Countries with ski resorts without a visa are European. Ski resorts without a visa
Failed to ride for the whole winter alpine skiing? This is not a disaster: fans of downhill skiing on the slopes still have time to do what they love, without wasting extra efforts to get entry visas... Here are 10 places where you can go without a visa and where the season lasts all spring. Unforgettable views, 12 km trails, halfpipe and freeride - places for every taste and every level of training.
Tsaghkadzor (Armenia)
Season: until early April Level: any Armenian resort of Tsaghkadzor, located 40 km from Yerevan at the foot of Mount Teghenis, is more than 30 km of ski slopes, the longest of which is 8 km, and a large sports complex located at an altitude of 1845 m above sea level. From the highest point of skiing, a stunning view opens simultaneously to Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan - and this is exactly what you need to go to Armenia for. The middle part of the slopes with a vertical drop of up to 230 m is suitable for calm skiing and is equipped with a chair lift. In the western part of the resort there is a modern 4-step cable car, stretching for 5000 meters. Black trails reach a vertical drop of 350 meters and lie in the upper part of the mountain - this section is served by a kilometer-long chair lift. There are very steep slopes here, including a 10-meter cornice and a sports gutter. In this area of the mountain, you can climb over the pass to the neighboring ridge and get to the most extreme trails. There are about 50 slopes in the Tsaghkadzor ski resort. The slopes are processed by snow groomers. In addition to chair lifts, there are drag lifts on Tsaghkadzor.Kopaonik (Serbia)
Season: until the end of May Level: any Kopaonik, which is also called the Sunny Mountain due to 200 sunny days a year, is a recognized ski resort in Serbia. Skiers have at their disposal trails of various degrees of difficulty for athletes of varying degrees of fitness. But it is beginner skiers who will feel most comfortable here - this is an ideal place for those who have not yet decided what they want to ski, in order to try different options without harm to themselves and others. Kopaonik has 18 tracks with a total length of over 60 km, the longest of which is 3.5 km. For professionals, there are 4 extremely difficult tracks, where international and national competitions are often held. The mountain slopes are equipped with a large number of lifts. 4 tracks are equipped with night lighting. The resort has ski schools for children and adults with experienced trainers. Kirovsk (Russia)
Season: until mid-May Level: any Kirovsk - the oldest Russian alpine skiing center located in the Khibiny. There are 4 ski centers in Kirovsk for different tastes and skills: “25 km”, “Bolshoy Vudyavr”, “Kolasportland Lifts” and “Khibiny Snow Park”. The latter is for beginners and children, it is located in the city center, there is a good ski school, instructors who will put on skis for a couple of lessons and a lot of entertainment for those who do not live in mountains. Kolasportland is in many respects the leader among the Kirov complexes. The total length of the tracks in it is about 30 kilometers, their condition is almost perfect. There are lifts of various types, and there is evening lighting on two tracks. There is a separate descent for "cheesecakes" (tubing). There are two ski jumps 50 and 70 m high. The Bolshoi Vudyavr ski complex is a variety of routes, the total height difference of which is 550 m, and the total length of the tracks is more than 20 km. Silichi (Belarus)
Season: until the end of March Level: any In "Silichi" there are three ski slopes ranging from 650 to 920 meters. There is a separate 270 m snowboard track. All tracks are equipped with a chairlift. Beginners learn on the training trail - it is the smallest, only 120 m. There is a drag lift. In addition, a special track for snowmobiling and ATVs has been created in the center - more than 2 kilometers of a white strip. The height difference of more than 100 m allows you to get long, almost one kilometer tracks with varying degrees of difficulty. Snow cannons and snow groomers work on the slopes. In the evening, the slopes are illuminated. For skaters, there is an indoor ice rink. In addition to the ski slopes, the sports complex has a simulator on which you can practice before going on the slope. Everything necessary equipment and the equipment, of course, can be rented without any problems. Chimbulak (Kazakhstan)
Season: until early April Level: any The main trump card of the Chimbulak resort is a variety of routes, including gentle and soft slopes for beginners, children's park with instructors for toddlers, long trails for trained skiers, unexpected routes for hikers, wild valleys with untouched snow and half-pipe for snowboarders, incredible extreme turns for pros, a special trail for mogul lovers. In addition, the snow park has a tubing trail, and downhill and giant slalom trails are among the world's top ten challenging trails. The length of the longest track is 3.6 km. Night skiing is possible. Four lines of a chair lift, seven drag lifts, a free towing lift and a baby lift take the skiers to the slope. Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)
