Where to relax in Russia in winter?

We are used to going on vacation in summer: walking under the scorching sun, feeding mosquitoes on hikes, or simply spending time with friends. However, you shouldn't write off other seasons either. 

For example, in the cold season, you can visit the capital, go to hot springs, or hunt for the northern lights. In general, there are many options for where to go in Russia in winter, and we will share them all with you.

Excursions to major Russian cities, for example, St. Petersburg or Moscow

Yes, in winter you won't be able to take a boat trip along the Moskva River or see St. Petersburg's famous white nights. However, a trip to Moscow or St. Petersburg will still give you unforgettable emotions. Bonus: no queues and central streets decorated for the holidays.

What to do in Moscow in winter:

• visit the fair on Red Square;
• check out the New Year GUM;
• go ice skating at the country's main rink near GUM;
• see “The Nutcracker” at the Bolshoi Theatre.

What to do in St. Petersburg in winter:

• go ice skating at New Holland;
• warm up with tea and donuts at the legendary donut shop on Konyushennaya Street;
• go cross-country skiing in the park;
• go bar-hopping (we recommended a couple of great places here);
• walk around snow-covered country estates, for example, Rozhdestveno and Priyutino;
• spend an evening at “Swan Lake” at the Mariinsky Theatre;
• visit the Hermitage — a must for any itinerary.

Another interesting destination for winter travel is Russia's Golden Ring. We suggest combining pleasure with benefit: get acquainted with the country's history and discover a couple of new tourist destinations.

What to do in the Golden Ring cities in winter:

• go ice skating in Yaroslavl's main square;
• visit the Snegurochka Fashion Museum in Kostroma;
• relive childhood at the Toy Museum in Sergiev Posad;
• learn what finift is in Rostov (not to be confused with Rostov-on-Don);
• take a tour of the monasteries of Pereslavl-Zalessky;
• buy souvenirs and New Year's gifts at the Suzdal workshop “Dymov Keramika”; 
• immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere on the retro train Ivanovo — Shuya;
• conclude your trip at the city's New Year's fair in Vladimir.

Ski resorts in Russia

For many, winter in Russia is associated with skiing, snowboarding, “tubing,” and ice skating. Ski resorts are not uncommon here: small, equipped slopes can be found even in flat areas. In mountainous regions, you'll find more challenging trails and a wide selection of hotels. In short, you can relax like in the Alps without leaving the country.

Krasnaya Polyana

Krasnaya Polyana is probably the most famous ski resort where you can relax in Russia in winter. The resort was used in the 2014 Olympics, so the infrastructure here is top-notch. You can easily go ice skating and visit the sea — it's only an hour's drive to the airport from Sochi. 

Elbrus Region

Elbrus ski resort is a good option for a winter vacation. Especially if you are looking for easy slopes or have long wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard. The infrastructure here is well-developed: there are hotels and restaurants, and a lift leads to the top of the mountain. From there, in fact, a large number of trails of various levels begin. 

By the way, Elbrus is considered one of the most popular and largest ski resorts in the Elbrus region. New trails are currently being actively designed, and extreme sports enthusiasts are awaited.

Arkhyz

A young resort with new lifts and trails, but (for now) underdeveloped infrastructure. You'll have to think about accommodation: there are few hotels in the skiing area, and they are expensive — be prepared for this if you plan to come here for a vacation. 

A big plus of the resort is its location in Karachay-Cherkessia, in an area with a mild climate. Winter here is never harsh, so skiing at Arkhyz ski resort is a real pleasure!

Sheregesh

The Siberian ski resort is located near Novokuznetsk. Among active entertainment enthusiasts, Sheregesh is famous for its fluffy snow and mesmerizing views. Even the distance of 160 km does not deter visitors; on the contrary, it attracts them. After all, the reward for a two-hour trip will be appropriate: hot tea, snowy expanses, and the opportunity to learn something new. Yes, don't be afraid if you can't ski or keep falling off the board. The resort has schools for both the youngest and older students.

Dombay

It's a huge misconception to say that Dombay is only interesting for active recreation enthusiasts. The ski resort is located at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, so the landscapes there are fitting. By the way, there are no infrastructure problems: the complex has existed for a long time, and there are many hotels on its territory. 

