How to relax / 29.12.2023

Ski resort Kirovsk. Let's go skiing to the Khibiny Mountains, Kirovsk is waiting for you Khibiny Ski Complex

The Khibiny Mountains, the largest mountain range of the Kola Peninsula (Kirovsk), annually attracts streams of tourists who want to enjoy the magnificent scenery, climb or engage in their favorite sports, for which the Khibiny Mountains have all the conditions. Comfortable hotels and hostels, ski resorts and camp sites and, of course, amazingly beautiful nature - everything here is created in order to temporarily break away from the noisy metropolis and enjoy your vacation.
The ski season is considered to be from December until almost the end of May. An influx of guests with skis in their hands is also observed in the first week of the New Year. The best time to travel to Kirovsk is March. Be careful with the "green" trails on the City (Northern) slope - they are in a potentially avalanche-prone area).

In Kirovsk, there are as many as four inhabited spots for the joys of skiing. These are the Northern (“KolaSportLand”) and Southern (“Big Woodyavr”) slopes of Mount Aykuaivenchorr, Mount Kukisvumchorr and the recently opened track in the city itself, “KhibinySnowPark”.
So, first on the list is the most famous ski area in Kirovsk - the Northern slope of Mount Aikuaivenchorr ("head of the mother of God" in Sami, "Sleeping Beauty" in the Russian version). On the left you can see the “Southern” lift, so this is just the name of the lift, do not confuse it with the Southern slope. The Southern Slope can be reached either by car around the mountain, or by taking a chairlift to the top.

The main advantages of the Northern slope are accessibility (from the center to the ski lifts it takes about 20 minutes on foot), the variety of terrain, 4 drag lifts (there used to be 6, “Bukashka” and “Nord” are not working now) and one chairlift, which means that there are queues here if there are, they are not the same as in Yuzhny. True, the chairlift operates very rarely, only in calm weather, because a light snowstorm below is a snowstorm at the top. In addition, the lift has been standing since ancient times of the Soviet Union, so you can climb it only at your own peril and risk. There have been accidents in the history of chairs due to a broken cable. However, the brave winners of mountain steeps are not afraid of the dangers of the climb; there are always enough people who want to go skiing just like that, without skis. You can ride there and back without even leaving your chair - the ticket price includes both ascent and descent. There is a slope for beginners, tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, two jumps, but you shouldn’t jump from them - as a result of an error when choosing a place for the jumps, all lovers of jumps in flight are strongly blown sideways by the wind.

Unfortunately, in recent years the City Slope has been gradually falling into disrepair. As a rule, only two lifts operate at the same time, plus sometimes a “chair”; in the spring, a third one, “Latvia”, is sometimes included. Typically, the ski complex begins to operate at the end of December after passing the permitting commission. The lifts are old and every year the question of opening is a hot topic. There are global plans to unite the Northern and Southern slopes into one ski complex, but these are plans for the future, and for now we have to ski on what is available.

On the Internet there is still a legend about a bar at the top, with a fireplace and magnificent views of the mountains and the city. Don’t get your hopes up - the bar has sunk into oblivion, but if you freeze in a snow cloud in the icy wind and regret a hundred times that you sat on this chair, the caretakers upstairs will let you warm up.
Near the Yuzhny ski lift there is sometimes a trail for extreme sports enthusiasts. The length of most trails for those who have left the dummies category is 1.5 - 2 km. You can take skating lessons from an instructor for 700 rubles per hour. There are two rentals for skis, snowboards and sleds. After riding, you can go to the bar on the second floor of the complex. But there is little choice there. The cost of a cup of coffee with Snickers is about 50 rubles. The lifts operate until 17:00 (usually); in the off-season, 1-2 lifts operate simultaneously, no more. Some enthusiasts manage to climb the slopes after the prescribed time on snowcats.

The distance between Moscow and Khibiny, if you travel by car, will be 1340 kilometers. There are several ways that tourists usually get to Khibiny. You can take a train to the city of Apatity (the trip will take a whole day), and then take a bus or taxi to the base you need. You will fly to Murmansk for only two hours, and from there you can also take a bus to Kirovsk. Khibiny Airport is a 40-minute drive from Kirovsk, with regular flights to St. Petersburg and Moscow. More airlines fly to the Murmansk airport - Rossiya, Nord Avia, UTair, RusLine, etc.

How to get there from Moscow, St. Petersburg and the cities of the Northwestern Federal District (V. Novgorod, Petrozavodsk, Murmansk, Vologda, Cherepovets, Arkhangelsk)

From Moscow:

There are daily flights to Khibiny Airport from Domodedovo from 6,450 rubles per season. If you take care of this earlier, you can find air tickets at a lower price.