Season: until early April Level: any Ski resort Karakol, practically unknown until recently in Russia, located on the slopes of the Tien Shan mountains, is becoming more and more popular. Lake Issyk-Kul makes the climate of Karakol mild and humid, therefore, despite the fact that there is a lot of snow in the mountains, it is not cold to ski during the day. Over 20 km of slopes can satisfy both an experienced skier and a person who first saw the mountain slopes. Freeride lovers and those who prefer to ride on well-groomed trails will find something to do here. From the panoramic peak 3040 m above sea level, views of the nearest mountains and the legendary Issyk-Kul lake open. The slopes are served by five cable-towing lifts with a fixed yoke. The longest slope is 3.5 km, the maximum height difference is 740 m. Kolasin (Montenegro)
Season: until early May Level: any The official name of the resort is Kolasin 1450. At this altitude is the town of Jezerine - the main center of everything ski complex... In Kolasin, you can also find quiet, remote places, ride and live in complete seclusion in tiny "family" hotels, but there are also world-famous nightclubs in the resort. Kolasin surpasses many ski resorts in the world in terms of the length and well-groomed slopes. Like many other modern resorts, Kolasin has lighted trails, which can be used at night: the trails are illuminated with bright lights - a sight that can delight both adults and children. The trails are regularly serviced by snow groomers. For beginners, experienced instructors and equipment and equipment rentals for those who are too lazy to push their skis at the airport. On the slopes there are 3 drag lifts with a length of 500 m, a chair lift with a length of 1840 m and a children's lift. Dombay (Russia)
Season: Before early May Level: Any Popularity for this place is provided first of all natural conditions: Dombay is located in a beautiful place 65 km from the Black Sea - and 65 km from the top of Elbrus. On the slopes of Mount Mussa-Achitara, there are about 20 km of tracks designed for any level of training. There are also "unbroken" mountain sections, but most of Dombai's trails are created for comfortable skiing: moderate slope, smooth relief, few hillocks. For connoisseurs of virgin land, there are bottomless free-ride opportunities. Conditions have been created for skiing from wild peaks, which are lifted by helicopters - the so-called heli-skiing. A convenient ascent from the glade to the slopes of Dombai is provided by 5 lines of cable cars of different types: chair-lift, gondola and pendulum. Active recreation at the resort is not limited to skiing and snowboarding: here you can ride snowmobiles, ATVs or ice skating, as well as fly paragliding. Palandoken (Turkey)
Season: until the end of April Level: any Palandoken Ski Resort, located on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, has slopes of increased difficulty, two of them are black. Palandoken is famous for some of the longest - up to 12 kilometers - and difficult slopes in the world. There are quite a few slopes suitable for downhill skiing, there are off-piste skiing trails, especially loved by snowboarders, cross-country skiing and heli-skiing trails. Palandoken also has two slopes for slalom and giant slalom competitions: Ejder and Kapikaya. The total length of the ski slopes in the resort is about 30 km. For beginners and children, there are ideal gentle slopes. All tracks in Palandoken are run by snow groomers, some of which have snow cannons. The resort employs Russian-speaking instructors. Bukovel (Ukraine)
Season: until the end of April Level: any Bukovel ski resort is located in the Ukrainian Carpathians in the village of Polyanytsya, at an altitude of 900 m above sea level, at the foot of Mount Bukovel. This is one of the largest European resorts. In Bukovel there are 62 perfectly equipped tracks with a total length of about 50 km, and every year the number of tracks increases ... For very little kids in Bukovel there is a playground equipped with a multi-lift. All ski slopes in Bukovel are equipped with snow cannons and are illuminated in the evening, 16 modern ski lifts work. Naturally, there are equipment rental shops and several sports shops that have everything you need. There is a ski school in Bukovel, where they will put on skis or improve the skiing technique for both adults and children from 4 years old. For those who are tired of skis and snowboards, there is an ice rink and toboggan and tubing rental. MOSCOW, January 2 - RIA Novosti. The devaluation of the ruble and the introduction of biometric visas to EU countries have limited Russians in choosing ski resorts outside the country. RIA Novosti suggests paying attention to the list of visa-free countries for citizens of the Russian Federation where you can winter vacation and communicate with locals without language barriers.
