Do you want to visit a stunning place where the snow-white mountains, illuminated by the sun, combine with the blue expanses of a magnificent lake? You do not need to go abroad, because in Russia there is the famous ski resort "Sable Mountain" (Baikalsk). Prepare skis, snowboards and go on the road. This recreation center begins to work very early, as soon as the air temperature drops to -10 degrees. The lack of precipitation is not a problem, snow cannons will cover the slopes with an even white layer.
Where is
Sobolinaya Gora Resort (Baikalsk) is located in Eastern Siberia. From the city of Irkutsk you have to travel 150 km. It is here, on the southern coast of Lake Baikal, that the Khamar-Daban mountain range is located. The majestic landscapes of the mountainsides and the beautiful lake have a wonderful rest. Fresh air helps speedy recovery.
It is not necessary to be a professional skier to visit the Sobolinaya Gora resort (Baikalsk). Many tracks are designed specifically for those who are just beginning to comprehend this beautiful sport. City dwellers come to the snowy peaks sometimes just to get some fresh air and admire the beautiful surroundings.
How to get to the place
You can choose one of the most convenient routes for you, which will allow you to get to the Sobolinaya Gora resort (Baikalsk). When driving out of Irkutsk by private car, use the M55 highway. After about an hour and a half, you will see a large banner inviting you to visit the ski resort. Entrance to the territory is paid - 100 rubles from each car.
You can also get from the city by minibus, which will take you to the place in just 2.5 hours. The fare is 250 rubles one way. If you have a sufficient supply of time, then you can use the train. The road will take about 4 hours, the fare to the city of Baikalsk is 100 rubles.
An electric train runs from Angarsk to the ski base, the fare is 120 rubles, and from the station to the base is about 2 km, which can be walked or taken by taxi. Most recently, a bus started from the city station that takes you directly to the base.
Residence
Not only for one day, but for any other period you can come to the resort in Baikalsk, "Sable Mountain." The Baikal Hotel will receive and comfortably accommodate guests with maximum comfort. It is favorably located 500 meters from the lake, within the city. Rooms include economy apartments and suites. But this is not the only place where you can comfortably settle down. Often, tourists choose the wooden town "Rus" for living, it is for those who love peace and quiet. Here you will find 5 log cottages, made in the style of Russian architecture from pine. Each is designed for 4 people, the house has everything you need, and next to the picnic area and a real Russian bath. Chalet "Sable Mountain" is perfect for both winter and summer holidays. In the warm season there is the opportunity to settle in a tent on special sites.
Nutrition
Almost every visiting tourist cherishes dreams of aromatic kebabs. The zones that are present on the territory of the resort base "Sable Mountain" (Irkutsk) are specially equipped, allowing them to be realized. The hotel has a cozy bar, which is ready to provide guests with a huge selection of various dishes. In addition to Siberian and European cuisine, here you can taste unique dishes prepared from Baikal omul. If you come for one day, then you can take something to eat with you. A thermos with tea is very useful.
Infrastructure
This is not just a ski resort, but a large, developed resort called "Sable Mountain". A map, which you can find at the checkout, shows you all the available routes with their characteristics. It remains only to make a choice in accordance with their level of skill. For those who arrived in their car, there is a guarded parking lot. A sports store will allow you to buy or rent any equipment. The resort offers not only attractive slopes, but also a sports and leisure center. It includes a swimming pool, sauna, gym. The hotel has a wellness center. Gyms, an ice rink and a Russian bath complete a wide range of services.
Vacation with children
Tourists leave very warm reviews about the time spent here. "Sable Mountain" is a place where you can relax with the whole family. If you like hiking, you can take part in the educational excursion “My Baikal”. It combines hiking, water and horse riding routes and will be interesting to everyone without exception. Do you want to fly over the majestic slopes like a bird and admire the endless azure of Lake Baikal? Then the whole family go for a funicular ride. The triple chairlift provides an opportunity to take a bird's eye view of the surroundings of Southern Baikal.
In summer, there are children's health camps. For children, they conduct special tours in the vicinity of Lake Baikal. If you came to rest with your child, but he cannot take part in the entertainment program, then you can leave him in the children's play room, where the teacher works. There is a children's cafe on the territory where a special menu is provided.
Track Characteristics
On the eastern and western slopes there is an extensive network of routes. Here everyone will be able to find for himself a suitable one that fully meets his skills and abilities. If you are skiing for the first time, then welcome to the training, short and gentle slopes. Having mastered this art a little, you can proceed to the Eastern route. Its length is 2300 meters, it is not too steep, while the slope is constantly changing. Given the category of skiers, the track expands to steeper sections and narrows to gentle.
The western route is the world of mid-level skiers. The track is very interesting, it is smooth and wide at first, and then it is divided into two sleeves - very steep for trained skiers and a roundabout, with a gentle slope. If the mastersto has reached a good level, you can go to the Klim highway. Its width is 30 meters, while the long descent with a slope of 43 degrees lasts until the middle of the path. The West Ridge is a very difficult track that is suitable only for the most experienced skiers. It is narrow, has a complex relief, its length is 2400 meters.
More likely as entertainment than as a real sport, tubing tracks can be considered. These are gutters well-packed with artificial snow, through which you can make a very high-speed descent - in 55 seconds.
The complex is served by 8 lifts. Passage to them is carried out using plastic cards, or, as it is customary to say today, ski passes. For evening skating there are well-lit tracks, mainly for simple, gentle slopes.
Cost of rest
Russians have many reasons to visit Baikalsk. "Mount Sobolinaya" prices are maintained at an average level, accessible to most tourists. At the peak of the season, the cost of a daily subscription is 1,500 rubles, for half a day (5 hours) - 850 rubles. But on the advice of experienced travelers, you can go for a ride closer to spring. You will be pleased with the bright sun and warm weather, as well as significantly reduced prices, 950 rubles for the whole day and 500 for half.
Reviews
Tourists say that "Sable Mountain" is a great place to relax, and it is good here all year round. Experienced travelers are advised to come to ride on the slopes from March to May, at which time the prices are the lowest. In addition, it is better to take a half-day ticket. Five hours is often enough to get on the road, and going up the track for longer so that the payment is not wasted, you risk getting hurt, as fatigue interferes with good coordination. In general, all reviews agree that the resort is very good, not too expensive and has a sufficient arsenal of funds to organize excellent leisure.