Ski resort "Arkhyz": useful tips for tourists

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In this post:

1. About the complex where it is located.
2. Tours to the Arkhyz ski resort.
3. Hotels near the ski resort.
4. Lifts.
5. Description of the routes.
6. How to get to the Arkhyz ski resort.
7. Prices for rental of ski equipment.
8. Cafes, canteens and restaurants.
9. Weather in Arkhyz.
10. Webcams at the Arkhyz ski resort.
11. Finance.
12. What things to take to a ski resort.
13. Contacts of the Arkhyz ski resort, official website.
14. Ski resort "Arkhyz" on the map:.
15. An alternative to the Arkhyz ski resort.

Winter holidays at Russian ski resorts are a great way to spend an active holiday or weekend. There are many places for skiing throughout the country. Arkhyz turned out to be one of the best young resorts in the 2021 category.

About the complex where it is located

The Arkhyz ski resort is located in the mountainous region of the Karaevo-Cherkessia Republic. The total area is more than 20 hectares. In this area there are two resort villages with 4 cable cars. 14 trails are equipped on the southern and northern slopes.

The quality of the snow cover is ensured by special systems. The infrastructure of the year-round ski complex is ideally developed (without exaggeration). In the territory:

• Equipment rental point;
• School for adults and children;
• Children's ski town;
• Ice rink;
• Hotels, boarding house, hotel;
• Restaurants, cafes and inexpensive canteens;
• Entertainment complex and much more.

In fact, this is a separate resort with many tourist infrastructure facilities.

Entertainment

Even if you're not a fan of skating, there's plenty to do here. You can go on a fascinating excursion to the main attractions of the region. In addition, you can go up to the observation deck. From a height of 2200 meters you can look at the entire Caucasus. During the rest period, the child can be assigned to a special children's room.

The nightlife is also active. There are many restaurants and cafes on the territory of the Arkhyz Romantic mountain resort. In summer, instead of the complex there is a rope park. There are several large outdoor swimming pools.

The hotels have areas for playing billiards and bowling. There are table tennis tables.

Tours to the Arkhyz ski resort

When going on vacation, many travelers, including skiers, try to buy tours. Considering this approach to the trip more practical. I completely agree with them. Sometimes it is much more profitable to purchase a ticket with additional services. Tours often include special ski insurance (regular ones are not suitable). And this is a fairly compelling argument in favor of vouchers.

At the same time, if ski insurance is not included in the price, you can arrange it yourself at any time. Online in minutes. Read how to do this in the article “How to get ski insurance yourself .

To search and select a tour, I advise you to use one of my favorite search engines:

• Tours to Arkhyz
• Author's tours to Arkhyz
• Tours to Arkhyz from Moscow

Season

As a rule, the season in Arkhyz opens in early December and lasts until mid-April. The main limitation that affects the length of the season and the quality of the trails is the weather. Arkhyz is located low, and the first ski area is built on a south-oriented slope. Because of this, at the beginning of the season the snow falls late, and already in early March it begins to melt.

Hotels near the ski resort

There are more than enough accommodation options on the territory of the Arkhyz ski resort in the North Caucasus. Just like in the surrounding area. Every vacationer can easily find an excellent option with a storage room for ski equipment, free parking, and so on.

Hotel complex "Romantic". The hotel is located in the village of Arkhyz, just 100 meters from the ski lift. The cost of living (from 6,000 rubles) includes breakfast and use of basic infrastructure. Skiers rated the hotel with the highest score. There is a rental point and sale of ski passes on site. Ski storage and ski-in access are available.

"Vertical". The nearest ski lift is only 50 meters from the Vertical hotel complex, located on Gornaya Street, 2. There is a mini-market, cafe and restaurant on site. The price of the room includes a hearty breakfast, use of toiletries, and parking. There is a ski equipment rental point and storage space.

Boarding house "Allur". On Gornaya Street, 6, in the village of Arkhyz there is an excellent boarding house with developed infrastructure. The nearest ski lift is 500 meters away. There is no ski pass rental or sales point. There is a place to store skis. The price includes breakfast. As well as use of swimming pools. Sauna, billiards and other entertainment are paid separately.

Hotel "Arkhyz Royal". The hotel is located on the same Gornaya street. The five-star hotel with direct access to the mountain slopes and a children's club is especially popular among tourists. The hotel is closest to the ski lifts - 100 meters. On site: ski pass sales, equipment rental, ski school. There is parking, internet, and a restaurant complex.

