22 — with a full-on celebration of winter’s start. In the Altai Republic, Manzherok stands out as one of the top family resorts thanks to user-friendly runs, training slopes and children’s zones.

Also on the favorites list are Belokurikha, the Gorny Vozdukh resort on Sakhalin, and Ural destinations Abzakovo and Mratkino.

Early bookings are led by Sochi with about 67% of all reservations, followed by Kirovsk, Sheregesh, Belokurikha and Baikalsk. For New Year’s, country houses are especially in demand — notably in Sheregesh and Arkhyz.

When the slopes open

Each resort sets its own dates:

• the Caucasus opens on December 1,
• Rosa Khutor’s full opening is December 19,
• Sheregesh opened on November 22,
• Gorny Vozdukh is slated for mid-December.

Weather can nudge the calendar, so it is worth checking before you go.

Prices: what you will pay

Compared with last year, mountain holidays have risen by roughly 15%. The most popular resorts are also the priciest. For example, a night in a three-star hotel in Krasnaya Polyana can run up to 25,000 rubles.

Many travelers prefer apartments — it is easier on the wallet, especially if you are not going solo.

At Rosa Khutor:

• ski pass — from 5,000 rubles per day,
• five nights — from 25,000 rubles,
• ski or snowboard rental — from 2,700 rubles per day.

This season brings a practical rule: equipment rental is counted for 24 hours from the moment you pick it up. If you take it after 16:00, the evening is not charged — the clock starts at 9 a.m. the next day.

At Manzherok:

• scenic lift ticket — 1,200 rubles,
• tubing — from 800 rubles,
• rodelbahn — up to 3,000 rubles,
• an average daily budget — about 8,000 rubles, including ski pass, lunch and an instructor.

Children under 10 get a ski pass for free.

According to Avito Travel, for New Year’s an apartment averages 7,040 rubles per night, while a country house averages 17,830 rubles.

Insurance: why it matters

It is advisable to arrange insurance before the trip. There are no special “ski” policies, but there are options for active recreation and for more demanding formats like freeride.

Last season, most insurance cases were tied to travel within Russia — about 79%. Assistance was most often needed in Greater Sochi, Arkhyz, Dombay and Kirovsk. And it was not only slope injuries: many sought help for colds and everyday mishaps. Insurance helps set up treatment or reimburse expenses if direct payment is not possible.

How to save

The main tip is to book early: the closer to peak season, the higher the rates.

• Plan your equipment strategy in advance: transporting gear can cost extra.
• Compare rental prices in the city and at the resort — city rates can be noticeably lower.
• Consider lodging a bit away from the lifts — the price difference can be significant.
• Watch resort websites for deals: discount cards, evening ski passes, and multi-day passes.