Anyone who began to plan their vacation can very well choose from a variety of options a winter vacation in Russia. And if the prices for a trip to the tropics are now too high for many, then their free time can be spent splendidly in the vastness of our vast country. Fortunately, there are plenty of tourist destinations in Russia.
But before stopping on the most interesting and affordable option of the vacation route, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the places in our country where, judging by the numerous reviews, winter vacations will be bright, unforgettable, and will help to improve health, which is especially important for residents of many cities that distinguished by a not-so-good ecology.
Krasnodar region
Where to go on holiday in the winter in Russia? Recently, the hospitable land of the Krasnodar Territory has become increasingly popular. It pleases its guests in the summer and gives a lot of impressions in the winter. Spent time in these parts will have a positive impact on health and restore working capacity.
Rest in the winter in the Krasnodar Territory offers many resorts located here. During this period, various types of treatment are available in them: water, sea salt and air. You can come here with children. Animation teams and experienced teachers will engage in leisure activities for young guests.
Reviews of numerous guests of the Kuban argue that in winter no one is bored here. You just need to choose the most interesting place for yourself.
For tourists interested in history, the Krasnodar Territory offers a large number of attractions that can be found in every district of this region. Those who prefer active holidays in ski resorts are advised to visit recreation centers in winter (photos can be seen below) of Krasnaya Polyana and Lago-Naki.
Let's get to know them better.
Krasnaya Polyana
Where can I choose a place to stay in the winter? Of course, in Sochi! An unforgettable experience for every person will certainly leave a village located in the Adler district, in the valley of the Mzymta river. This place is considered unique. After all, Krasnaya Polyana (that is the name that this settlement bears) is located not far from the Caucasus Range and forty kilometers from the Black Sea coast.
In 1924, a recreation center first appeared here. But this place became especially popular after the Sochi Olympics. Today Krasnaya Polyana is considered the best, but at the same time one of the most expensive ski resorts in Russia, where guests can stay in beautiful hotels and spend their time comfortably thanks to a well-developed infrastructure.
Holiday in winter in Sochi every year chooses more and more tourists. And Krasnaya Polyana is pleased with its guests, whom it can receive up to 20 thousand daily.
Winter holidays in Sochi are preferred by many Russians. The place where Krasnaya Polyana is located also attracts them. It is surrounded by the National Park and the Biosphere Reserve. Often, due to the subalpine nature here, the resort is called "Russian Switzerland."
Winter holidays in Sochi are to many's liking and because of the weather conditions of this area. In the coldest period, the thermometer’s column does not fall below 10 degrees of frost here, but, as a rule, its values are in the range from 0 to -5. January is considered the coldest in Krasnaya Polyana. February is replete with snowfalls. Moreover, in the last winter month there are practically no winds.
Snow cover in Krasnaya Polyana begins to form since December. Subsequently, it sometimes reaches 7 m. The snow in this area is special - it lies light and fluffy almost until the end of March. And this is also worth keeping in mind for those who prefer to come to Sochi in the winter for a vacation (photo of the ski resort is presented below).
Krasnaya Polyana receives the most tourists on New Year's, as well as on Christmas holidays. However, the Sochi resort offers not only skiing. In winter, you can go on various excursions, visiting museums and famous sources of mineral waters, of which there are 126 in these places.
Many tourists leave excellent reviews about the large entertainment center "Galaxy". Bowling is especially popular here, in which eight tracks are built and the space design pleases the eye.
To diversify their holidays in winter (photos can be seen below), travelers will be able to visit the aquarium, dolphinarium, Olympic Park and an ostrich farm. In addition, the resort offers excursions to Abkhazia or Mount Akhun.
Fans of nightlife will not be bored in Sochi. There are many clubs and bars for them.
Lago-Naki
Winter holidays attract many tourists with the opportunity to ride on a sled, ski and snowmobile. All this allows for some time to forget about the bustle of the city and life problems. Do not be upset, and those who do not know how to snowboard and ski. In the mountains, there are many instructors who can help vacationers in this matter. There are also in Lago-Naki. This modern ski resort is located in the Absheron region. There is everything for a comfortable and unforgettable pastime. These are ski slopes of different difficulty levels, and well-designed skiing and recreation areas.
The winter season at this resort opens in November, and it lasts until April. What attracts tourists to this area? Numerous reviews about Lago-Naki suggest that there is surprisingly clean air and incredible beauty of winter landscapes.
Anyone who has decided to choose this ski resort for their holidays can always stay at a tourist base or at a hotel.