Guest house "Namira". An excellent inexpensive accommodation option 8 km from the Arkhyz ski resort. Room rates include use of swimming pools, parking, and internet. There is storage space for skis. There is no rental office. But this is fully compensated by the high quality of services provided and affordable prices.

Anyone who wants to save money on accommodation. Sacrificing a certain level of comfort. I recommend looking at hotels and guest houses in the village of Arkhyz , located some distance from the ski resort.

My selection of hotels near the Arkhyz ski resort

Ski resort "Arkhyz", hotel

Where to stay

Only three hotels are currently open directly in tourist villages:

— “Romantic-1”*** and “Romantic-2”**** with total accommodation for 209 places;

— “Vertical”***, located 50 m from the cable cars. 80 rooms of varying comfort can simultaneously accommodate 209 guests.

10 km from the sports complex is the village of Arkhyz, which is aimed at accommodating tourists coming to the ski slopes. Guest houses, hotels, and dachas have been built here, where guests are received all year round. The most affordable accommodation option is renting a room in the private sector of the village.

Lifts

There are 4 ski lifts on the territory of the ski complex with different capacities and pricing policies. You can pay for one lift, or pay for a day, a week or a certain period throughout the season.

Ski passes (lift prices)

The cost of a subscription depends on the tariff plan. For example, a weekend tariff will cost from 5,400 rubles for an adult. “Trial” tariff – 1,200 rub. Valid on all cable cars of the resort.

A ski pass for evening skiing will cost 900 rubles for an adult and 450 rubles for a child. In total, the complex offers 6 regular tariff plans and three tourist ones. You can get more detailed information and choose your subscription on the official website of the resort, in the “Lifts” section.

Exact prices: arhyz-resort.ru/tarify/ski-passy-zima.

Ski resort "Arkhyz", ski lifts

Description of lifts

There are four different types of lifts on the territory of the ski complex: four-seat and six-seater chairlifts (“Sputnik” and “Lunar Express”). Gondola type – “Milky Way” and “Northern Lights”. Sputnik's throughput capacity is 1,800 people/hour. The average delivery time to the destination is 10 minutes.

“Lunar Express” has a higher throughput capacity - 2,400 hours per hour. Has protection from rain and wind. Delivers to the highest point within 6 – 15 minutes. There is a separate lift for children. It meets all European standards, just like other cable cars in the resort.

How to save money

A completely adequate desire of almost every skier is to save on ski lifts. Everything is simple here. First you just need to learn a few truths:

• On weekdays it is cheaper than on weekends and holidays;
• The estimated riding time helps you choose the optimal tariff plan.

That is, if you want to ride throughout the season, it is advisable to purchase a subscription for this period. At the Arkhyz ski resort there is a separate tariff “5 days throughout the season” (or 10).

Focus on how much time you are going to spend on the slopes and on what days. So you can easily choose the appropriate option and not overpay for pleasure.

Cost and work schedule

To ski on the slopes you need a ski pass, which can be purchased online. Its minimum cost is 1750 rubles. for persons over 14 years old for half a day skiing or from 1150 rub. for evening skiing. Children aged 6-13 receive discounts of about 30-40%. The price of the ski pass increases depending on the number of days. The most expensive, 10-day, costs 16.5 thousand rubles. The most profitable seasonal ski pass in terms of one day for 33 thousand rubles.

Cash desks are open from 8:30 to 16:00,

on evening ski days
from 18:00 to 21:30.
Multi-day ski passes

High season rates

Spring season

In addition to skiing, in Arkhyz you can go tubing (cheesecake) for 500 rubles per hour. The outdoor ice skating rink operates at an altitude of 1600 meters. Skating session – 1.5 hours. Admission is free, and skate rental costs 300 rubles. at one o'clock. You are allowed to bring your own. For snowboard lovers there is a snowpark at an altitude of 1680 meters.

Working hours:

• Opening: 8:30
• Last rise: until 16:00
• Last descent: 16:30
• Evening skiing: Fri, Sat and holidays from 18:00 - 21:45
• Technology break: from 16:30 to 18:00

The operating schedule of the cable cars may be changed depending on weather conditions and snow conditions.

You can find out more information about the operating hours of cable cars and ski slopes at the information center or by phone: 8-800-100-555-9

Description of the routes

The total length of the 14 slopes of the Arkhyz ski resort is more than 24 km. Today there are 8 tracks on the southern slope, and 6 on the northern side. Three of them are certified for FIS racing.

