Alpine skiing has never been the cheapest pleasure, but in the coming season, really few will be able to afford a trip to the Alps. Most athletes will have to give preference to Russian ski resorts. However, why will it be necessary? Mountainous Russia is fraught with many advantages, which sometimes even the most sophisticated tourists do not think about.
First of all, wherever you decide to go - to Krasnaya Polyana or to the Elbrus region - you do not need a visa. And this means, firstly, savings of about 2,500 rubles, and secondly, the freedom to plan a vacation as and when and when you want - regardless of the timing of obtaining a passport and an interview at the consulate.
The road will also be cheaper, especially if you prefer the train or are not too lazy to look for promotions on air tickets. It is possible that you can save money on accommodation, unless, of course, you go to Krasnaya Polyana. On the other hand, there you can get a service that is indistinguishable from European in everything, except for the ability to speak your native language. Another advantage of Krasnaya Polyana is its subtropical climate, which almost always guarantees high snow cover, ideal for skiing.
By the way, most of the Russian tracks are processed by snow groomers, which means that the snow is dense and even enough to develop high speeds. No wonder the classic asked: "What Russian does not like driving fast?" But freeriders, skiers and snowboarders will not remain disappointed either - experts say that the fluffiest snow is in the Caucasus.
Holidays at home allows you to precisely adjust the percentage of exoticism for which you are ready. All resorts of the Elbrus region, for example, are located on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Khychyn (bun with a filling), ayran (fermented milk drink), jau-baur (lamb shish kebab wrapped in fat) - you can almost endlessly list the specialties of local cuisine. But if you suddenly miss more familiar treats, it will be much easier to find them than, for example, in Switzerland.
Finally, since we are comparing Russian and foreign resorts, we cannot forget Cheget - the mountain where winter sports fans come from all over the world to enjoy skiing on the unique slopes. Yes, beginners on solid black tracks and freeride territory have nothing to do. But for those who dream of exploits, uncompromising challenges and victory over themselves, go to Cheget (thanks to the heights and dry winds, the season here lasts from November to May) is a must.
Wherever you go, it is important to never forget about safety issues. Do not ride alone on avalanche slopes, do not experiment with tracks for which you are objectively not ready … These are all obvious rules. But do not forget about insurance, and not only medical insurance.
A comprehensive package, such as the "Winter Sport" program from INTOUCH, should serve as a kind of OSAGO, only for skiers, not motorists, i.e. insure liability to third parties, if during skiing, harm to their health or property is unintentionally caused. It is also important to protect your own property - if the skis are stolen or broken, you will at least receive compensation. They say that nature does not have bad weather, but if the conditions do not allow skiing, it is simply impossible to agree with this statement. The Winter Sports package will cover all expenses if the slopes are closed due to bad weather, as well as expenses for a ski / snowboard school, ski passes and sports equipment rental if they were not available due to injury or illness.
The latter brings us back to the advantages of Russian resorts. It should be admitted that winter sports are traumatic, and if an unpleasant situation suddenly arises, it is always easier to explain with the doctor in your native language. On the other hand, choosing the right insurance and conditions, observing the basic rules and going on the road in a good mood, most likely you will have a great rest. What we wish you!
