We open the ski season: where it is better to go skiing

The ski season for domestic lovers of this winter fun will certainly take place – but it will definitely not be the same. And not only because all sorts of Alpine “courchevels” are not expected this winter, but also because of the kindness of some neighbors.

We find out the details from those who intend to take advantage of this kindness.

Everyone who does not miss the ski seasons has already heard a lot: friendly neighbors made offers to skiers with a red passport that are difficult to refuse. If only because they are 50% cheaper than all the same, but in their native Sochi.

“Besides, in the Russian Federation there are only one or two “real” ski oases arranged according to all the rules, which dooms them to eternal pandemonium and high prices,” an amateur skier with 30 years of experience explains his position. – And there are as many as 7 countries with beautiful high mountains.

Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus are ready to accept Russians at their ski resorts this winter at a reasonable price – they have already officially notified the Association of Tour Operators of Russia about this.

– But why are they, as you say, half the price of domestic ski resorts?! – I’m interested in a metropolitan travel agency that is preparing to sell package tours for skiers. Maybe their equipment is outdated? Or is it an avalanche area?

– If the country is visa-free for Russians, and this is all of those who made such an offer to us, except for Iran, then a ski tour will cost 30-50% cheaper than in Krasnaya Polyana. There are no secrets here: there is only one Krasnaya Polyana, and there are many who like to rush down the mountain with a breeze in winter. For the New Year holidays, for example, Sochi slopes are already twice as expensive as foreign ones. For example, we have a week with a flight to Dizin (the largest ski resort in Iran, 2.5 hours by car from Tehran, many consider it the best in the region in terms of price / quality ratio – author) from 60 thousand rubles for two, and to Krasnaya Polyana for the New Year, the price starts from 150 thousand rubles.

True, in fairness, travel agents stipulate that not all host companies and hotels have set their prices for the beginning of the season, but it is still clear that they cannot “surpass” Krasnaya Polyana in this sense.

– What exactly can confuse you in the proposals of the eastern neighbors? – I find out from an experienced Russian skier, who has seen almost all the popular slopes of the world over the decades of his hobby.

– Many names of ski fans of my age evoke good nostalgia. For example, the Kazakh Chimbulak. Amateurs skied there back in Soviet times, which means that the resort has a history – that is, it is not just slopes with lifts in the middle of a mountain range, but a cozy oasis, over the years of its existence, has acquired all the necessary infrastructure and culture of skiing. Not to mention the experience of the structures serving the resort. But it’s not the cheapest either. I have already asked the price: a week for two – from 140 thousand rubles.

What does “skating culture” mean?

– You see, from the point of view of the mountains themselves, all these places are beautiful. The only downside can be insufficient experience and developments as a ski resort.

– Do you mean safety for the guests?

– That’s the first thing. But I think that all of the listed inviting parties are all right with this. But there are also details related specifically to the quality and culture of skating. For example, the elevation difference, which provides a large selection of slopes: from blue – the simplest, for children, to black, capable of providing adrenaline to experienced skiers.

– But the mountains are high everywhere!

– Exactly, that’s why arranging various elevation changes in one place is a huge investment. And the infrastructure is not only a good hotel near the track and cafes at every height, but also après-ski (after skiing – fr.) – skier’s leisure. Resorts with history, such as, for example, French, Italian and Austrian, are cozy towns where the tracks, so to speak, are a city-forming enterprise. Everything is there for fans of this sport, which is a kind of community culture that has been profiting not for years, but for decades. For example, in a European winter resort there are many shops specifically for skiers – special hats, gloves, goggles and more. The announced events are designed for those who spent the first half of the day on the mountain. All entertainment is themed – thermal baths, night skiing and so on. Nothing distracts, everything is subordinated to the interests of the one who came to ride, and to rest only in the time left from skiing. However, if a resort has long been in demand within its own country, the culture of this type of winter leisure can already be developed by it. And if it’s still just beautiful nature plus cool equipment, it’s not a resort yet, experienced skiers will go there just for the sake of savings.

– That is, for a person in skiing, image is everything?

– For a skier, mountains are everything. And those who are nearby on the mountain, the contingent – this is also important. But all this is nothing compared to the equipment. After all, in order for the tracks to be not only convenient and safe, but also exciting for guests with different levels of skiing, you need a lot of things, including very expensive equipment, which is produced only in those countries where there are long-standing skiing traditions. For example, snow groomers (snow-compacting machines for leveling tracks – author), snow cannons, equipment for ski lifts. In recognized European resorts, all this is not repaired, but is updated every 2-3 years, which, by definition, is very expensive. Yes, and the equipment for skiers. What we rent in European resorts always looks new, as rental equipment from skis, poles and boots to goggles is disposed of every 2 years and replaced with new ones. And it’s all produced mainly in Europe, paid in euros and not cheap, which is why skiing is considered a “hobby for the rich.” If our eastern neighbors, who do not have such a long tradition of skiing down the mountains as their western ones, have adopted everything, and even kept it within the price, they are guaranteed the deepest respect and high attendance from all Russian lovers of this business.