All tracks are divided into 4 types, depending on the level of difficulty:

• Green (for beginners);
• Blue slopes (for experienced skiers and snowboarders);
• Reds are professional;
• Black - for extreme descents.

The duration of the green routes is from 884 to 1,380 meters with a height difference from 118 to 585 m. The length of the blue roads is from 580 to 4,369 meters with a difference of 61 - 825 m. The maximum duration of the red route is 1,710 meters. Chernaya – 2,318. You will find a detailed map of the slopes on the official website of the resort (link will be below).

Ski resort "Arkhyz", piste

Tourist hits

Arkhyz is surrounded on all sides by outstanding natural attractions. First of all, these are beautiful mountain lakes and waterfalls. The most accessible are the Sofia Lakes, which are famous for the rich turquoise color of their water. Three reservoirs are located nearby at an altitude of 2800 meters. This is a real natural miracle! There can be snow in the mountains even in summer, so the best time for hiking is from mid-July to early September.

Foothills of Arkhyz

No less picturesque are the Dukka lakes, located at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. They are located below Sofia, so the ice cover does not last so long. The complex includes Lake Seven Colors and three Dukki lakes. On a sunny day, the water in Lake Seven Colors shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow - hence the name. It is especially beautiful in these places in the summer, when rhododendrons bloom on the banks.

Near the village of Arkhyz there is a tiny “Lake of Love”. It is very popular among tourists because it has a characteristic heart shape. The lake is nestled on the Morg-Syrty plateau. A legend is associated with it, dedicated to the story of the unhappy love of the young man Karabek and the girl Altynkyz. It so happened that the heroine’s heart turned into a mountain lake. It is still full of love and capable of giving it to people. It is for this reason that lovers often come to the shore.

Not far from the resort is the Teberdinsky Biosphere Reserve. There are about two hundred lakes on its territory! The cascade of Baduk Lakes, consisting of three reservoirs, is very beautiful. The reserve boasts three dozen fast mountain rivers. Many of them have rapids and waterfalls. Among the largest, the Alibek and Khuty waterfalls should be noted. There is a zoo in the village of Teberda.

Zoo in the Teberda Biosphere Reserve

Of the man-made attractions, Fr. Nobody knows when and who created the huge rock icon. It was discovered in the late 90s, and since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for tourists. Alanian temples built in the 9th century are of great interest. Near Arkhyz there is an astrophysical observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is the largest facility of its kind in Russia. Excursions are organized to the observatory. At night you can admire the stars through a telescope.

How to get to the Arkhyz ski resort

Despite the somewhat remote location of the resort, getting there from Moscow, however, is not difficult as from other cities. Any type of transport. Below I will describe all possible options. And you will already choose the most suitable one for yourself.

By plane (flight duration from Moscow)

One of the fastest and most comfortable options to get to the resort. The nearest airport is located 210 km away, in Mineralnye Vody. Flights are operated by several airlines. The average travel time is 2 hours 20 minutes.

Ticket prices from Moscow

The cost of a flight depends on several factors. Including the flight season. So, on New Year's holidays the price increases. Some companies regularly hold various promotions. Thanks to which you can save a lot. Minimum ticket price from 2,000 rubles.

Rules for transporting skis on an airplane

Ski accessories are specific luggage. Each airline has its own rules for carrying it. The service is mostly free, but some organizations charge a fee. Sometimes the amount is quite impressive. I recommend that you clarify this issue immediately.

But, even if the airline provides the opportunity to carry such baggage free of charge, there are certain rules. They must be followed. The most important thing is that skis and poles must be in a special case.

Secondly, weight. It should not exceed 23 kg. Anything higher will be paid according to the price list. Thirdly, the passenger is obliged to notify the airline about the presence of ski equipment in their luggage. Even if the transportation service is provided free of charge.

How to get from the airport to the resort (hotel)

Skiers who buy a tour are not concerned about this issue. Because it disappears by itself. As a rule, the price of the trip includes a transfer. For those who decide to travel independently, there are several options for how to get from the airport to the hotel.

• Taxi. One of the most convenient and fastest options. At any airport, including Mineralnye Vody, taxis are always waiting for passengers at the terminals. As a rule, the cost of their services is quite high, and the quality often leaves much to be desired.
• Transfer. A comfortable option, characterized by high quality of services provided and a fixed cost. Today many companies provide transfer services. The one thing I trust most is KiwiTaxi.
• Bus. There are many minibuses running from the airport to Arkhyz. If necessary, you can always find the nearest flight. Bus tickets

Train

The nearest railway station is located 120 km from Arkhyz, in the city of Cherkessk. Trains run regularly. Getting there from Moscow and St. Petersburg will not be a problem. However, like from many other cities.

