There are not many real ski resorts in Russia. Most of them are located in European territory. Such as: Kirovsk, Krasnaya Polyana, Arkhyz, Dombay, Elbrus. Of course, there are many shallow ones with very short slopes. There are mini-resorts in almost every major city. SIBERIA is another matter.
The most famous and affordable resort is located near Novokuznetsk in the village of Sheregesh. The village has been known since the beginning of the 20th century. It was then that the Sheregeshev brothers opened a mine in this place. Now the resort and the mine are the main employers for the population of the village.
As a sports complex, it appeared in 1981 to host the Spartakiad of the peoples of the republics of the USSR. Sheregesh has been leading its resort life since the late 90s and early 2000s. It was then that development began.
Getting to Sheregesh is quite easy. Flight to Novokuznetsk or Kemerovo and from there by transfer.
The resort is located at the foot of Zelenaya Mountain. The mountains also belong here: Mustag, Utuya, Kurgan. Ski areas are divided into sector A, sector E and Malka (skyway). At the moment, there are about 20 lifts: from the tow bar to the gondola cable car.
UPD: In the season 2018-2019, a new cable car to the top of Mustag was launched. We waited for it for a very long time, but faced unexpected problems, who are we kidding … … the wind often makes the cable car put down, as well as the Bread Box. For a week in Sheregesh, you can ride only 1 time….
Vertical drop: from 300 to 680 meters
Highest point: 1570 m
Trails: from 700 m to 3900 m.
The season in Sheregesh starts in November and ends in May.
The resort is famous for its abundance of snow and one of the best off-piste freeride in the country. The snow is rather shallow and quickly fills the woodlands, which makes it possible to lay trails through the forest.
In fact, you don’t even need to go anywhere, like backcountry, or ride a snowmobile – freeride is accessible from the lifts. But the more accessible, the more dangerous off-piste skiing in Sheregesh.
There are no avalanches, but there are many large rocks and crevices between them. NEVER ride alone, always wait and keep each other in sight. You should always be aware that this is extreme. Wear protection, a helmet and always be in touch with emergency services.
At the beginning of the 2000s, the resort was visited by 90 thousand people a year. According to the latest data for the season 14-15, Sheregesh was visited by more than 1,000,000 people!
There are several ways to get to Sheregesh. There are many organized bus tours from the major cities in the region. From the European part of the Russian Federation, there are two main ways: rail and air. Usually they fly to Novosibirsk , more flight options and affordable prices, as well as Novokuznetsk , few flights, rather high ticket prices. Often, airlines set maximum ticket prices and, a month before departure, they expose promotional fares, which are 40-50% cheaper. Whether to catch them or not to risk is up to you.
The second and very long way is the train. For example, it goes from Moscow for 2.5 days. True, the cost wins here, it is very low. You decide.
Regular buses run from Novokuznetsk or Novosibirsk. Larger groups can book a separate transfer. In the resort itself, getting to the slope is not a problem – a large number of taxis are always available.
Accommodation is possible both in hotels near the ski lifts from 500 rubles / day per person, and in cottages at a short distance (2-3 km) from 5-7 thousand rubles per day. You can also easily rent an apartment from 1500 rubles per day.
Sheregesh is one of the most visited resorts in Russia. There are always a lot of young people, affordable ski service and equipment rental. Repair from 400 rubles, rental from 200 rubles an hour / set of skis or snowboard.
