Dolgaya is a mountain located in the Sverdlovsk region on the eastern side of the middle Urals. This peak is undoubtedly a landmark of Nizhny Tagil and is located in the western part. The long one is a component of the mountain range, called the Merry Mountains. Along them runs the border, conditionally dividing Europe and Asia.
Short description and hydronym
Mountain Dolgaya (Tagil) got its name for its appearance, which has an oblong shape, which stretches from north to south. Its height at the highest point is almost 380 meters, but the lowest part is located at a 250-meter height.
This object is the main place for training and holding competitions of international and Russian levels in skiing. Ski jumps of various heights are located on it, which vary from 40 m to 120 m, and the length of the largest track is 720 m.
Although the Long Mountain is part of the ridge, it has a separate location between the valleys of the Irgin and Zyurz rivers. Near the mountain is a village, about 6 km. Also interesting is the fact that the hill has a greenish and pockmarked hue due to the quartzediorites that make up its base.
Snow in these places falls already in September, forming a permanent cover that lasts until late spring, depending on weather conditions. But even in June, you can find small patches of ice on peaks or crevices.
Slope relief
Each slope has its own canopy, and the most even is the southern descent with meadows located in the lowlands, but the northern, on the contrary, is steeper. The steepest is the western descent. It is distinguished by rocky ledges. The eastern slope is a combined slope that is ideal for the ski slopes laid here.
Description of the object in the sources
Dolgaya Mountain (Nizhny Tagil) is mentioned in various sources since the 19th century. There is information about the location of an iron mine near the mountain, and it is also told about the appearance of the object. The document says that the mountain has gentle slopes, covered with spruce and pine trees, with a domed peak. There is also a description of the nearby territory, and it is mentioned that the mountain is divided into the 1st and 2nd.
Vegetable world
The Long Mountain is a botanical natural monument, on the territory of which there is a rich flora and fauna. Since rare plants grow in its open spaces, in particular, rabbit grass, or spring adonis.
The plant world is represented mainly by coniferous forest that grows over the entire area, with the exception of the location of the tracks and sports bases, that is, the very top and a small place on the eastern slope.
From a distance, Dolgaya looks like it was covered with forests with a continuous carpet, but in fact it is not. On its slopes there are rocky walls with a dilapidated appearance. There are also small placers of stones that look chaotic, but can reach 2 m.
Forests consist of conifers, such as pine, fir, spruce; Cedar forests, aspen or birch may fall. The lower cover is represented by various herbs and low shrubs, as well as an abundance of moss and lichen. At the top there are stunted trees with curved trunks due to strong winds.
Animal world
Dolgaya Mountain (Nizhny Tagil) is not very diverse fauna. But still there are various animals. The main representatives are the inhabitants of the taiga, such as elk, lynx, bear. Also in these places live wolves. Squirrels, roe deer, and hares come across in the forest thickets, and foxes and ermines are considered the most common in these regions. From birds there are black grouse, hazel grouse, capercaillie. In open areas you can meet snakes.
Tourism
Dolgaya Mountain is a popular place not only among the local population, who loves spending weekend days on ski slopes, but also among beginner athletes, as well as youth teams. It is in this place where you can meet a large concentration of tourists who come here in order to improve their health and take a break from the bustle of the city.
In 2014, a large-scale reconstruction of all routes and ski jumps was carried out, after which tourism on this hill became especially relevant and in demand. On the territory of the mountain complex are modern hotel complexes, a stadium for competitions, various ski jumps that differ not only in height but also in difficulty level, as well as the place to rent sports equipment. Everything is done here with an emphasis on comfort. If desired, you can go up to the jumps by taking a walk or using the cable car.
In the summer, when there is no snow cover, on the territory of the mountain you can find entertainment on the playgrounds, which allow you to play futsal, tennis, basketball. It is also proposed to shoot on plates or ride on the ski-roller track, which has a length of 2.5 km.
How to get there
The long mountain has many advantages, one of which is its geographical location. It is not difficult to find it, as it is located in the city of Nizhny Tagil. Sports facilities can be reached by car or using public transport. The city has a railway and bus station, and the airport is also located nearby, so you can come from anywhere in the country if you wish.