The option is relatively budget-friendly, but you will have to spend a lot more time on the road. There are currently no direct trains. Get to Nevinnomyssk (Nevinnomysskaya station). Next, transfer to Cherkessk. You will also need to get from the railway station using one of the options described above. If all this doesn’t scare you, below is a link to the schedule.

• Prices and timetables for the Moscow – Nevinnomysskaya train
• Prices and schedule of the electric train Nevinnomyssk - Cherkessk

Automobile

When going on a trip in a personal car, take into account certain difficulties along the way. Depending on the departure point, the journey to the resort may take a long time. Therefore, it is worth providing a second driver or a place to stop. Follow the coordinates on the map.

If you decide to rent a car in Mineralnye Vody (at the airport), take the A157 highway to Kislovodsk. After 20 km, turn right (Suvorovskaya). After the village you drive another 20 km towards Cherkessk. Further in the direction of the Dombay sign. Follow the sign "Arkhyz". Next, use your navigator to navigate to the village of Zelenchukskaya, the village of Arkhyz.

Ski resort "Arkhyz", skating rink

Hotel complex Romantik

Romantic is represented by two comfortable hotels, which belong to the 3 and 4 star categories. Located 220 kilometers from Mineralnye Vody airport. The complex is characterized by cozy rooms, which are decorated in a strictly classical style. Romantika includes its own restaurant for 60 people, a Finnish sauna - there is everything you need to fully relax and unwind.

Each room is equipped with a TV, refrigerator, bathroom, hairdryer, towels, and toiletries. The service is at a high level - they will always make sure that your holiday is varied and interesting.

Cafes, canteens and restaurants

There are 5 restaurants, several canteens and cafes on the territory of the Arkhyz ski resort. Pricing policies are different everywhere. Some restaurants are located on hotel premises, but are available to all vacationers. You can easily decide where to eat by simply comparing prices.

Recommendation: it is better to choose cafes and restaurants on this site

Ski resort "Arkhyz", cafe Tent at the top station

Ski seasons: when does the season open and close?

“Arkhyz” is called a seasonal ski resort for a reason. In winter, guests are welcome here from the first days of December. The winter season closes in April.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, tourists take part in various sporting events, festivals and holidays. Those who decide to celebrate the New Year in this fabulous place will be especially lucky.

In summer, Arkhyz is the center of regional tourism. The Milky Way takes vacationers to an observation deck located at an altitude of 2240 m. Routes have been developed for horse riding, cycling, walking and excursions. The summer season lasts from May to August.

You can select tickets in the form below.

Weather in Arkhyz

The climate in Arkhyz is moderate. In summer it is never very hot, and in winter the air temperature does not drop below – 12°. The most snow falls in February. Therefore, this is the peak season at the resort.

Weather by month (November to March)

There is no snow yet in November But at night the air temperature can drop below – 16°. B, while during the day the temperature is above zero. The average difference is about 11°. Not a very good time for skiing. Winter activities are not yet available.

December features lower temperatures. Several days a month are snowy. But the cover is not yet stable. The ski season begins at the end of the month. In January the amount of snow increases significantly. The average temperature at night is -11°, during the day – 0°.

In February, nighttime thermometer readings can drop to -23°. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, about -1°. Lots of snow. The trails are excellent. Riding is a pleasure. In March there is still snow on the slopes. The average daytime temperature rises to +7°, the night temperature does not fall below -5°. The ski season is gradually coming to an end.

When is the best time to go to the resort?

In this matter, everything depends solely on your wishes. If you want to save money, go at the beginning or end of the season. If you want to get the most out of your skiing, January and February are the best times.

Attractions

The Caucasus is famous for its extraordinary nature. Therefore, the main beauties of this place were created not by human hands, but by nature. You can visit some of the highest points of the Main Caucasus Range - Mount Sofia and Pshish.

In addition, you can visit one of the 60 lakes and glaciers. You can look at one of 12 waterfalls, the sound of which can be heard throughout the village. You can look at the deposit of the most popular mineral water. Arkhyz ski slopes alternate with popular mountain springs.

It is here that the legendary Church Glade is located, where the face of Jesus Christ was discovered. Here you can look at the first temples, preserved from the end of the 10th century. One of the most modern observatories on the continent operates in the mountains.

Finance

When going to any resort, first of all you should take care of a sufficient amount of cash and bank cards. This is the most profitable approach, as it ensures the safety of your funds.