Azerbaijan
For those who have never associated Azerbaijan with active winter recreation before, it will be useful to know that now this country has an excellent world-class ski resort "Shahdag" with a variety of slopes, lifts and hotels. If necessary, snow cannons and snow groomers will work all night so that downhill skiing enthusiasts can go out onto fresh tracks by morning, regardless of the weather.
The total ski area of 14 tracks is 128 hectares, with a capacity of 11.4 thousand skiers and snowboarders per hour. The resort offers 5 green, 5 blue, 4 red tracks and 2 freestyle areas. Vacationers are served by 11 lifts, including eight-seater gondolas, four-seater chairlifts, drag lifts and magic carpet transporters in the areas for children and beginners.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 90 days. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
Armenia
The largest and most popular resort in Armenia, Tsaghkadzor, is located almost in the middle between the Black and Caspian Seas, at an altitude of 1.8 thousand meters, which is only 10 meters below the famous French resort of Courchevel.
In this resort area there are slopes of varying degrees of difficulty: red, black and blue. The maximum length of the track is 8 kilometers. The vertical drop is 853 meters. There is also a three-level ropeway "Lightner" operating here, the length of which is 4.5 thousand meters.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 180 days. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
Belarus
Ski sports and recreation complex "Logoisk" is located in scenic location 32 kilometers north of Minsk. It is considered one of the largest ski resorts in Belarus, where there are five illuminated trails at the disposal of tourists, the total length of which is 3,679 meters, and the height difference is 82 meters. The tracks are equipped with a drag lift and a four-chair cable car with a capacity of 2,000 people per hour.
Medvedev will hold new year holidays in SochiThe popularity of the region's ski resorts, as noted by the Russian Prime Minister, has increased after the triumphant Olympics. Changed economic conditions also had a certain impact.Another famous resort country is Republican ski center"Silichi", where a wide range of services for winter holiday.
The complex includes a hotel town, which includes a hotel, restaurants, guest houses, and a comprehensive service point with equipment rental. An indoor skating rink is flooded in the gym in winter. There is a free parking lot.
Visitors will find long trails (up to 920 meters) of varying degrees of difficulty with elevation differences up to 100 meters, and saddle lifts.
Visa-free entry on the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 30 days. Passport validity: valid at the time of entry.
Abkhazia
Arabica is a mountain range of the Gagra ridge of the Western Caucasus. Located in Abkhazia near the city of Gagra. The Arabica karst massif is one of the largest and highest in the limestone belt of the Western Caucasus. There are no trails and lifts, but there are interesting routes for freeride lovers. In particular, you can order heli-skiing in the Arabica massif. Local freeriders themselves usually arrange ski tours from Autkhara towards Lake Ritsa, or go to Krasnaya Polyana.
Visa-free entry with a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 90 days. Passport validity: valid at the time of entry.
Kazakhstan
One of the most popular ski resorts in Kazakhstan is Chimbulak, which is located in the picturesque Medeo gorge, known to many for its famous ice stadium. It is located in the picturesque gorge of the Zailiyskiy Alatau at an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level, 25 kilometers from the center of Almaty.
The visiting card of Chimbulak is a variety of routes, including gentle slopes for beginners, long tracks for trained skiers, FIS tracks for downhill skiing, wild valleys with untouched snow and a half-pipe for snowboarders, extreme turns for professionals, a special track for mogul.
Kyrgyzstan
The mountains of Kyrgyzstan with a height difference of 800 meters are one of the most beautiful places in Central Asia. The mountain slopes of the Kichik-Alai and Chon-Alai ranges have smooth and long slopes, which contributes to their popularity among skiers and the development of ski resorts. There are many long and steep slopes, but you can find quite gentle slopes for beginners and children.
In your free time from skiing, you can visit the caves, thermal springs, folk and local history museums and other interesting places.
Visa-free entry on the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation for up to 90 days. Passport validity: valid at the time of entry.
