UNDP/GEF
Conservation of Biodiversity on Kamchatka's 4 Protected Areas

Kamchatka’s winter is wonderful!

 Winter fun in Kamchatka

Wintertime in Kamchatka can be a blast for the outdoor enthusiast, as there is a wide range of winter sports and adventures to participate in. Cross-country skiing can’t be beat and snow machining is becoming increasingly popular. Russians have discovered snowboarding with a passion and the nearby hills, volcanoes, and mountains give local city residents many places to choose from for snow sports.

The scenery in winter is spectacular with views in every direction of dazzling snow-shrouded volcanoes (some steaming). To witness a true natural phenomenon is to watch a Kamchatka cyclone with wind, whirling snow, and huge quantities of snowfall. For nature photographers, the contrasts of snow and steaming volcanoes or hot springs present breath-taking possibilities.

Those who want a good workout can ski on Petropavlovsk’s groomed ski trails at Lesnaya on the edge of the city. This sports facility maintains over 30 miles of trails during the winter for cross-country skiers.

In Petropavlovsk there is a ski lift at Krasnaya Sopka (Red Hill) with 1920-foot lift ascent with a descent overlooking spectacular Avacha Bay. Lift tickets are 25 rubles or less than a dollar. Also in Petropavlovsk is the Edelweiss ski area with a 2400-foot lift ascent and lift tickets of 25 rubles. Drive 30 minutes to Yelizovo and reach the Moroznaya Ski Complex with a 3200-foot lift and lift tickets on weekends of 30 rubles or about $1, and weekdays 20 rubles or about 70 cents.

Several tourism companies offer the chance to heli-ski for those with deep pockets and the skiing experience to step off the helicopter onto a steep and long slope. Helicopter rental is not inexpensive but if a group chips in, the cost is at least divided among the 19 skiers. The MI-8 helicopters can carry up to about 10 skiers while still being able to efficiently shuttle the group to the summit. There is also a ski-cat that operates at the pass between Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes.

Some of the finest spring skiing in the world is possible for backcountry skiers with many well-tried routes of one week to 10 days outlined by Kamchatka skiers. In March and April when warm sunny days melt top layers of snow and nighttime frosts freeze them again, a hard base is created making the going smooth. Springtime is the season for cyclones though and skiers need to be prepared for blizzards and heavy snowfall too. Skiing to a remote hot springs or cabin is possible in many areas of Kamchatka and there are experienced backcountry guides available to show the way.

Early March marks the start of the Beringia Sled Dog Race from Esso to Ossora and the festivities prior to the start are worth the long drive to Esso. This year, on March 25 was the start of the “Kamchadal” 300-kilometer sprint dog team race in Nalychevsky Nature Park. The first international dog sled race on Kamchatka drew competitors from Russia, South Korea, Alaska, Canada, Germany, and Mongolia. Mid-April is the annual Avachinsky Ski Marathon, a 54-kilometer dash under the nose of Avachinsky Volcano starting from the Lesnaya Ski Center. Each year hundreds of Russian skiers of every level from beginners and families to national champs participate in a race over one of the most beautiful marathon courses anywhere. The following week is the Mutnovsky Extreme Ski Marathon with a challenging backcountry course.

After a great day of skiing, a short drive to Paratunka hot springs area and a dip in one of the geothermally fed pools is just out of this world.