How much money should you take?

In my opinion, everything here is simple to the point of banality - we are on vacation in Russia, which means we take rubles . The only thing you need to take care of is sufficient cash. Cards are not accepted for payment everywhere, although it will be difficult without them.

Bank cards

Whether the hotel will accept your card – check on the hotel booking website. I use a Tinkoff Black card. Never let me down yet. Withdrawing cash from any ATM is interest-free. Very convenient and profitable.

Trails for experienced skiers and snowboarders

Almost all trails of “blue”, “red” and “black” difficulty categories will be of interest to experienced skiboarders. The exception is the “Milky Way”: almost throughout its entire length it is too flat, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to accelerate. Although here, as stated in the previous paragraph, there are a couple of steep sections.

The blue tracks leading to Moonglade are very good, and the slope on them allows you to both gain speed and work on your technique - for example, small radius turns, or carving.

The routes of the northern slope are not yet open, so their assessment will be a little later.

What things to take to a ski resort

• What things you need to take with you to a ski resort, see here
• Read where to buy quality ski clothing here

Ski resort "Arkhyz", restaurant

Resort development

Arkhyz is the launching pad of the North Caucasus tourism cluster, the flagship resort of JSC Kavkaz.RF. The resort was built in 2.5 years and welcomed its first guests in December 2013. It is aimed at active family recreation.

Arkhyz has demonstrated a steady increase in tourist flow every year since its opening. The average increase in visitors from year to year is more than 20%. In the 2020-2021 season, the slopes were open for skiing from November 28 to April 25, the tourist flow during this time amounted to 565 thousand people. This is a 67% increase compared to the winter season 2019-2020.

An alternative to the Arkhyz ski resort

In Russia

There are a huge number of complexes in Russia that can compete with Arkhyz. For example, ski resorts in the Moscow region and other areas. In terms of popularity, the most popular are:

• Krasnaya Polyana;
• Dombay;
• Red Lake;
• Igora;

Abroad

Foreign resorts are no less popular, although much more expensive. Not all skiers are “patriots” and often consider foreign options.

• Australia (one of the most popular destinations);
• Bulgaria;
• France;
• Georgia;
• Andorra.

When choosing a resort abroad, take into account additional nuances such as the need to obtain a visa. And many other aspects not related to holidays in our country. The Arkhyz ski resort, despite its youth, has earned an excellent reputation. Many skiers find it inappropriate to look for an alternative. And you analyze, compare, go to the resort that attracts the most.

A holiday at the Arkhyz ski resort will bring a lot of positive emotions to both beginners and experienced skiers. Any person, regardless of age and status, will receive maximum pleasure and energy. Have a great holiday and exciting descents!

• All ski resorts in Russia
• All ski resorts in the world

More about routes

Since the holiday destination is popular among tourists, there are more than 7 tracks on its territory. They are equipped with all the necessary equipment and are divided into classes - for beginners, already experienced skiers and experienced athletes.

There are the following:

• Red, medium – 150 and 1700 m.
• Blue, easy – 500 and 3000 m.
• Green, very easy – 800 and 900 m.

Despite the confusing system of routes, this center is considered one of the safest. Avalanches occur very rarely; rescue and medical centers are equipped throughout the village.

Arkhyz hotels prices photos

Arkhyz ski resort offers different hotel options. Finding comfortable accommodation here is quite easy. Some establishments offer not only accommodation, but also food. Renting a room with breakfast or dinner will be easier than thinking about which cafe to eat at.

Hotels are designed for vacationers with any income. Finding a 5 star hotel will be just as easy as finding a 3 star one. They are not particularly different, the difference is in the comfort of the furniture, the wallet of the guests and the friendliness of the staff.

You can see what hotels are available and book a room in one of the establishments on this website https://www.nedoma.ru/dwell/arkhyz/hotels/ . Usually establishments offer meals, but if they don’t, it doesn’t matter. Cafes, bars, canteens and restaurants have a wide menu and are always happy to see guests. You won't go hungry. There are meal options even for children, which makes it easier for families with children.

In summer, tourist centers offer accommodation with tents. In winter, such a holiday is not promising, so the parking lots are closed. The cost of housing depends on the proximity to the ski slopes and the main infrastructure of the resort. Price range from 700 to 3000 rubles per day per person.

Look for accommodation several weeks before your trip. With the opening of the season, cheap and good rooms are quickly sold out, so booking rooms is important. There is no housing problem in Arkhyz when everything is done on time.