By train from Moscow to the city of Apatity you can get from 1 day to 7 hours. A reserved seat ticket costs from 1,750 rubles, a compartment from 3,600. From Moscow to Apatity, 2 trains depart every day from the Leningradsky railway station and every other day 1 train from Kursky (follows from Belgorod).

On the tutu website, as well as on Russian Railways, when purchasing online, points are accumulated for tickets, which can be used for future purchases. You can also buy air tickets on tutu and also receive bonus points. By the way, we got to Apatity with bonus points in the compartment. And then we took a minibus to Kirovsk. More on this below.

From Saint-Petersburg:

2 trains depart daily from Ladozhsky railway station to Apatity at prices starting from 1235 rubles in a reserved seat car, from 2740 rubles in a compartment. The journey from St. Petersburg to Apatit takes 21-23 hours, plus another 40 minutes by minibus to Kirovsk (see schedule below). You can check the schedule, buy a ticket and receive bonuses for train tickets.

Flights depart daily to Khibiny Airport from Pulkovo (St. Petersburg) with prices starting from 6,100 rubles. .

From Veliky Novgorod:

You can get to the Apatity railway station by direct train, it runs once every 3 days and runs from Minsk to Murmansk. Ticket prices from 1300 (reserved seat), 3600 rub. (coupe). The only downside is that it both departs and arrives at night.

The second option is to get to Malaya Vishera or Okulovka and take the passing Moscow train, which is mentioned above. The travel time is just over a day, the price for a reserved seat starts from 1250 rubles. Plus, of course, transport to M. Vishera from 250 rubles or to Okulovka from 350 rubles per bus or minibus.

- From PetrozavodskThe train takes 15-19 hours to Apatity.
  Runs 3-4 times a day: reserved seat from 950 rubles, coupe from 2100 rubles.

From Murmansk to Apatit and/or Kirovsk you can get by train, bus or train in an average of 3-4.5 hours.Prices in a seated carriage start from 380 rubles, in a reserved seat car from 500 rubles, on an electric train from 260 rubles per ticket, buses from 350.

The train from Vologda to Apatity takes 24 hours, a reserved seat costs 1300, a compartment from 3000 rubles.
You can only get from Cherepovets by plane from 12 thousand one way.
Trains run from Arkhangelsk every other day, ticket prices in a seated carriage start from 950, in a reserved seat carriage from 1050, in a compartment carriage from 2100. The journey takes 21 hours.

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How to get from Apatity-Kirovsk airport to the city

By bus N 130 on the route Kukisvumchorr microdistrict - Kirovsk - Apatity airport (Khibiny).

Airport schedule: daily - 9:00, 16:40; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday - 15:00;

from the airport daily at 12:00, 19:00, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at 17:50.

The fare from Kirovsk to the airport is 250 rubles, from Apatity 150 rubles.

Route and stops: Kukisvumchorr - Kirova street - school No. 2 - Tirvas (10 minutes after departure, parking 5 minutes) - school No. 7 - lake embankment. Verkhnee - Leningradskaya (final) - Olimpiyskaya - Shopping center - Post office - Administration - Hotel "Severnaya" (35 minutes after departure, parking 5 minutes) - Hospital town - st. Solnechnaya - Lenin Square - Geologists Square - School No. 3 - Sidorenko Avenue - Khibiny Airport.

The journey from Khibiny airport to the final stop Kukisvumchorr takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Well, of course, no one canceled the taxi.

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How to get to the ski resorts of Kirovsk from Apatit

It’s not at all difficult to get from the Apatity-1 railway station to the ski resorts of Kirovsk, you can do this by direct bus N 131, although it runs only 3 times a day (for reference, departure to Kirovsk from the “Pochta” stop, see photo below) . But from the railway station you can easily get to the center of Apatit (to Geologists Square) by bus No. 8 (runs every half hour or hour, fare 30 rubles, schedule below), cross the road, turn the corner and take the opposite direction to bus N 102, 128 or minibuses N 102A, N 102B and 130, which go to Kirovsk every 10-20 minutes. In general, you can change at any other stop on the street. Bredov (“city clinic” or “school No. 3”), also cross the road and take the same routes No. 102, 102A, 102B, 128 and 130 in the opposite direction. Traveling on them costs 50 rubles. (as of 2017). If anything happens, the locals will tell you everything. Your equipment on a bus or minibus here is also unlikely to confuse anyone, because probably every second schoolchild rides here. But if you are arriving by train and there is no sign of bus No. 131 to Kirovsk, and the city bus No. 8 to the center of Apatit is also waiting for a long time, or it has just left (which all taxi drivers will probably tell you in unison), then you can take a taxi to the stop in the city where the above minibuses go to Kirovsk. A taxi will cost from 100 rubles. depending on your ability to bargain with the driver and the availability of equipment, of course. The distance to the center is only 2.5 km along the curve, so estimate the cost of travel yourself with a slight adjustment to the northern coefficient. Station taxi drivers here are not ashamed to fill up and throw noodles on their ears just like in any other city in Russia, especially during the high season. Just tell the driver that you need to go to the center and the stop where you will take a direct bus/minibus to Kirovsk. However, of course, you can also take a taxi directly to the address, it all depends solely on your wallet.