Serbia
The largest ski resort in the region is Kapaonik, which is famous for the length of the slopes and a large number of them. The Kapaonik mountain range is part of the reserve, so guests of the resort have the opportunity to spend time not only in sports, but also to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
The total length of the Kopaonik trails is 55 kilometers. 100 snow guns shoot 90% of the tracks. There are also 11 green slopes specially designed for those who are just getting on downhill skiing. Confident alpine skiers try their hand at 6 red ski runs and 4 black ones. In addition, on the slopes of Kopaoniki, there are 3 specialized ski slopes for practicing snowboarding, downhill skiing, giant slalom, and super giant slalom. The tracks are serviced by 24 lifts. There are also 4 lifts for children.
Montenegro
There are two centers in Montenegro ski holiday- Kolashin and Zabljak. These resorts offer long, well-groomed trails with comfortable lifts that cater not only for professionals, but also for beginners.
Montenegrin ski areas are famous for cozy apartments, European service highest quality in hotels and a huge selection related services... The developed tourist infrastructure allows you to feel comfortable even in the highlands.
Visa-free entry with a foreign passport for up to 30 days. In the absence of return tickets, entry may be refused. Passport validity: until the end of the trip.
The vast majority of European countries are not accessible to Russians without a visa. But this does not mean that with an unexpected opportunity, you cannot go to rest, for example, go skiing on the European mountain slopes.
True, all the countries of the Alpine ski region require visas from Russians. The exception is Andorra, famous for its ski resorts, duty-free shopping and casinos. But there are no airports and railways in this country, and you have to enter Andorra from France or Spain, which are included in the Schengen agreement.
But, fortunately, in Europe there are many mountain ranges where you can relax no worse than in the Alps. For example, Russians do not need a visa to enter Serbia. It takes two and a half hours to fly to its ski slopes from Moscow. After the collapse of Yugoslavia, almost all ski resorts, including those that hostedOlympic competitions in 1984 year ., remained on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia. Becoming by the results of the referendum in May 2006 year . independent country, Serbia decided to create its own ski resorts. And she succeeds.
Montenegro - the same as Serbia, the young state of Europe - is also famous for its modern developing ski infrastructure. Most Russians know this country for its beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. But the Europeans are no less familiar with the mountain resorts of Kopashin on the slopes of Mount Bjelasitsa and Zabljak mountain range Durmitor. The first one is on railroad between Podgorica and Belgrade, and the second can only be reached by car. Therefore, Kopashin is more accessible than Zabljak, which is larger. Since both resorts are located on the territory national parks, then the conditions for skiing amidst untouched nature on the purest snow are simply ideal here. In addition, in addition to hotels with all their inherent paraphernalia, heremany additional services for evening and night rest, rich excursion opportunities.
The clinicians have a reason to pay attention to the neighboring countries that were once in the same Soviet Union. For example, there are good ski resorts in Belarus and the Ukrainian Carpathians, there are even trails on the slopes of the Crimean mountains. None of these countries require a visa.
Fans of alpine skiing remember that in the distant Soviet years, the main Olympic base in the picturesque valley of the Marmarik River was the Armenian mountain resort Tsakh-kadzor, which means “the gorge of flowers”. On its slopes at an altitude of 1,845 m above sea level. m. competitions of world importance were held. Now this resort is striving to regain its former glory again. The mountain trails on the slopes covered with dense, untouched forest are served by modern lifts. There are trails for both calm skiing and extreme skiing. In winter, the air temperature is kept at an average of three degrees below zero. Rarely is a day after a winter without suntsa. Such wonderful conditions for skiers of all categories attract both professionals and amateurs to Tsaghkadzor. Although this resort is located in 5 km from the city of Hrazdan, where there are many hotels and other tourist infrastructure, he has already opened almost three dozen comfortable hotels, many restaurants and cafes with Armenian and European cuisine. Winter pools are also built here. And there are also many sights around.
Many immigrants from the Soviet Union remember another ski center of the country - Medeo in Kazakhstan. After the collapse of the USSR, no one got around to him either. But now and here life is developing rapidly. Numerous chalets were built, hotels near the slopes were added to the hotels of Almaty, which is located at the foot of the mountains. Since the cost of skiing here is not high, many skiers choose Medeo for training. And most importantly, you do not need a visa to Kazakhstan, where Medeo is located. And everyone there still speaks Russian. There is a choice. It remains to do it.