Hot key
What other places in the Krasnodar Territory attract lovers of winter holidays? Judging by the reviews of those who have repeatedly visited these places, many people plan their vacations in the cold season, in order to visit the Goryachiy Klyuch resort with their family or friends. Rest in the winter here is by no means worse than that offered in hot countries. And this despite the lack of beaches and the sea. The fact is that Goryachiy Klyuch is a universal drinking and balneological resort due to the healing springs with mineral water located here. There are more than ten of them here. Water is used for drinking treatment, as well as for baths.
One of the options for recreation and leisure in winter is thermal springs. Since ancient times, water, the temperature of which ranges from +42 to +60 degrees, is considered a universal medicine that allows you to get rid of many ailments. Water, which has a complex chemical composition, has a beneficial effect on the human body, starting all the processes necessary for normal functioning.
Great Ustyug
This fabulous city located in the east of the Vologda Oblast is associated with the New Year by many. Here is the residence of Santa Claus himself.
Veliky Ustyug is a place that is perfect for relaxing in the winter with children. This is a city-reserve, surrounded by dense forests, pleasing with its clean air.
Veliky Ustyug offers travelers the opportunity to get acquainted with a variety of architectural monuments that have considerable historical significance.
The most popular place in the city is the Cathedral Courtyard. This is a unique complex of temples located on the left bank of the Sukhona River. All buildings located here were erected from the 17th to the 19th centuries. and are considered examples of urban development of Ancient Russia. All the buildings of the Cathedral courtyard are in perfect harmony with each other and make this place very picturesque.
There is a museum in Veliky Ustyug dedicated to the history of this region. Among its exhibits are weapons and household items from the 12th to 20th centuries.
Judging by the reviews, city guests are happy to visit the famous Velikoustyugskie Uzory factory. Its products are birch bark products, decorated with all kinds of carvings, patterns and paintings. Within the walls of the factory, visitors are invited to purchase various caskets and baskets, boxes and cutting boards, decorative plates, etc.
And, of course, those who prefer to rest with children in winter in Veliky Ustyug will certainly visit the residence of Santa Claus. Reviews of her confirm that this is an amazingly fabulous place in which the kindest Grandfather in the world lives. And it is interesting to visit the residence not only for small tourists. Adults who are so charged with the atmosphere of magic and the festive mood of the Great Ustyug that they return to their childhood for a while also respond perfectly to this place.
On the territory of the residence is Santa Claus Post, there is a cafe offering national dishes, various playgrounds, a real village, a souvenir shop and guest houses.
You can come here not only during the New Year holidays. The residence of Santa Claus is open to all comers at any time of the year. Nevertheless, most travelers tend to get here in the winter. However, judging by the reviews of tourists, there are not very many hotels in the city. That is why it is recommended to take care of where to stay in Veliky Ustyug in advance.
Karelia
Where in Russia can rest in winter be compared to a real snow fairy tale? Of course, in Karelia. This republic is beautiful in any season of the year, however, rest in Karelia in winter becomes especially interesting and fascinating.
What is offered to tourists here in the snowy season? The most popular among Karelian holidaymakers are dog sledding. They are loved not only for having fun in the frosty fresh air. It is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the hardy and kind sled dogs. Tourists here can learn to harness, as well as manage the sleigh, going with the breeze through the endless expanses of snow or through the winter forest.
Lovers of great speeds are offered snowmobiling. This entertainment is also an integral part of winter recreation in Karelia.
Well-trained physically tourists are offered tours of the protected lakes and forests of Paanajärvi Park. Here is the highest point of Karelia - Mount Nuorunen (580 m). Anyone who can conquer it will have a breathtaking and magnificent view of the landscapes surrounding the peak.
Those who wish to relax in silence are invited to visit winter fishing. Unlike summer, it has its undeniable advantages. In winter, you can fish in places where it was not available in the absence of ice. At this time of the year, fishermen get a lot of zander and pike, salmon and trout, and other fish from the holes.
Winter Karelia and hunting lovers are also attracted. This season, you can bring capercaillie, black grouse, partridge, as well as a hare, a fox, and even an elk or a wild boar here as a trophy.
Those who prefer romantic trips, in the village of Derevyannoye, located 30 km from Petrozavodsk, are invited to take a balloon. From a bird's eye view, tourists will be able to appreciate the beauty of the winter Karelian nature.