For information, departure of bus No. 131 from the Apatity1 railway station on weekdays: 06:00, 07:30, 12:55; on weekends at 07:25, 12:55, 17:10. For reference, because it is better to clarify the latest information on the Internet on the city reference resources of the specified cities or already on site.

Departure of bus No. 8 from the railway station to the center of Apatit: 6:00, 7:00, 7:30 (except weekends and holidays), 8:05, 9:15 (except weekends, etc.), 10:00 , 11:00, 13:50, 14:55, 16:00, 17:00, 20:10, 21:00, 22:00, 23:10, 23:50, 0:30 (Attention! Schedule may change Please check the current traffic schedule on the websites of the respective cities).

Buses No. 102 and 128 and minibuses No. 102A, 102B run from 5 a.m. to 0:00 a.m., every 10-25 minutes depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Schedule of routes 102A, 102B from the Pochta stop in Kirovsk.

There are 2 Resorts in Kirovsk: one in the city - Bolshoi Vudyavr (becomes Aikauaivenchorr), the second outside the city - 25 kilometers (Kukisvumchorr), where the slopes are more difficult, it is compared to Cheget.

You can get to the resort 25 kilometers by bus:

N 128 and 135 (Apatity-Kirovsk-25 km),

N 12 (Kirovsk, Leningradskaya street - Kukisvumchorr microdistrict),

N 1 (Kirovsk, Solnechnaya street - Kukisvumchorr village),

N 104 (Titan village - Olimpiyskaya St. - Kukisvumchorr).

For a detailed bus schedule to Kukisvumchorr, see the photo:

Bus schedule 104, 108, 102, 128, 131 from the stop in Kirovsk (in April 2017)

Bus schedule 102, 128, 1, 12, 131

Snow parks in the city: they are divided into Bolshoy Vudyavr (height 850), where there are northern and southern slopes. The southern one goes to Mount Aikauaivenchorr (height 1075), that is, in fact, it is all one ski park. Look carefully at the map and everything will become clear to you!

You can get from the southern slope to the northern slope by ski lifts!

A taxi from the center of Kirovsk to the southern slope costs 300 rubles, to the northern slope 150-200, around the city 100, travel on public transport 30 rubles. (in 2017).

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Trails at resorts in Kirovsk

Big Woodyavr:

The highest point is about 1075 on Mount Aykauaivenchorr, the resort has 23 slopes in total, the total length of the slopes is 25 kilometers, 5 of the 8 lifts are rope tows (and some are very fast, which is not very convenient for boarding), the rest are modern chairlifts. There are really many trails of varying length, difficulty, character and slope.

There are blue trails for beginners in Khibiny. And most importantly, they really correspond to the average level of skiing. And in general, it’s very convenient here to both study and hone your skills, in our opinion. And just ride for your own pleasure, especially in April, when the days here become relatively warm, there is a lot of sun, strong winds are no longer so frequent, and other resorts in Russia, as a rule, already finish their work and close until the next ski season. Here is the peak, the plane!

Kukisvumchorr:

The highest point is 890 meters, the drops are 520 meters, there are difficult routes with a strong slope. The lifts are rope tows only, which can be difficult for beginner snowboarders. There are a total of 6 trails with a length of 10 kilometers.

In addition to difficult trails and freeride areas, there are also training trails with a children's lift.

Most of the slopes at the resorts have additional lighting, which allows you to ski right up to darkness.

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Prices for equipment rental, ski passes

At the ski resorts of Bolshoi Vudyavr and Aykauaivenchorr, the ski lift pass is common for all slopes, both in cabins and on ski lifts.

Prices for ski lifts in Khibiny:

for adults, a one-time lift costs 300 rubles, for 4 hours - 900 rubles, daily 1400. There is a discount from day 3 - 3400 rubles, for 7 days - 5800;

for children under 12 years old and people over 60, a one-time lift is 200 rubles, for 4 hours - 700 rubles, daily 1000. The discount is valid from 2 days - 1800 rubles, for 7 days - 4500.

