GrelkaFest in Sheregesh: how a ski resort became a national event

Sheregesh is more than a ski resort in Kuzbass. In recent years it has become known across the country thanks to GrelkaFest. What began as a cheerful get‑together for insiders has turned into an event that draws thousands and reshapes the region’s image.

From Idea to Tradition

It all started with an unusual descent: a group of daredevils decided to close the season by hitting the slope in swimwear. Photos and videos quickly spread across social networks, and the stunt grew into an annual celebration. Over time, the descent became just one element of a broader program with contests, costumes, music, and shows.

In 2019, GrelkaFest entered Russia’s Book of Records when 1,761 people took to the slope at once. That moment put the festival on the map far beyond Siberia.

Space on the Slopes: Grelka 2025

The 2025 edition showed the format can evolve. The festival lasted only four days, yet the schedule was packed. The theme was space: light flash mobs lit up the slopes, and hundreds of participants formed the shape of a rocket using flashlights.

The runs had distinct titles: Red Carpet, Carnival, Wedding, Coming‑of‑Age, Daytime Cosmic, Nighttime Cosmic, and Pajama. During the wedding descent, seven couples registered their marriages right on the mountain, while more than 1,300 people in swimwear joined the Coming‑of‑Age run.

Over four days, Sheregesh welcomed more than 34,000 guests—not only from across Russia but also from Italy, Mexico, and Uganda.

What the Festival Gave Sheregesh

GrelkaFest has become a key piece of event tourism in Kuzbass. For the local resort, it means full hotels and busy restaurants at a time when the ski season is winding down. Thanks to the festival, Sheregesh draws a steady stream of visitors in April, a month that usually sees a lull.

Arguably, the image boost matters most. Sheregesh is now associated not only with soft, powdery snow but also with bright, unconventional happenings. Photos of costume descents and videos of illuminated night runs spread nationwide, making the resort instantly recognizable.

Upsides and Challenges

The benefits are clear: the festival brings new guests, energizes the resort, and raises its profile. Yet questions remain. With no official data on revenues and expenses, it’s hard to say exactly how much the region gains. Large visitor flows also strain roads and hotels.

Even so, one conclusion stands out: GrelkaFest has lifted Sheregesh to a new level. It’s no longer just a place to ski; it’s a stage for a vivid cultural event known across Russia.

What Comes Next

Organizers speak about developing the festival and trying new formats. Expectations are that Grelka will grow larger and more diverse while preserving its core strength—the ability to deliver emotions people often miss in everyday life.

Sheregesh has already changed because of the festival. The real test now is whether GrelkaFest can cement that success and continue not only to entertain visitors but also to support the region’s development.