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With snow falling for four or five months of the year, the Moscow region should be a paradise for skiers. Except, of course, for the fact that Moscow and the area that surrounds it are unbelievably flat. So, while cross-country skiing may be a popular pastime, the downhill variety can be somewhat overlooked. But, in spite of the obvious shortcomings, Moscow boasts an ever-growing number of ski parks both in and around the city. And with every new well-designed complex that opens, there becomes less reason to travel to the mountains to fulfill your downhill-skiing desires.
There are four ski parks around Moscow that particularly distinguish themselves in terms of quality: Sorochany, Volen, Yakhroma and Shukolovo. The ski parks are situated in the most “mountainous” area near Moscow, the Dmitrov region, and can be reached via Dmitrovskoye Shosse.
If possible, it is a good idea to visit the ski parks on weekdays as the queues at weekends can be horrendous. It is also cheaper on weekdays, which is important, as skiing can be an expensive pastime. While entrance to all the ski parks is free, once inside you have to pay for the use of the lift, which usually costs from 20 rubles to 60 rubles per ride on weekends or 15 rubles to 40 rubles on weekdays. Furthermore, full equipment rental will cost a minimum of 300 rubles to 500 rubles per hour, with each consecutive hour becoming cheaper. Guarantees of around $500 are required when hiring equipment, or you can leave an important document such as your passport or driver’s license.
The current prices tend to prevent the average Muscovite from frequenting these parks on a regular basis. And even though the costs are comparable to, or higher than, prices in the rest of Europe, the facilities are not quite up to the same standards. There are signs, however, that the parks will eventually become more affordable. It is interesting to note that Volen’s prices have actually fallen slightly since last winter.
Volen is one of the best-known parks, mainly because it was a pioneer in the field. But with today’s increased competition, it doesn’t elicit the same reverence that it did in the past. More advanced skiers may be bored by Volen’s unchallenging slopes. That said, Volen is still very popular, particularly with snowboarders, and has positioned itself as a cheaper option among the quality ski parks. Its 450-meter slope is perfect for conducting lessons, and there are a wide range of options for children, including tubing and sled hire. The complex also boasts a number of restaurants that aren’t too expensive, at $30 to $40 per meal.
Just opposite Volen is its newer rival, Yakhroma. The park, which opened in the 2003-04 season, suffers from the same problem as Volen: The slopes, though very well maintained, are somewhat boring for experienced skiers. It is only slightly more expensive than Volen, and boasts impressive facilities including restaurants and a hotel complex. Yakhroma, marketed as a health resort, is best suited to families, and, with its toboggan attraction, especially children. It boasts eight slopes, all of 70 meters in height and 250 meters to 300 meters in length, as well as a special slope for teaching children. There is also a section reserved for snowboarders that includes a half-pipe and two specially designed slopes. Due to the number of beginners that the park attracts, the queues for the ski lifts can be tediously long.
Sorochany is a favorite of many because of the diversity of its slopes, which vary in length, steepness and general difficulty level. Skiers of every ability will be able to find a suitable slope here and the runs are generally well maintained. However, the quality of the slopes comes at a price. Sorochany is the most expensive ski park in the Moscow area. And while the facilities may be of a high standard, this doesn’t mean that the service will be at the same level. For this season, two new slopes have been opened at the complex, although they will be mainly reserved for competition and corporate use. Sorochany is also known for being the only park in the Moscow area that has both two-seat and four-seat ski lifts.
The Leonid Tyagachev, or Shukolovo, ski club is a favorite among serious skiers. It boasts six challenging slopes that are specially designed with good variations so that you’re not simply rolling down the hill. Moreover, the slopes are maintained to the strictest standards. There is also a children’s slope, but for adult novices this is not a great place to begin. Prices are mid-level. They are cheaper than Sorochany and more expensive than Volen or Yakhroma, but they are good value considering the quality of the park. Among the huge range of other recreational activities on offer here are a snowboarding park, ice-skating rink, bowling alley and sauna. Professional instructors offer lessons for as little as 500 rubles per hour.
Inside Moscow, there are two places that attract skiers each year. Vorobyovy Gory remains a popular spot even though the facilities there aren’t great. The ski lift costs 15 rubles per ride, and equipment hire is also reasonably priced. There are three slopes, all 30 meters to 40 meters in height and 150 meters to 200 meters in length. The opportunity to take in panoramic views of Moscow while gliding down the slopes is a big draw; skiing here at night with Moscow lit up in front of you is not to be missed.
Finally, the Kant Sports Club inside the Moscow Alps Complex is the premier skiing facility inside Moscow. It features 10 slopes designed for every level of skier, from children to advanced, with the largest being 350 meters long and 90 meters high. And despite its prime location, Kant is actually much cheaper than the ski resorts outside the city. The complex’s large ski shop gives you the opportunity to purchase your own equipment if you are serious about the sport. Lessons for every type of skier are also available here, and there are special slopes purpose-built for teaching.
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