The table below shows in more detail the cost of ski passes by hour and number of days.

Prices for equipment rental on Bolshoi Vudyavr (official office on the northern slope):

Ski rental for an adult costs 250 rubles for 1 hour, 490 rubles for 4 hours, 690 rubles for the whole day;

Snowboard rental for an adult costs 300 rubles for 1 hour, 590 rubles for 4 hours, 830 rubles for the whole day;

full set for an adult for a day (including boots, poles, helmet) - 1380 rubles, for 3 days - 3300 rubles, for 7 days - 6240 rubles;

a complete set for a child (including boots, poles, helmet) - for 1 hour costs 300 rubles, for 4 hours - 590 rubles, for a day - 830 rubles, for 3 days - 1990 rubles, for 7 days - 3730 rubles.

For detailed information, see the table in the photo (all prices for the 2017 season):

Equipment rental offices in the Khibiny Mountains are usually open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On Olimpiyskaya Street near the northern slope there are several equipment rental offices for snowboarders and skiers.

With our partners “Go&Do” you can book equipment online with a discount of up to 50%! “Go&Do” cooperates with all ski resorts in Russia. And most importantly, you can agree on everything in advance and all that remains is to get your equipment on the spot and enjoy your vacation.

In general, you can agree on everything with them using the link. When ordering, enter the magic phrase “how-to-get” and get a personal discount!!!

Within walking distance (within a 1 km radius from the slope) you can book accommodation and save on a taxi or bus to the resorts if you are vacationing without a car. More on this below.

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How much does an instructor cost at the Khibiny ski resort:

The standard price for an individual lesson with an adult is 1,500 rubles. per hour, group lessons cost from 1200 per hour per person. Children's group classes with an instructor cost 1000 rubles. per hour per child.

The resort has a new entertainment for vacationers: zip line. You can ski at a speed of 70 km/h. Ticket price from 300 rub. The zip line track is located on the northern slope. Details in the cafe “riders bar” or on the official website.See age, height and weight restrictions.

There is a luggage storage facility on the northern slope at the equipment rental office, the price is about 100 rubles.

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Prices for lifts at the Kukisvumchorr resort:

for adults, a one-time lift is 200 rubles, for 4 hours - 800 rubles, for a day - 1200. There is a discount from day 3 - 3400 rubles, for 7 days - 5800.

Prices for equipment rental at kilometer 25:

full set for an adult for a day (including boots, poles, helmet) - 1200 rubles, for 5 days - 5000 rubles;

There is a rental of cheesecakes for 150-300 rubles/hour.

For any equipment you need to leave a deposit of 2000 rubles or a document (passport, driver's license). There are few cafes at the resorts, only at the bottom of the slopes, but they exist. Toilets are free.

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Hotels and apartments - rental housing in Kirovsk

In the city, you can book accommodation from an average of 800 rubles for a separate room or rent an apartment from 1000 rubles per day. If you have a short vacation, it is better to book a hotel directly near the resorts so as not to waste time moving around.

Accommodation options on booking. You can find housing closer to the northern slope.

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Kirovsk itself is a pleasant city. It's especially good to take a walk in the middle of winter, when the snowdrifts are as tall as a man. And most importantly, the ski season here opens quite early and ends quite late: you can ski right up until May inclusive!

Ski resorts have always been popular among domestic tourists, especially the Khibiny tour complex, which has been pleasing fans of fast driving on snow for many years.

It is considered one of the best resorts of this type in the country, so it annually welcomes thousands of grateful outdoor enthusiasts.

The region allocates a lot of money for the development of the resort, which has a positive effect on the quality of equipment, infrastructure and service - Russian skiing has become a worthy alternative to European skiing. Its popularity is explained not only by its amazing natural beauty, but also by its very affordable cost.

The fact is that the cities of Kirovsk and Apatity are located right at the foot of the mountains and you can easily rent an apartment or room there. In terms of price, it’s not that expensive, and you won’t have to go to restaurants when you have the opportunity to cook in your apartment. It is for this reason that many young people come to Khibiny.

In contact with

basic information

Some of the most important information:

Location

First of all, let's talk about where the Khibiny Mountains are located.

The mountain range called Khibiny is conveniently located in the Murmansk region on the Kola Peninsula. Most of the year it is covered with snow, which makes the mountains suitable for skiing for a long time. The main resort areas are located near the following cities: Apatity and Kirovsk, which are 200 km from Murmansk.

Official site

You can find the necessary information regarding the tourist area on the official website of the Khibiny ski resort at http://welcomekirovsk.ru/ and https://www.hibiny.today/.