The skiing area is divided by colors: green (for beginners), blue (for more experienced), and red (the highest difficulty level). Sometimes competitions are even held on different trails here. If you don't know how to ski and think this option isn't for you, don't rush. Dombay has many schools where they will gladly teach you how to stand on skis or a board. In short, they will make your vacation rich in new experiences here.

Hot Springs

Winter holidays in Russia don't necessarily have to be associated with snow, New Year, and ski resorts. You can go to thermal springs even in the cold season — such a trip will be not only exciting but also beneficial for your health.

Matsesta

One of the largest and most famous hydrogen sulfide springs with a water temperature of +46 °C. Matsesta is located near Sochi. People visit the village to improve blood circulation, normalize blood pressure, and simply relax.

Caucasus

If we're talking about medicinal waters, where else to go but the Caucasus? It's not only beneficial but also very beautiful. For example, the mineral waters of the Caucasus contain a lot of useful elements (iodine, bromine, calcium), and the water temperature in Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk is about +30–50 °C.

Belokurikha

The hot springs of Altai seem to be saturated with everything necessary to restore strength from lack of sleep and burning deadlines. The water temperature there reaches +42 °C. And the landscapes in the region are mesmerizing. In general, it's a top option for where to go for a winter vacation in Russia.

Adygea

The thermal waters of the Kamennomostsky spring are open all year round. The temperature reaches +40 °C, and the silicon, chlorine, and sodium contained in the water greatly help strengthen the body.

Sea

Many mistakenly believe that planning where to go in Russia in winter is not so easy. However, the low season allows you to fly to the sea cheaply and diversify snowy landscapes with a sandy beach. 

For example, there's always something to do in the Krasnodar Krai. After walks along the coastline, you can go on an excursion to local wineries like “Golubitskoye Estate” or “Abrau-Durso.” By the way, sanatoriums also operate during this time. The demand is simply lower, and rooms are inexpensive. It's all positives!

Another option is Sochi. Besides mountains and beaches, there are plenty of attractions. For example, the Caucasian Nature Reserve, Agur Waterfalls, Bugaz Spit, Lake Kardyvach (and we've only named a small part of what's available!). Oh, and of course, the Olympic Park. It will be interesting to see not only for adults but also for children. If you still want to swim, there are indoor water parks in the region. Mountain Beach in Esto-Sadok village is one of them.

Places with beautiful winter nature

Here are the top locations in Russia that will impress even an experienced traveler.

Murmansk

If you dream of seeing the northern lights, you simply must go on vacation to this northern city. It's best to stay in the region, where bright New Year's lights don't obstruct the view, and the city bustle is avoided. 

Yamal

People go to Yamal for several reasons. Firstly, here you can get acquainted with reindeer in their natural habitat. Some travelers might be even luckier: locals will teach them how to handle a sleigh and tell a bit about their pets. Secondly, you can literally step beyond the Arctic Circle. Salekhard, the capital of Yamal, is located right on the Arctic Circle. And the third point is for extreme sports lovers: here is the Romantics Glacier, which offers simply magnificent mountain views.

Siberia

A vacation in Siberia is far from the first thing that comes to mind when planning your trip for the cold season. However, winter in the region offers the opportunity to see northern landscapes, go horseback riding through a snowy forest, or take a husky sled ride.

Baikal

It's worth visiting Baikal in winter at least once in your life. The patterns on the ice are magical, and you'll never see anything similar again. As they say, seize the moment!

By the way, there are especially many tourists here at this time of year: some go fishing, while others go ice skating. Therefore, tickets to Irkutsk sell out in seconds (and long before winter begins). In short, to be one of the lucky ones, plan your trip well in advance. 

And to make your trip even more eventful, we've already told you what to see on Baikal in our blog.

Altai

Altai is often called the Russian Alps. And no wonder, with snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance and turquoise lakes at their foot. 

In winter, people come here to admire the vast expanses, ride a dog sled, and see wintering birds. Lake Svetloye is warmed by nearby thermal springs, which is why swans are very fond of it. It's warm here, and there's always something to eat (thanks to the feed sold near the entrances to observation decks and platforms). Therefore, the feathered inhabitants demonstrate their joy with loud honking that can be heard from afar.

There are few such swan lakes in Russia: one can be seen in Altai in winter, and another — at the same time, but in Chukotka. They say that birds wait out the cold where love reigns. So, to recharge with positive energy — definitely go there. 