Judging by the reviews of vacationers, many of them choose a route that involves a tour to the Holy Island of Valaam. Here, from the village of Velikaya Guba, you can go to Kizhi on a hovercraft. This is an open-air museum offering to admire the masterpieces of wooden architecture.
Snowshoeing is also popular in Karelia. These are small devices, with the help of which hiking on the snow-covered paths of the winter forest is greatly facilitated.
The residence of the local Grandfather Frost - Pakkine is also located in Karelia. Here, every year on December 1, everyone can become spectators of the Olonets Games. Santas gather to take part in them from all over Russia to try their hand at various competitions, among which is throwing felt boots.
Crimea
What could be the option of an inexpensive winter vacation in Russia? Yalta is able to surprise its fans. Her visit will present tourists with good weather, uninhabited embankments and low prices. It is at this time of year that you can enjoy leisurely excursions to museums and palaces, as well as long walks. These winter activities are the main ones.
As for boat trips, then, most likely, they will be inaccessible to guests of the Crimea. But they can be replaced by climbing Ai-Petri Mountain and a walk through the botanical garden in Nikita. Not far from Yalta is the Livadia Palace. At one time, it was a resting place for the family of Nicholas II. The palace has a unique decoration and is known as the place where the famous Yalta Conference was held. Judging by the reviews of tourists, it will be interesting to visit other attractions of the peninsula as part of various excursions.
So, after getting acquainted with Yalta and Alushta, it is recommended to visit such Crimean cities as Theodosia and Sudak, Kerch and Koktebel, Yevpatoriya and Sevastopol, Bakhchisaray and Simferopol.
It will be interesting to get acquainted with the Vorontsov and Masandra palaces, with the Bakhchisarai fountain, which was once sung by Pushkin, with the Lighthouse Church - the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra, on the basement of which there is a museum of marine disasters.
In the winter, before the onset of spring floods, experienced tourists recommend seeing the Wuchang-Su and Jur-Jur waterfalls. Until the snow began to melt profusely in the mountains, they look very impressive.
Moscow region
Is it obligatory to go to the Swiss Alps on a snowy winter or enjoy the splendor of the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory? Judging by the numerous reviews of vacationers, you can have a great time in the suburbs. Moreover, residents and guests of the capital will only need to drive away from the Moscow Ring Road for a dozen kilometers. And that’s all. You can enjoy your vacation in winter.
In the suburbs invites guests to the tourist resort and sports park "Volen", which resembles Switzerland, but only in miniature. It has all the necessary equipment for lovers of the Russian winter, who prefer outdoor activities.
Guests of the resort can stay in chalets and cozy cottages, visit boutiques and chic restaurants. Rest in the winter in the suburbs for those who visited the Volen park will be an unforgettable pastime. Three tracks are open here, the visit of which will appeal to both those who are already confidently skiing and beginners. Of the additional entertainment in the park there is a tubing, an indoor ice rink and much more. Anyone who prefers winter vacations with a pool can also come here. In the cold season, you can swim right in the open. After all, the park has a pool filled with warm water. 5 km away is the resort of Stepanovo. It is known for its rather rare for the Moscow region significant height difference of 110 m.
Unlimited opportunities for winter recreation for both adults and children are provided by the natural resort of Yakhont. It is located on the shore of Lake Kovershi, and judging by the reviews of those who have already been here, it can be considered one of the best places for families in the Moscow Region. There is a legend saying that Lake Kovershi arose after the fall of a huge meteorite. That is why the places around it have long been considered healing.
What offers vacationers this amazing resort, located near the city of Noginsk? Here you can enjoy a full range of winter activities, including quad biking, Finnish sledding, skiing and ice skating. The small zoo Russian Compound operates in the resort. Here, little vacationers get the opportunity to feed hamsters, rabbits and chickens. Zoo guests can ride horses.
But most of all enthusiastic reviews, vacationers leave about the aquamarine water park located in the resort. It has panoramic pools, a Finnish sauna, a gym, cosmetologist services, as well as a large number of wellness treatments.
Baikal
You have not yet picked up for yourself the final version of the route for winter holidays? Then pay attention to Baikal. According to information provided by Russian tour operators, the number of vacationers who prefer a trip to this huge lake is growing steadily every year.
Rest on Lake Baikal in winter is available to all categories of citizens. On the coast of the lake there are many houses and recreation centers that offer their services at affordable prices.
What is interesting for tourists to Lake Baikal? Those who intend to spend their winter vacation for the benefit of body and soul are offered skiing from Mount Sobolina, located near Baikalsk. , . , .
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