How to get to Khibiny from Moscow

There are several ways to get to the ski resort.

The fastest way is to fly by plane, which regularly flies from Moscow to Apatity.

There are flights from St. Petersburg, if all tickets on the Moscow route are sold out. The flight time takes approximately 2.5 hours, and ticket prices start from 4,000 rubles. The plane arrives at Apatity airport, from where a minibus goes to Kirovsk. The travel time will take at least 40 minutes, and the ticket price will be 500 rubles. You can also get to the city by bus number 130, which awaits passengers even if the plane is delayed.

The second option is the Moscow-Murmansk flight, after which you need to transfer to bus number 209 to Kirovsk. A ticket for it costs 550 rubles, and the entire journey takes about 3 hours.

The easiest and fastest way (not counting the plane) to get from St. Petersburg to Khibiny is by car

In Khibiny, in addition to the airport, there is also a railway station, where trains from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vologda and Murmansk regularly arrive. The journey from Moscow to Khibiny will take more than a day, which is not always convenient, especially since the cost is not much lower than an air ticket - approximately 4,000 rubles for a seat in a compartment. There is a bus number 131 from the railway station to Kirovsk, but it is also possible to take a taxi.

Beginning of the season

Traditionally, the ski season in the Khibiny Mountains begins in December and ends somewhere in May.

At the same time, March is considered the best time for skiing; it is from mid-summer until the end of spring that there is the greatest influx of travelers from all over the country.

In April, hurricanes often occur, which is why the trails are closed and tourists lose rest time. Quite active and risky tourists ski in the Khibiny Mountains throughout the year, since the snow on the mountain slopes does not melt even in summer.

Note: Before planning a vacation, you need to take into account that in the Khibiny, as well as throughout the Arctic, there are white nights. This starts on December 15th and continues until the 28th. During this period, people come here not only to ski on the mountain slopes (all slopes are illuminated), but also to enjoy the most beautiful views.

Complex "Kolasportland"

One of the best ski resorts in the Khibiny Mountains begins its history in 1991, when the company of the same name was created. Since then, this organization has been holding sporting events at the international and regional level, developing ski tourism in the area and organizing tourism programs during the summer season.

In the north-west of Russia, this complex is considered a leader in organizing tourist holidays in the direction of skiing. It offers the highest mountain range in this area, the Khibiny Mountains, and the Yudychvumchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. Their altitude is approximately 1200 km above sea level and 1141 km respectively. In the first case, rope tow and chair lifts are offered, in the second case, only rope tows are offered.

There is also a hotel called “Sport”, a ski school with highly qualified specialists, equipment rental, a rescue service in case of emergency, luggage storage, parking and various cafes.

Take note: The trails are aimed at both beginners and true professionals.

Complex "Aykuayvenchorr"

This complex is located in close proximity to the city of Kirovsk. You can get here along Apatitovoe Highway on regular buses number 128, 1, 135.

The total length of the complex's slopes is almost 2,700 meters, and the throughput capacity is almost 1,000 people per hour. On the territory of the complex there are two high-speed drag lifts, a large locker room, storage lockers, various cafes, a hotel, and a special room for children, where qualified teachers work.

During polar nights there is a special backlight that allows you to ride even in the dark. There are a variety of trails, especially for beginners and professionals.

Complex "Khibiny Snow Park"

The complex is located on Mount Aykuavenchorr, along Sov Street. Constitution. The length of the slopes here is not high, about 200 meters, the length is about 30 meters, there are two rope tows.

As tourist reviews about the ski resort in Khibiny show, there are only two slopes, which are aimed primarily at children and beginners in the field of skiing.

Mount Sparrow

Sparrow Mountain is located in the village of Belorechensky.

The length of the trails in this place is 550 meters. There is a locker room on site, equipment rental, special slopes for children and teenagers, and a heated locker room. Sparrow Hill is used to train children and beginning athletes.

Accommodation in Khibiny

In the resort area there are a number of hotels of different price categories. The most popular are the following: “Northern”, “Gornitsa”, “Parkovaya”, “Sport”, “Ryabinushka” and “Khibiny”.

At the same time, in the city you can rent rooms and apartments for daily rent through an agency or through private advertisements.

Price for a holiday in Khibiny

When planning a vacation at a ski resort, be guided by the following prices: for an apartment you will have to pay from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles, but hotel rooms start at 600 rubles for the simplest option.

The price of ski passes varies from 500 rubles for 2 hours to 4500 thousand rubles for 5 days.

The cost of travel in Khibiny is as follows: a bus ticket costs 25 rubles, a taxi costs about 100 rubles in the city and 100-150 in the microdistrict.