Kamchatka

Winter Kamchatka is no less exciting than summer Kamchatka. Here you can view snow-covered volcanoes (fortunately, extinct) from afar and go freeriding on the local slopes. 

Among the interesting locations is the Valley of Geysers. You can get there as part of an excursion. And in some cases, travelers will even be offered a bird's-eye view of the scenery — from a helicopter. 

What to do in Kamchatka, we've already covered in the blog. In short: relax in thermal springs and try your hand as a snowboarder or skier. 

Fishing

Winter fishing is a fairly common leisure option in Russia. Yes, not everyone will enjoy passing the time waiting for a bite, but for true connoisseurs, it's a real adventure. 

In Russia, Karelia is especially famous for its fishing spots. The region is rich in bodies of water — from small rivers to large lakes. Among them, for example, is Lake Ladoga, home to trout, pike-perch, pike, and bream. 

In Kamchatka, the season lasts from December to April. You can fish in rivers or go deep-sea fishing in the open ocean — where cod, perch, halibut, and pollock are caught.

Hunting for the Northern Lights

To see the northern lights, you don't have to go far. Ideal locations to capture the phenomenon on your phone can also be found in Russia. We share where you can go to see this natural wonder.

Karelia

Karelia is probably the top-1 destination where you can catch the northern lights. It's visible both in Petrozavodsk and its surroundings (it's only important to time your arrival correctly. For example, you won't be able to catch this phenomenon in summer).

It's important that the weather is good and city lights don't obscure the night sky. Therefore, if you're not afraid of long walks, we recommend visiting the village of Nilmoguba. This place is very quiet and beautiful.

If you're already interested but have no idea what to see in Karelia in winter, we've already covered it in the blog.

When to go: from September to March

Chukotka

To see what other wonders nature can create, it's best to drive 5–10 km away from the major cities of Chukotka. Houses here don't block the view, and streetlights don't interfere with observing how the sky shimmers with all shades of red and green.

The best option is to combine a city walk and an introduction to local culture with a romantic end to the day under the night illumination somewhere on the edge of a forest. 

When to go: from September to March

Krasnoyarsk Krai

We won't keep you in suspense: Krasnoyarsk Krai offers the best panorama of the Putorana Plateau. The fastest and most reliable way to reach the destination is from Norilsk. We recommend doing this as part of a tourist group: this way, you'll not only learn something new from local guides but also won't get lost in unfamiliar terrain.

When to go: from August to September

Winter Surfing

Yes, the concept of “winter surfing” also exists (what won't they come up with?). In short, it's the same as in summer, but in sub-zero temperatures. So, if you've long wanted to try something new, active, and very interesting, this is your stop.

Vladivostok

You can swim alongside curious seals in Vladivostok. Large waves only appear in spring and autumn, but extreme sports enthusiasts surf here all year round. The best options are Sobol and Patrokl bays.

Sakhalin

Sometimes it's very difficult to get to the sea: everything is covered with snow, and there are only snowdrifts around. However, this doesn't stop wave enthusiasts from going to Sakhalin and spending their winter there. Surfers can often be found near Tikhaya Bay or not far from Yablochnoye village.

Kuril Islands

Travelers love the Kuril Islands for their beautiful views: the Sea of Okhotsk on one side, the Pacific Ocean on the other. Moreover, it's impossible to predict the appearance of strong waves, which greatly inspires extreme sports enthusiasts to visit. On Paramushir Island, beaches are equipped specifically for such thrill-seekers, and they are welcomed here with open arms. After all, it's very interesting to watch people surfing at this time of year.

Where to go with children

What kind of trip is it without fairy tales? In Veliky Ustyug, both children and adults will find it interesting. The path to Father Frost's real house goes along the Fairy Tale Trail: with games, contests, and riddles. Inside, besides the bedroom and office, you can see rooms with magical items and gifts from all over the world. You will also visit the Throne Room, where Father Frost himself sits. In short, it's ideal for family leisure.

In addition to classic New Year's attributes, the residence territory includes a zoo and ice slides. You can go sledding, and also send a letter with a special address to friends and family. Children will be able to make friends with reindeer and huskies, ride in a sled, and feed the animals.

Now you definitely know where to spend your winter. We wish you great travels!