Conclusion

Khibiny is an excellent opportunity for a good holiday at a budget price, besides, you can celebrate the New Year or celebrate a birthday here - there are all the conditions for holding a holiday.

The mountain range amazes with magnificent scenery and beautiful trails where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding. The ski resort offers training for beginners and children, excellent slopes for professionals and ski enthusiasts.

Khibiny means high quality of service, clear infrastructure and safety at all levels. You can relax in Khibiny both in winter and summer.

And now we bring to your attention some interesting photos of the resort.

I have my own view of the Khibiny Mountains, but only as part of a 2nd grade sports trip. when everyone is running and running and quickly, quickly and difficultly difficult. I think when you are a beginner rider it’s the same, you either ride, improve your skills or take a selfie at the top. And here Kate she’s already enough of a pro to combine everything)) Katya has already awakened in me the desire to go to, and this time to share my, I would say, home slope. Since the Khibiny Mountains are the closest mountains where you can ride if you live in St. Petersburg. When I say “mountains,” I mean mountains, not little mountains and pimples in the Leningrad region. So, Khibiny.

1. You are experienced “riders”. By what parameters do you usually choose a ski resort?

Proximity to place of residence, convenient transfer. Although, this is difficult to apply to the Khibiny Mountains: train or plane, then bus to Kirovsk.

2. On a ten-point scale of basic requirements, you can evaluate the quality of services in Khibiny based on the results of your stay there.

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3. How many slopes, remember? How many of them have you ridden? There are some peculiarities that are useful to know about for those who come there for the first time.

2 main slopes + the far slope called “25 kilometer”. Basically in the Khibiny rope tows are in several queues. The tracks are boring. One slope is close to the city, but if you get “stuck” due to disabled ski lifts on another slope, you can only get to the city by taxi, of which there is a catastrophic shortage at such times. And off-piste skiing impresses with its huge circuses and “pipeline”-type crevasses.

4. How much does the lift cost, if you remember? There are some discount programs, family bonuses, etc. Please share life hacks if you find them.

1500/day, I think. Ski passes can be rented for several days, which is convenient. But it’s inconvenient if the lifts are closed due to bad weather. money is not returned.

5. Is there equipment rental? Expensive?

Yes, but I don't know the price.

6. Are there Russian-speaking instructors? What is the price for classes with an instructor?

Yes, but I don't know the price.

7. Is there something for children for riding, learning and leisure?

I saw children's groups with coaches. There is a children's slope and a convenient ski lift.

8. Are there a lot of people there, for example, compared to, for example, Igora (resort in St. Petersburg) on weekends?

So many. There are always queues for everything, but this is rather a drawback of rope tows.

9. What about catering establishments? Is there a snack on the slope? Are there places where those without skis can spend time? Is it possible to sit, as in the ideal pictures about Alpine resorts, on a sun lounger with warm drinks to admire the mountains?

Not too many 🙁 there is one cafe on each slope, but there are a lot of people. And mostly they take sandwiches with them.

10. Are there restaurants and cafes for lunch, breakfast, and dinner? Is there an option not to cook in rented accommodation?

The city (Kirovsk) is full of catering establishments for every taste.

11. Are there grocery stores and shops within walking distance?

There are shops.

12. In addition to skiing, there are some winter and non-winter activities and pastime opportunities (saunas, swimming pools, spas, dog sledding, snowmobile excursions, an ice skating rink and a hockey field, etc.)

Baths, swimming pool, skating rink, kite, snowboards, cross-country skiing. The city has almost everything.

13. Is it possible to organize a cultural program for tourists? Museums or monuments? night clubs?

There are many museums, all sorts of ruins, and every year a snow town with some theme is built on a distant slope.

14. What souvenirs can I bring? For yourself and for friends? Are there places for shopping?

Magnets. And even then you can find it in few places.

15. Will you go there again? Can you name the highlight/pearl of the resort?

I'll go. Because of the company, gorgeous views, freeride and backcountry!

Photos of winter Khibiny

Snowy mountains are always beautiful. This photo shows the famous “circuses” of Khibiny. Semicircular rock formations. It is very beautiful both in summer and in winter...

Queue for the lift

In the fog.

Backcountry in Khibiny. Katya explained to me what it was) I thought it was the same as freeride, that is, riding off-piste. But it’s not just off-piste, it’s also outside the resort area. And in order to move down a mountain, you first need to climb it. In some places you have to wear crampons.

And this is also an element of the backcountry in the Khibiny Mountains.

But then this opens

And the endless beauty of the Khibiny mountains. The magic of white.

Slope map in Khibiny

Where to live while skiing in Khibiny

How to get there

The ski resort in Khibiny is located near the city of Kirovsk. And planes and trains come to Apatity, from there it’s a taxi or bus to the city.

By plane

Airplanes fly to Appatity, that's true. And it's not even very expensive.

You can also fly to Murmansk and from there take a train to Appatity.

By train

We went to Apatity by train. This is the most budget option in terms of money, but not in time. Traveling for a day and if in the summer it’s nothing, lying on a shelf reading a book and sleeping, then in the winter... I personally don’t like trains in the winter. But the cost of a ticket of a couple of thousand for a round trip is a good alternative.

By car

The guys I know get together in a big group and rent a car if they don’t have their own big one. This is also a profitable option. But it’s a long drive and it’s advisable that the driver is not alone for safety reasons and, in general, to relieve the load. I know from myself that sitting behind the wheel for a long time in winter, especially during short daylight hours, is not very easy.

The Murmansk region is located on the Kola Peninsula, and most of it is located beyond the Arctic Circle. The Khibiny mountain range occupies the very center of the Kola Peninsula. The geographical location of the region has made it a developed center for skiing and tourism. Climatic conditions allow the ski season to open in November and end at the end of May. The northern lights give the region a special charm in winter.

If you are wondering where to go skiing in Murmansk and the region, we offer you a choice of ski resorts that are definitely worth a visit.

First, we will talk about the most famous and popular resorts, which are located some distance from Murmansk, in the area of the cities of Monchegorsk, Kirovsk, Apatity, Polyarnye Zori and Kandalaksha.

1. Bolshoy Vudyavr/Kolasportland

The leader among the ski resorts of the Murmansk region is Bolshoi Vudyavr (Kolasportland). The technical condition of the tracks can be called ideal; they are maintained by modern equipment. It is not surprising that the resort has become the owner of many certificates for slalom and.

The resort is located right next to the city of Kirovsk, and you can get to the slopes by a regular bus. The complex offers slopes for both beginners and professionals; everyone will find a route that will take their breath away. There is a descent for tubing lovers. Thrill-seekers can try 2 slopes with a springboard height of 50 and 70 m. In Bolshoi Vudyavr there are 9 slopes of different difficulty levels, the maximum length of the slope is 3.4 km, and the height difference is 540 m. 6 rope tows, 1 chairlift and 1 gondola Comfortable conditions for skiing both day and night are created here. At night, 18 trails have artificial lighting.

Two tracks are equipped with artificial lighting, which allows you to ride even in the dark.

In the complex you can rent equipment, contact the service center if a breakdown occurs, and use the services of instructors.

Trails of the ski resort “Bolshoi Vudyavr”

This ski resort welcomes even small children. Toddlers can stay in the children's room under supervision, older children can begin training under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The slopes in Bolshoy Vudyavr are presented for every taste, both for beginners and professionals, there is a training slope, fun carve tracks, a snow park for freestyle and new school, as well as three untouched couloirs with incredible slopes for experts.

All trails are prepared by snowcats at the beginning of the season, which create ideal slopes for descent.

2. GLK Kukisvumchorr

The Kukisvumchorr ski resort is located in the Kukisvumchorr district of the city of Kirovsk, Murmansk region. You can get to the resort from Kirovsk and Apatity by public transport.

Scheme of slopes of the Kukisvumchor ski resort

“Kukisvumchorr” offers 6 trails of varying difficulty levels for skiers and snowboarders, incl. There is a training track with its own lift, slalom and giant slalom tracks. The elevation difference (520 m) and the terrain of the slopes are very diverse and will appeal to both beginners and ski professionals. The resort is equipped with 4 modern rope tows. (one of them is educational). There is an equipment rental service.

Prices in the complex are quite affordable. Here you can have a great rest and ride.

3. Ski resort “Khibiny Snow Park”

Another ski resort, Khibiny Snow Park, is located in the center of Kirovsk, Murmansk region. Convenient location and transport accessibility attracts many ski lovers here.

GLK “Khibiny Snow Park” in the Murmansk region

In terms of difficulty, the slope here is very simple with a slight difference in height. And this is another reason why aspiring athletes and children come here. A ski school has been successfully operating at the resort for several years, where children over 4 years old study for free.

The track in Snow Park is maintained by snowcats. one, and it is illuminated at night.

4. Sparrow Hill in Apatity

The Sparrow Mountain ski complex is located in the city of Apatity, Murmansk region. Alpine skiing school classes are held on this slope; the height difference here is not large, only 80 m, and the length of the slope is 550 m. Those who are just starting their steps in alpine skiing should go to Vorobinaya Gora. People also come here if all other resorts are closed due to bad weather. Sparrow Mountain is located in a favorable location in a forest belt, which protects it from the constant winds of Kirovsk. The slope here is well protected from blowing snow.

Ski resort “Sparrow Mountain” in the Murmansk region

Equipment:

the slope is prepared using special equipment;
artificial lighting works at night;
there are two “twitch” lifts;
The broadcast music sets the mood.

5. Ski slope “Krestovaya Gora”

The small ski complex “Krestovaya Gora” is located near the town of Kandalaksha.

Scheme of the slopes of the ski center “Krestovaya Gora”

Equipment:

There are three slopes, the longest descent is 1 km, the elevation difference is small, which is ideal for beginner skiers.
For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is the opportunity to ride through the virgin forest between the trees.
One drag lift with a capacity of 800 people per hour.
The trails are illuminated at night.
There is an equipment rental point.
You can stay for a couple of days at the Spolokhi Hotel

The Krestovaya Gora ski slope in the Murmansk region is an ideal place for beginners and professionals who want to brush up on their skiing skills before hitting the more difficult slopes in Kirovsk.

6. Ski resort “Loparstan”

Ski resort “Loparstan” near Monchegorsk

The Loparstan ski resort, formerly known as Lapland, is located beyond the Arctic Circle near the city of Monchegorsk. “Loparstan” is a virgin slope 1.5 km wide, which is very attractive to professional skiers.

The level of development of the resort, of course, cannot be compared with European ones, but they can offer decent service and comfortable skiing and very affordable prices. The Loparstan trails differ from each other in degree of difficulty and length, the maximum length of which is 1200 m, the elevation difference is 260 m.

Equipment:

2 rope tows + baby lift.
Snow cannons are used to make snow on the slopes.
Artificial lighting of routes.
Equipment rental.
Ski slopes are prepared by snowcats.

7. Ski complex “Salma” Polar Dawns

“Salma” is the most modern complex on the Kola Peninsula, located near the town of Polyarnye Zori. The capacity of the complex is up to 500 athletes.

Ski complex “Salma” in the Murmansk region

Equipment:

The trails vary in difficulty, there are slopes for beginners, and bumpy trails for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Three towing lifts (including a children's lift) operate at night thanks to the installed artificial lighting.
There are snow cannons.
There is an equipment rental service.
Rest rooms and warm changing rooms are equipped.
Not far from the tracks there is a cafe where you can have a good meal.

Salma often hosts competitions, both local and all-Russian, in alpine skiing and freestyle skiing.

Now about the slopes, which are located right in the city of Murmansk.

8. Ski complex “Nord Star”

Scheme of the slopes of the ski complex “Nord Star”

Equipment:

Two ski slopes are flat enough to be convenient for beginners.
The rope tow is working.
A slope has been organized for tubing enthusiasts.
Artificial lighting of routes at night.
The slopes are prepared using snowcats.
The complex is equipped with snow cannons.
Equipment rental and repair services.
A staff of experienced instructors.
You can refresh yourself in a cozy cafe
A small hotel will accommodate anyone who wants to stay overnight.
And you can relax and unwind after active skiing in the sauna with a swimming pool or in the Russian wood-burning bathhouse.

9. Ski slope “Lights of Murmansk”

The modern ski complex “Ogni Murmanska” offers skiers 4 slopes, they are long and gentle, perfect for beginners! For snowboard lovers there is a separate track with jumps, a large number of equipment, its length is 800 m.

Scheme of the slopes of the ski center “Ogni Murmansk”

On this ski slope in the Murmansk region, and adults. Under the mentorship of experienced instructors, it is easy to take your first steps in skiing.

Equipment:

The rope tow is working.
The trails are illuminated at night
There is a rental service for equipment, ski clothing and snowmobiles

10. Ski complex “South Slope”

Another urban ski complex in Murmansk is the Southern Slope. It opened in 1999 and has since become very popular with many skiers. Currently, the Southern Slope is a modern complex equipped with the necessary equipment.

The slopes of the complex have a very diverse terrain, suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. Separate trails are reserved for tubing enthusiasts and children.

The slopes are equipped with two rope tows, which are illuminated at night.

There is a sports school of the Olympic reserve at the complex, where children study and use equipment for free.

The slopes are well maintained with the help of snow groomers; during periods of little snow, snow cannons are used on the slopes.

GLK "Southern Slope" constantly holds city and regional competitions for children and adults.

Conclusion

The Murmansk region offers a large selection of ski resorts, modern and not so modern. The trails of varying levels of difficulty attract many ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Why don’t you go to conquer the Khibiny Mountains, or test your fortitude on the track in Salma?

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